Ramlala Idols To Rs 2-Crore Statues: How Aligarh Is Crafting A New Identity With Brass Work

Aligarh, known for its locks, is emerging as a hub for brass idols. Local artisans are garnering global attention for their hand-crafted Ramlala idols, inspired by the original in Ayodhya Ram Temple.

Aligarh, known for its locks, has earned a new name for itself with the rise of brass idol-making.

Source : ABP Live

Aligarh: In a city synonymous with locks and learning, a new craft is quietly forging its way into international consciousness. Aligarh in Uttar Pradesh, long a bastion of small-scale industry, is now becoming known for something altogether more artistic: brass idols. The city’s artisans, some with decades of experience, are finding a global audience for their intricate creations, fuelled by both spiritual devotion and the transformative power of a growing market.

Ayodhya For Inspiration

The completion of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya has inspired brass artisans in Aligarh to replicate the iconic Ramlala idol installed at the temple. These idols, meticulously crafted to capture every detail of the original at the temple, have garnered significant attention.

For Satya Prakash Prajapati, a veteran artisan living in Aligarh's Krishna Colony, the demand has been life-changing. Having spent 40 years perfecting his craft, he has found himself at the centre of a burgeoning industry. His hand-carved Ramlala idols, which take inspiration directly from Ayodhya’s temple, have been sought-after not only in India but across the globe, from Nepal to the United States, and the world in between.

Orders for these idols have surged as the Prayagraj Mahakumbh 2025 approaches. Satya Prakash, the owner of Ravi Art Industries in Krishna Vihar, describes the overwhelming response as nothing short of a blessing. “These idols are more than just statues; they carry devotion and emotion,” he says. The delicate detailing, all done by hand, has become the hallmark of these creations, setting them apart in a competitive market.

Not only Ramlala idols, but Aligarh brass artisans make other brass work also, including statues, idols of other gods and goddesses, and other sculptures.  

Incidentally, Satya Prakash made headlines last year for a special feat. His workshop made a massive lock weighing around 400 kg for the Ayodhya temple ahead of the consecration ceremony in February 2024.  

File photo of Aligarh's Satya Prakash with a 400 kg lock that he made for the Ayodhya's Ram Mandir | Photo: PTI

#WATCH | Uttar Pradesh: Lock and Key weighing around 400 kg, made in 6 months arrives at Ayodhya from Aligarh, ahead of the Pran Pratishtha ceremony on 22nd January. pic.twitter.com/Agl4I1nThK

— ANI (@ANI) January 20, 2024

Windfall For Aligarh’s Artisans

The rise of brass idol-making has brought fame and prosperity to the city known for its locks. Over 500 units now dot the 'Tala Nagri', or 'city of locks', employing more than 10,000 artisans. The economic impact is substantial: while the city’s lock industry with nearly 9,000 units reports an annual turnover of over Rs 2,000 crore, brass idols are catching up with a turnover of around Rs 1,200 crore. Unlike locks, which often rely on factory contracts, brass idols offer artisans direct market access, both locally and internationally.

Omveer, who has a workshop in Asawar locality, explains how the shift to idol-making has transformed his business. “Locks are stable, but idols bring creativity and freedom,” he notes. Many workshops now use online platforms to market their creations, ensuring a steady stream of orders from countries like the UK, Germany, and Dubai.

The 'lock town' of Aligarh is now gaining fame for brass statues, with their height ranging from 10 feet to over 30 feet | Photo: PTI & ABP Live

Global Reach, Local Pride

The crowning jewel of Aligarh’s brass industry is a 31-foot brass statue weighing 11 tonnes, crafted for Meerut at an impressive cost of Rs 2 crore. The statue, a testament to the artisans’ skills, required months of labour and precision. Its success has inspired similar projects, including 10-foot idols that have become popular among temples and private collectors alike.

This monumental work highlights the industry’s capacity to scale up while retaining its signature craftsmanship. 

The impact of Aligarh’s brass industry extends far beyond the city’s borders. Statues crafted here now grace temples and homes in countries as varied as Brazil, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. This international demand underscores the universal appeal of devotion rendered in brass.

For Satyaprakash, Omveer, and thousands of others, this is more than a business; it is a craft that blends faith, artistry, and community as the workshops hum with activity, polishing, carving, and perfecting each piece to reflect both beauty and devotion.

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