Gulabi Minakari is one of the rarest crafts in India that is practiced in the bylanes of Varanasi, near Gai Ghat. Minakari is an art form from Persia and involves colouring the surface of metals by fusing different colours. This art was brought to the city of Varanasi by Persian enamellists during the Mughal era around the early 17th century. The word 'mina' is the feminine form of the Persian word 'Minoo' and means 'heaven'. It refers to the azure colour of heaven. In Varanasi, it is practiced on jewellery and home decor items. One can also buy souvenirs like birds and elephants decorated with minakari. It shows most beautifully on gold as its natural sheen sets off the colours best. It also looks lovely on enamel. Thus, one can shop for products with minakari work on them like jewellery boxes, idols, sculptures, key chains, dining sets, trays, cupboards etc. Minakari work uses very simple tools like salai (an etching tool), kiln, metal palette, mortar and pestle, kalam (a tool used to apply enamel), brass dye, small scrubbing brush, forceps and takala (a needle-like tool to apply colours). Minakari can be found popularly in three forms-- Ek Rang Khula Meena in which only gold outlines are exposed and a single transparent colour is used; Panch Rangi Meena in which the five colours of red, white, green, light blue and dark blue are used; Gulabi Meena in which pink is the dominant colour. Varanasi is highly popular for Gulabi Minakari.

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