Dokra craft of Bastar

India is the home of rich & diverse arts and cultural heritage. Recently, Prime Minister Modi engaged with leaders from the G7 nations, using the opportunity to showcase India's unique cultural identity and civilization. During these interactions with global leaders, Prime Minister Modi notably presented President Alberto Fernandes of Argentina with an exquisite Nandi sculpture crafted using the traditional Dokra technique from the Chhattisgarh region. In Hindu mythology, Nandi holds a significant place as the vehicle of Lord Shiva. This cultural exchange not only underscores India's artistic diversity but also fosters international understanding and appreciation of its cultural treasures.

Exploring Chhattisgarh's Celebrated Dokra Art

The Chhattisgarh region is a treasure of art and culture, with the distinctive Dokra art flourishing prominently in the Bastar district of southern Chhattisgarh. Dokra art is known for the detailed and skillful work that makes each piece special. The art is inspired by tribal theme and designs that often include animals, people, and things from nature.

This ancient craft relies on the traditional method of metal casting, achieved through the use of a specialized technique involving the casting of molten metal using molds made from the wax of honeybee spokes. Remarkably, Dokra art is eco-friendly craft as it employs scrap and discarded metals in its creation.

The meticulous process of crafting Dokra begins with the creation of a clay structure in the desired shape, followed by the intricate design of expressions. A layer of soil is then applied to this structure. Subsequently, the shape is sun-dried and eventually fired, resulting in the emergence of the final piece. Dokra craftsmen painstakingly cast brass and bronze metals to create decorative items that often feature motifs of local deities, celestial bodies, forest flora, and fauna.

The historical significance of Dokra art can be understood by its discovery in the remains of the Mohenjodaro and Harappa civilizations. Remarkably, an artifact in the form of the "Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro" serves as a testament to the antiquity and unbroken tradition of Dokra craftsmanship.

To preserve and promote this invaluable art and culture, active conservation efforts are essential. Recognizing its global importance, India is making concerted efforts to elevate Dokra art to international recognition.

The Dokra Damad tribes, primarily traditional metal-smiths hailing from West Bengal and Orissa, practice the art of wax casting, a technique named after their gotra, hence, Dokra metal casting. This tribe's presence extends from Jharkhand to West Bengal and Orissa, and they share kinship with the Dokra artisans of Chhattisgarh.

The tradition of Dokra craftsmanship extends from Jharkhand to West Bengal and Orissa, with its historical lineage dating back to the Dokra period in Chhattisgarh. In recent years, Dokra from Adilabad, Telangana, received a Geographical Indication tag in 2018, marking its significance on the national stage. Shubham Karmakar and Haridhan Sarkar of Dariyapur were honored with National Awards for their contribution to this thriving art form, underscoring its enduring importance. The efforts to protect and celebrate Dokra art resonate with a commitment to safeguarding India's diverse artistic legacy. With these efforts, we celebrate not just the past but also the promise of a vibrant future for this cherished art form.