The recent surge in popularity of Lalbazaar, West Bengal as a hub for not only art but also dokra (a renowned metalcraft), has caught everyone’s attention. The splendid appeal of Dokra craft was recognized in 2018 when it received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the West Bengal government. This ancient form of bell metal craft is widely practiced by the Ojha metalsmiths residing in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Telangana.
Understanding Dokra: The Art and its Originators
Dokra is an ancient form of bell metal craft that has been passed down through the centuries. It is practiced primarily by the Ojha metalsmiths, who reside in different parts of India including Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, and Telangana. Interestingly, the style and craftsmanship of this art form vary based on the state in which it’s being crafted.
This art form derives its name from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are traditional metalsmiths hailing from West Bengal. They practice a technique known as lost wax casting, named Dhokra metal casting after their tribe.
Dokra Artifacts: A Unique Blend of Metal and Wax
Dokra artifacts are special due to several reasons. Firstly, these pieces are made from brass and have no joints. Secondly, their creation involves an amalgamation of metallurgical skills with unique wax techniques. The lost wax technique used by the artisans makes the art form truly one-of-a-kind, as the mould used in the process is broken after a single use.
The Dhokra Damar tribes extend across India, from Jharkhand and Orissa to Chattisgarh, Rajasthan, and even Kerala. It typically takes about a month to craft each figurine. One of the earliest known dokra artifacts is the dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro from the Harappan Civilization. Dokra art continues to be used in crafting artifacts, accessories, utensils, and jewelry.
Exploring Other Indian Crafts
Apart from Dokra, India is also known for a range of other crafts. Examples of prominent bronze crafts include rare Jain imagery and icons from Karnataka, Pahaldar lamps from Jaipur and parts of Uttar Pradesh, and Pembarthi craft from Telangana.
Other notable metal crafts include Marori work and Tarkashi from Rajasthan and Bidri Craft from Karnataka. These unique art forms further underscore the rich and diverse heritage of Indian craftsmanship.
Knowing More: Previous Years Question (PYQ)
The UPSC Civil Services Examination in 2015 posed the question: “What does Kalamkari painting refer to?” The given options were (a) a hand-painted cotton textile in South India, (b) a handmade drawing on bamboo handicrafts in North-East India, (c) a block-painted woollen cloth in the Western Himalayan region of India, and (d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India. The correct answer was option (a).
This article’s source is TH.
