Chhattisgarh

• 14 Feb 2025

Dokra Artwork

Why in News? 

Recently, the Indian Prime Minister gifted French President Emmanuel Macron a meticulously crafted Dokra artwork of musicians adorned with studded stonework, showcasing India’s rich tribal artistry.  

• He also presented France’s First Lady with an exquisite silver hand-engraved table mirror featuring floral and peacock motifs. 

 

Key Points 

• About Dokra: 
  • Dokra, a centuries-old metal-casting craft from Chhattisgarh, uses the lost-wax technique to create intricate brass and copper sculptures. 
  • The gifted piece portrays traditional musicians in dynamic poses, highlighting the deep cultural significance of music in tribal life. 
  • Lapis lazuli and coral accents enhance the artwork’s visual appeal, showcasing India’s rich indigenous craftsmanship. 
• Silver Table Mirror:  
  • The silver table mirror features detailed floral and peacock engravings, representing India’s legacy of fine metalwork. 
  • Its intricate design merges artistic elegance with cultural symbolism, making it a treasured keepsake. 

 Dokra 

 

• Dokra is a form of ancient bell metal craft practiced by the Ojha metalsmiths living in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana. 
• However, the style and also the workmanship of this artisan community varies in different states. 
• Dhokra or Dokra, is also known as bell metal craft. 
• The name ‘Dhokra’ comes from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are the traditional metal smiths of West Bengal. 
  • Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting. 
  • The Dokra artifacts are made in brass and are unique in that the pieces do not have any joints.  
    • The method is combining metallurgical skills with wax techniques employing the lost wax technique, a unique form where mould is used only once and broken, making this art the only one-of-its-kind in the world. 
  • The tribe extends from Jharkhand to Orissa to as far ahead to Chattisgarh, Rajasthan and even Kerala. 
• Each figurine takes about a month to make. 
• The dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro (Harrapan Civilization) is one of the earliest dhokra artefacts that is now known. 
• Dokra Art is still used to craft artefacts, accessories, utensils and jewellery.