Summary:
CUTTACK: The zari medha (tableau) prepared by Muslim artisans are an intrinsic part of Cuttack 's dusshera . Artisans claimed that two decades ago over 500 Muslim and Odia karigars were doing the work of zari medha but now the number of artisans has reduced to just 30 to 35. Veteran artists claim that the artform originated during the Mughal era and since generations the artisans, especially the Muslim craftsmen have been doing this work. Price of each zari medha ranges from Rs 20,000 to Rs 2 lakhs depending on the quality of work.My sons know the artform but they are not going to follow it as their profession. The profit ratio is very minimal, said Salim Khan, a medha karigar.Due to low profits, even younger generations are shying away from the artform..