Dhokra Metalcraft

Why in news?

• West Bengal's Lalbazaar is becoming a center for ‘Dhokra’, a popular metalcraft.

About Dhokra Metalcraft:

• Dokra is a non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique
• It is practiced by the Ojha metal smiths living in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana.
• However, the style and also the workmanship of this artisan community vary in different states.
• 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.
• Dhokra Art is still used to craft artefacts, accessories, utensils and jewellery.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Consider the following statements regarding ‘Dokra Metalcraft’:

1. It is practiced mainly by the hill tribes of Himalayas

2. The dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro is one of the earliest Dhokra artefacts

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer