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 Srikalahasti Cluster:-

Srikalahasti Cluster falls under Andhra Pradesh  State in Chittoor district.

The Srikalahasti cluster is able to form 550 plus Artisans & 22 SHGs supporting the strong work force. The mobilization gains momentum day by day.

Beed Work craft:-

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:-

By Air:-

Tirupati airport is the nearest one. Chennai Airport is another major airport, which is located at a distance of 154 kms from Chittoor.

By Road:-

The city boasts of a wide network of roadways. It is well-connected to Karnataka and Tamil Nadu as well. The Chennai Mumbai Trunk Road and the Chennai- Bangalore National Highway lead through this region. APSRTC runs numerous buses to and from Chittoor for Bangalore, Chennai, Tirupati and various other cities of the state.

By Train:-

Chittoor Railway Station is an important station that lies on the Renigunta - Katpadi line of the Southern Railway. It is well linked with all the places within and outside the state. Tirupati is another railway station, which is quite near.