In a world that moves at break neck speed, the dedicated art of handicrafts often risks fading into the background. Yet, from the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, a young entrepreneur breathes new life into this timeless tradition. Taking his family's handcrafted #MadeInIndia treasures to a national audience, he has propelled traditional metalwork into a pan-Indian business through Flipkart Samarth. Read his story.
Old Delhi’s bustling bazaars remain alive with the handicrafts that speak of age-old artistry and heritage. For Arham Khaliq, they are not just artifacts but living legacies that inspire his journey. At 23, he carries on his family business in metals – a business that was started soon after the partition.
Fresh from graduating with a BA (Prog) degree from the University of Delhi, Arham took a bold step right after school into the world of e-commerce. With the aim of bringing his family’s craft to a wider audience, Arham saw an opportunity to blend the age-old craftsmanship with the digital pulse of modern India.
As a Flipkart Samarth seller, he is not only preserving the art of metal handicrafts but also expanding its reach beyond traditional markets. His efforts support the livelihoods of artisan families involved in this intricate metalworking for generations.
Read about Arham’s journey from student to entrepreneur, and how he is empowering artisan communities while modernizing traditional metalwork for global buyers.
From Legacy to Leadership: Arham’s Entrepreneurial Journey
The story of Arham’s family is forged in metal and memory – its origins echoing in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi’s Chawri Bazar. It was here, after the 1947 partition, that his grandfather laid the foundation for a legacy.
“New Delhi offers a lot of opportunities for business, and it is my birthplace,” he explains. “My grandparents and forefathers were all in this business, and I am continuing it.” Motivated by a childhood fascination, his entry into the business felt like a natural calling.
What began as a trade in copper utensils has evolved into crafting traditional decorative metal items with contemporary appeal. While pursuing his degree, Arham brought this heritage into the modern age by entering e-commerce. “I started after the lockdown due to the pandemic, which was my first time working. I was always interested in the family business,” he adds.
Before the pandemic, his family business had relied on exports. However, with restrictions and uncertainty hitting exports hard during the lockdown, Arham found online selling to be a vital lifeline.
“During the lockdown, online sales helped compensate for export losses. People still value metal handcrafts, so my main motive was to increase the reach of my products.” Embracing the digital future, Arham confidently remarks, “I believe online is the future.”
Building a Modern Handicrafts Business & Sustaining a Community
Arham’s initial steps were guided by his family and close associates. “My father helped me a lot in the beginning. Initially, I had a team of 2–3 people who guided me about online platforms like Flipkart. I later hired them in my company, and they are still with me after five years,” he says.
“Flipkart provided me with a team of 2–3 people in different categories. While one would help with product listing, another would guide me about payments,” Arham explains.
Careful curation of his online catalogue ensured operational efficiency. “I chose products that I can supply efficiently and are in demand. My total range is around 1,000 items but only 100 are listed online, those with sorted supply chains and high demand,” Arham explains.
While his online presence grows, Arham also maintains strong roots in the physical marketplace. He operates two retail stores near Jama Masjid in Old Delhi, alongside a nearby warehouse and packaging area.
Arham’s business also supports a community of artisans who rely on this craft for their livelihoods. “Around 15–20 artisan teams, often family-run, make these products by hand,” he says. These artisans come from small communities where the craft is more than work – it is the lifeblood of their families.
Arham proudly shares, “They are creative and bring new product ideas, which I then market and sell. My aim is to keep the tradition alive, as many people are moving toward mass-produced items.”
E-commerce Impact and Global Ambition
What distinguishes Arham’s products is authenticity and quality. “We focus on quality materials. Alongside traditional, we try to modernize our handicrafts so we can attract younger buyers,” says Arham. “We are doing stable sales daily through Flipkart. Sometimes daily sales cross ₹20,000–₹25,000,” he reveals.
Speaking of the Big Billion Days Sale, Flipkart’s flagship event of the year, Arham says, “The most exciting time of the year for us is when BBD comes around and our sales see a big boost. To prepare for this sale, my team and I focus on listing more products, and analyzing which ones our customers love the most, so we can double down on those.
With BBD coming up again, we are in the middle of the preparations and I am hopeful this year will bring even stronger sales.”
Through his expanding presence on Flipkart and his robust export operations, he brings the artistry of Indian metalwork to markets where it is deeply appreciated. “I want to take metal handicrafts worldwide,” he declares.
Arham’s journey is a powerful testament to how the new generation can honor and innovate upon a precious legacy, ensuring that the soul of Indian craftsmanship continues to shine brightly on a global stage.
