The Glittering Craftsmanship: Unveiling the World of Varq Dishes and the Varqi Community

Kaju Katli, Halwa, Laddo, paan! All these mouth-watering dishes have something in common that makes them visually appealing and irresistibly tempting. It’s the shimmer of silver on top of your mithai called Varq. Varq or varqi refers to the delicate, edible silver foil or leaf that adorns desserts, lending them a shimmering and luxurious appearance. The origins of varq can be traced back centuries ago to the Mughal era in India. During this time, kingdoms across the northern part of the country incorporated varq as a daily part of palace life to show wealth and opulence. Varq would be placed on all the dishes as a form of insulation, protecting the food and also serving as a visual indicator if the food had been tampered with. The silver varq also played a role in maintaining the hygiene by repelling dust and potential contaminants, ensuring the safety of the royal court.

Varq Dishes: A Feast for the Senses:

Varq finds its place predominantly in sweet dishes, transforming them into exquisite delights that are pleasing to the eye and tantalizing to the taste buds. From traditional Indian sweets like barfi, laddoo, and halwa to elaborate confections like gulab jamun and rasgulla, varq adds a touch of elegance and festivity to these culinary creations. For ages, culinary experts and confectioners have embraced the art of embellishing their creations with varq, creating a visual spectacle that extends beyond sweet dishes. Varq has found its place not only in traditional Indian sweets but also in a diverse range of items. Chyawanprash, a renowned herbal paste believed to enhance immunity, along with paan (betel leaf), mukhwaas (mouth freshener), candied fruits, pastries, and even mocktails, have all been elevated by the shimmering touch of varq. Moreover, this magical garnish extends its allure to biryanis, rich meat curries, and the aromatic combination of cardamom and betel nuts, giving them an enchanting makeover that adds an element of festive charm. Nuts, too, often undergo the gilding process with silver varq, transforming them into eye-catching and celebratory treats.

The process of applying varq to sweet dishes requires skill and precision. Varq is meticulously created by hammering silver into incredibly thin sheets, measuring less than one micrometre (μm) in thickness, with a typical range of 0.2 μm to 0.8 μm. These delicate silver sheets are usually placed between layers of paper for added support, and the paper is removed before application. It is crucial to handle varq with care, as direct skin contact can cause it to break into smaller pieces. In particular, varq with a thickness of 0.2 μm tends to stick to the skin if not handled with caution. Varqi workers, who have dedicated their lives to this craft, meticulously place the silver foil on the surface of the dessert, gently pressing it down to create a seamless and shimmering finish. The varq adheres to the dessert effortlessly, giving it a lustrous appearance that captivates the senses.

The Varqi Worker Community:

Behind the art of varq lies a dedicated community of artisans known as varqi workers. These skilled craftsmen have honed their techniques over generations, passing down their knowledge and expertise from one artisan to another. One such community can be found in Mohalla Pannigaran, a locality in Jaipur, where the varqi worker community thrives, specializing in the production of silver and gold foil.

Paper thin silver leaf. Picture Courtesy : Saveur via Google

The art of varq and the varqi worker community face challenges in the modern era. The availability of cheaper alternatives and the changing preferences of consumers have impacted the demand for varq-adorned sweets. Additionally, the mechanization of varq production has resulted in a decline in the need for skilled artisans.

A varqi craftsmen handling the silver sheet that is thinner than paper Picture Courtesy : ive.telanganatoday.com via Scoopwhoop

Silver’s Culinary Benefits:

While varq adds a visual element of grandeur to dishes, it does not alter the taste of the food it adorns. The delicate silver foil serves primarily as a decorative element, enhancing the aesthetic appeal without interfering with the original essence of the sweet delicacies.

Moreover, silver has long been valued in food for its properties. Historically, silver was recognized for its antimicrobial and antibacterial qualities. The presence of silver in varq served a hygienic purpose, repelling contaminants and maintaining the integrity of the food. In addition, silver is considered non-toxic and safe for consumption in small quantities, further enhancing its suitability for varq applications.

Varq dishes stand as a testament to the creativity, craftsmanship, and cultural heritage of India. The delicate silver foil adds a touch of splendour to sweet delicacies, making them visually appealing and unforgettable. The varqi worker community, with their intricate skills and dedication, plays a vital role in upholding this ancient tradition.

As we celebrate the art of varq and savour its shimmering delights, let us also acknowledge the unsung heroes, the varqi workers, who keep the flame of this craft burning. By recognizing their contributions and supporting their endeavours, we can ensure that the varqi worker community thrives and that the art of varq continues to enchant generations to come. And as we enjoy the irresistible allure of varq dishes, we can appreciate silver’s historical benefits in preserving food and its safe consumption in the form of this exquisite craft.

References 

• Gadia, M. (2000, August 1). New Indian Home Cooking. HP Books. https://doi.org/10.1604/9781557883438
• By Shireen Jamooji The History Of Varq: The Silver Lining Of Indian Sweets.(2023, March 5). https://www.slurrp.com/article/the-history-of-varq-the-silver-lining-of-indian-sweets-166239084321
• By Ayandrali Dutta Does Varq Really Add A Silver Lining To The Indian Cuisine? (2023, February 21).  https://www.slurrp.com/article/does-varq-really-add-a-silver-lining-to-the-indian-cuisine-1676638190059