Banaras Gulabi Meenakari Craftsmen Blend Patriotism With Art Through BrahMos Missile-Inspired Designs
Previously, similar demand surged for Ram Mandir-themed artifacts during the temple’s inauguration in Ayodhya
By Ratnesh Rai
The ancient craft of Banaras Gulabi Meenakari is seeing a patriotic resurgence, with artisans now creating BrahMos missile-shaped art pieces. Spurred by India’s recent defense moves like Operation Sindoor and the inauguration of the BrahMos Aerospace facility in Lucknow, local craftsmen are turning the iconic missile into a symbol of national pride, gifting, and décor.
This unique fusion of traditional craftsmanship and modern symbolism is not only spreading a message of nationalism but also boosting the GI-tagged (Geographical Indication) and ODOP (One District One Product) craft’s visibility and demand.
National awardee Kunj Bihari Singh, who spearheaded this creative endeavor, announced that the missile-shaped artworks are dedicated to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, both of whom serve as brand ambassadors for GI and ODOP products in Uttar Pradesh. Singh expressed his wish to gift one of these enamel missiles to the PM and CM as a token of artisans’ gratitude and patriotism.
The intricately crafted missile miniatures, priced between ₹10,000 and ₹25,000 depending on size and design, are handcrafted using silver and gold detailing. State awardees like Shalini Yadav and Prabhat Vishwakarma highlighted the precision and time-intensive nature of the process.
According to artisans, demand for such unique creations is rising rapidly, with hundreds of orders already placed from across India. The annual turnover of the Gulabi Meenakari sector is currently estimated at ₹12–15 crore, employing more than 250 artisans.
Previously, similar demand surged for Ram Mandir-themed artifacts during the temple’s inauguration in Ayodhya. With the BrahMos missile art pieces now gaining traction, this centuries-old art form continues to reinvent itself while upholding its cultural roots.
Yogi Adityanath’s government is credited with revitalizing the craft and expanding its global appeal, ensuring sustained livelihood for artisans and reaffirming Banaras’s status as a confluence of tradition, modernity, and nationalism.
