In this episode, I'm sharing my journey for the Craft Research Documentation (CRD) as part of my second-year project at NIFT. My friends and I traveled to Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh, known as the "Glass City of India," to learn about the traditional craft of glass bangle making.

📍 Our Journey
We started from Jodhpur and traveled by train to Tundla station, then took a taxi to Firozabad, where we stayed together in a hotel. Our group of four explored the local culture and craft while experiencing the entire process of bangle making.

🔨 Learning Craftsmanship
We visited a bangle decoration industry where we learned about the various steps involved in bangle making, from straightening to joining, and intricate decoration techniques. We also spent time with artisans who demonstrated the glass melting process and taught us about the different types of glass and raw materials they use, including the most expensive ones like purple and pink glass rods.

✨ Highlights of Our CRD

Visiting bangle decoration workshops
Learning glass straightening, joining, and decoration techniques
Understanding how glass bangles are made in small-scale industries that contribute 70% of India's glass production
Getting insights into the flame work and tools used by glass artisans
🍽️ Day-to-Day Vibes
Apart from learning the craft, we enjoyed our time exploring Firozabad, ordering food from Zomato and local dhabas, and resting after long, productive days.

🏆 The Craft Research Project
CRD is a government-sponsored project where NIFT students are sent to different states to study local crafts, stay with artisans, and document the process. We'll present our findings in both a research document and a documentary during our final jury. This is part of a larger project where, in the fourth year, we will create a collection based on this craft.

Thank you for joining me on this journey to learn about the craft and culture of Firozabad’s iconic glass bangles. Stay tuned for more updates as we continue this exciting project!

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