A cluster is defined as a geographic concentration (city/town/few adjacent villages and their adjoining areas) of units producing near similar products and facing common opportunities and threats. An artisan cluster is defined as geographically concentrated (mostly in villages/townships) household units producing handicraft/handloom products. In a typical cluster, such producers often belong to a traditional community, producing the long-established products for generations. Indeed, many artisan clusters are centuries old Artisan.

About Firozabad Cluster:-

Firozabad Cluster falls under Uttar Pradesh  State in Mainpuri district.

The Firozabad cluster is able to form 200 plus Artisans & 20 SHGs supporting the strong work force. The mobilization gains momentum day by day.

Beed Work :-

Archaeological discoveries in India reveal the existence of glass in very ancient times. It is believed that glass of that period was made out of crushed crystal. The very beautiful articles of superb quality made in olden times is an evidence of perfect skill. It is one of the most beautiful materials contrived by man..

Glass beads articles include necklaces, earrings, rings, belts, bands of necklaces, head bands, mostly of white, red and black colour, worn by tribal women particularly Abhjumad Narias of all ages. Craftsman now also combine glass beads with other materials like wood shell, rudraksha, copper and white metal to produce more attractive designs.

 Raw Materials:-

Basic Material : Copper, white metal, wood, glass beads
Colouring Material : Red, black & white

Tools:-

Iron spindler, axle, lap wheel

 Process:-

The process is described as consisting of a wheel with a wooden roller fastened into a head at one end, working on an iron spindle at each end. It is further screwed and fitted with a nut, by which the cutting or grinding wheel can be made faster. The lap wheel was made of two circular discs, a copper one for polishing the hard object and a wooden one for the softer stone. It is spun backward and forward by a bow, the string passing round the roller.

Techniques:-

A wheel with a wooden roller fastened into a head at one end, working on an iron spindle at each end. It is further screwed and fitted with a nut, by which the cutting or grinding wheel can be made faster. The lap wheel was made of two circular discs, a copper one for polishing the hard object and a wooden one for the softer stone. It is spun backward and forward by a bow, the string passing round the roller.

How to Reach:-

Firozabad is located in the western part of Uttar Pradesh, 40 km away from Agra and around 200 km away from Delhi. The district is well connected by rail and bus routes to major cities. The nearest airport is Agra.