Smt. Shaheda Begum

Master Craft Person & Bidri Craft Trainer

Craft: Bidri Craft / Bidriware
Location: Bidri Colony, Bidar, Karnataka
Specialisation: Bidri Craft, Design & Skill Training

A Journey of Dedication to Bidri Craft

Her journey reflects the importance of traditional mentorship, continuous skill development and the preservation of Bidri craftsmanship through practical knowledge.

Training & Craft Development

Shaheda Begum has undergone extensive training in Bidri Craft through programmes supported by government departments, development organisations and craft institutions. Her formal training began with the Vishwa Training Programme, sponsored by the Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation, Bengaluru, at Bidri Colony, Bidar, in 1995. She subsequently received further training in Bidri Craft under the Minorities Training Programme, sponsored by the Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation, Bengaluru, under the guidance of Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri. Her professional development continued through a series of design, technical and skill-based workshops, giving her exposure to different aspects of Bidriware development and strengthening her capabilities as a practising artisan.

Design & Technical Development

As part of her continued engagement with the craft, Shaheda Begum participated in several specialised programmes, including a Design Development Workshop on Bidri Craft sponsored by the Regional Design & Technical Development Centre, Bengaluru. She also participated in a 15-day Design and Technical Development Workshop on Bidriware under the Ambedkar Hastashilp Vikas Yojana (AHVY), sponsored by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, New Delhi, and organised by SAHAYOG, Bidar. These programmes provided opportunities for her to further develop her technical and design-oriented skills within the Bidri craft tradition.

Continuous Skill Development

Her learning journey extends across multiple institutions and development initiatives. She participated in a skill-based Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (REDP) sponsored by NABARD, Bengaluru, and organised by SAHAYOG, Bidar. She also underwent a 15-day EDP Skill Training Programme in the Designing of Bidriware, sponsored by the District Industries Centre (DIC), Bidar, under the Department of Industries and Commerce, Government of Karnataka. In addition, she participated in a Special Handicrafts Training Programme under the Guru–Shishya Parampara, focusing on Bidri Craft. This training was conducted at Bidar under the guidance of Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, Shilp Guru Awardee 2012.

From Artisan to Master Craft Person

Shaheda Begum’s development from a practising artisan into a Master Craft Person and trainer reflects her sustained engagement with Bidri Craft and her commitment to strengthening her skills through continued learning. Her participation in structured workshops and skill-development programmes demonstrates a career built not only on inherited or traditional knowledge, but also on continuous technical training, design development and hands-on practice. In 2025, she further contributed to the craft as a Master Craft Person, participating in a 25-day Design and Technical Development Workshop (DTDW) on Bidriware conducted by Blackgold Bidri Bidri Handicraft Producer Company Limited, Bidar.

Training & Professional Development

Her documented training and professional development include:

• 1995 – Vishwa Training Programme, Karnataka State Handicrafts Development Corporation, Bengaluru
• 2002–03 – Bidri Craft training under the Minorities Training Programme, Karnataka State Minorities Development Corporation
• 2004 – Design Development Workshop on Bidri Craft, Regional Design & Technical Development Centre, Bengaluru
• 2004 – Design and Technical Development Workshop on Bidriware under AHVY, Ministry of Textiles, Government of India
• 2004 – Skill-based Rural Entrepreneurship Development Programme (REDP), sponsored by NABARD
• 2005 – EDP Skill Training in Designing of Bidriware, Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Karnataka
• 2005 – Special Handicrafts Training Programme under the Guru–Shishya Parampara in Bidri Craft
• 2025 – 25-day Design and Technical Development Workshop on Bidriware as a Master Craft Person

Preserving the Knowledge of Bidri Craft

Shaheda Begum’s story represents the continuing evolution of traditional craft knowledge through training, mentorship and practice. Her association with Bidri Craft for approximately 25 years, combined with her extensive participation in design and technical development programmes, reflects a sustained commitment to the craft. Her role as a Master Craft Person and trainer places her within an important tradition of artisans who contribute to keeping specialised craft knowledge active and relevant. Through her continued involvement in Bidriware, she represents the living heritage of Bidar’s renowned Bidri Craft tradition.

Quick Profile

Name: Shaheda Begum
Profession: Master Craft Person / Trainer
Craft: Bidri Craft / Bidriware
Place: Bidar, Karnataka
Experience: Approximately 25 years
Key Mentor: Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, Shilp Guru Awardee 2012
Primary Areas: Bidri Craft, Design Development, Technical Development & Training
Latest Documented Role: Master Craft Person, Design & Technical Development Workshop on Bidriware, 2025