INDIA, August 4, 2022 (YouTube): On the banks of the river Kaveri, lies the town of Swamimalai in the Thanjavur district, Tamil Nadu. During the Chola period after the construction of the Thanjavur Brihadesvara temple (11th century) and the Darasuram Airavatesvara temple (12th century), a group of artisans called Stapatis settled in Swamimalai. Stapati means builder or master carver. After settling here, the Stapatis started making the Chola bronze icons. Presently, around 300 families still cast bronze. Some of the most beautiful and exquisite bronze icons were produced during the Chola period. The Chola technique of casting bronze images is practiced to this day.
View a short video of the bronze casting process at source.
https://youtu.be/LbcQLXl_W5w
See also:
https://youtu.be/-IJoFq7Hk2s