In the busy lanes near Charminar, the sounds of old Hyderabad come alive in Laad Bazaar. Here, artisans make lac bangles, one of the city’s most loved crafts. The smell of hot resin, the sparkle of stones, and the steady hands of the workers fill the narrow shops with colour and warmth.

Lac, a natural resin, is melted on small stoves and shaped into thin rolls. The artisans twist and press it around metal rods to make bangles. While the material is still warm, they decorate it with crystals, beads, and mirrors. Each piece shines with bright colours red, green, pink, and gold.

Families in Laad Bazaar have been making these bangles for generations. Many learned the skill from their parents and grandparents. Making bangles is not just work; it is a part of who they are.

Recently, Hyderabad’s lac bangles received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, which means their craft is now officially recognised as special to this region. This gives pride and hope to more than 6,000 artisans. As new shops and lights come up around Charminar, the beauty of Laad Bazaar’s bangles still keeps the old city glowing.

Kavya Sanjaya is an Assistant Professor at Department of Economics, Christ (Deemed to be University), Bengaluru.

Gummadi Sridevi is a Professor at School of Economics, University of Hyderabad.