In a vibrant nod to Bharat’s enduring craft traditions, Padma Shri awardee Chiranji Lal Yadav has emerged from the narrow lanes of Moradabad, often hailed as the country’s Brass City, as one of the most distinguished custodians of traditional brass engraving. At the age of 74, his recognition in the 2026 Padma Awards is a celebration of both a personal achievement and an age-old indigenous art that has survived waves of industrial change and modernisation.
Chiranji Lal Yadav – keeper of brassware tradition
The life of Chiranji Lal Yadav, born and raised in Uttar Pradesh’s (UP) Moradabad, has been intrinsically tied to the centuries-old brassware tradition of the region. From an early age he was immersed in the vibrant craft culture that has characterised his hometown’s economy and identity. Choosing devotion over convenience, Yadav formally began his journey as a brass engraver in 1970, committing himself to mastering an art that requires exceptional patience, finesse, and an intimate understanding of metalwork.
The craft and its cultural roots
The craft that Yadav champions, often referred to locally as naqqashi, is a meticulous form of brass engraving. It demands precision tools, a keen eye, and years of practice to carve intricate patterns and motifs onto brass surfaces. Floral designs, animal figures, traditional Bharatiya symbols, and elaborate ornamental borders are common hallmarks of his work, executed with a level of detail that distinguishes hand-engraved pieces from machine-etched counterparts.
Despite the rising popularity of machine tools and low-cost brassware alternatives, Yadav’s unwavering adherence to handcrafting remains a testament to tradition and quality. Even today, he spends four to five hours a day crafting brass items, demonstrating an enduring passion for the tactile and artistic essence of the medium.
Recognition and national honour
The Padma Shri, one of Bharat’s highest civilian honours, was announced on the eve of Republic Day 2026, with the Bharatiya Government recognising Yadav’s extraordinary contribution in the field of Arts, specifically for sustaining and elevating traditional brass craftsmanship.
For Yadav, the award came as a surprise. In interviews he shared his astonishment and delight, admitting he hadn’t expected such national recognition. Yet, this accolade brings national and international attention not only to his individual journey but to the larger community of brass artisans in Moradabad.
Beyond the Padma Shri itself, Yadav’s career has been decorated with other significant honours. In 2008, he received the National Merit Certificate for excellence in brass engraving. He has also been recognised on national platforms such as the prestigious Surajkund Crafts Mela and has been listed as a master craftsperson under various government programmes.
Teaching and legacy
One of the most impactful aspects of Yadav’s work is his commitment to passing on this endangered craft tradition. Adhering to the traditional Bharatiya Guru–Shishya (teacher–disciple) system, he has trained thousands of young artisans, many of whom now support themselves and their families through brass engraving. This mentorship not only preserves the craft but also fosters livelihood opportunities in a sector increasingly threatened by mechanisation and shifting youth interests.
Yadav’s own family has actively participated in this legacy. His son, Khub Singh Yadav, manages business operations and continues practicing the craft, reflecting a generational continuity that is essential for the art’s survival.
Global reach and cultural significance
While rooted in traditional techniques, Yadav’s craftsmanship has resonated far beyond Moradabad. His creations have been showcased at exhibitions in major Bharatiya cities, including Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Delhi’s Pragati Maidan, where he has also conducted live demonstrations. These platforms have allowed global audiences to appreciate the skill and patience inherent in handcrafted brass engraving.
In some international circles as well, pieces from Moradabad have been admired and acquired, underscoring the global appetite for authentic handicrafts that blend utility with artistic heritage. Although the craft grapples with economic and generational challenges, Yadav’s work reinforces the enduring relevance of handcrafted arts in an increasingly automated world.
A beacon for future generations
As Bharat navigates the delicate balance between tradition and modernity, artisans like Chiranji Lal Yadav serve as vital anchors to cultural heritage. His Padma Shri recognition not only appreciates individual excellence but affirms the value of preserving crafts that are repositories of community identity, history, and artistic depth.
In celebrating Yadav, the nation also celebrates countless anonymous artisans whose hands and hearts shape Bharat’s cultural legacy, ensuring that such timeless traditions continue to inspire and endure.
(Featured Image Source: News9Live)
