Context:
Prime Minister of India gifted a Dokra artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron
Dokra (Dhokra) Metal Craft:
- Origin – The name “Dhokra” is derived from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who are traditional metal smiths of Central India.
- It is a non-ferrous metal casting technique using the lost-wax casting method.
- Practiced for over 4,000 years, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization
- Known for its primitive simplicity, unique folk motifs, and handcrafted designs without joints.
- Practiced by – Dhokra Damar tribes, originally from Odisha and West Bengal, later migrated across India.
- Regions – Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu.
- Geographical Indication (GI) Tag –
- Adilabad Dokra (Telangana): Received GI tag in 2018.
- Dokra Craft from West Bengal: Received GI tag in 2018.
- Features –
- Unique Pieces: Each piece is unique, as the mould is destroyed after casting.
- Handcrafted Metalwork: Made from brass and copper-based alloys.
- Intricate Designs: Includes elephants, horses, religious deities, lamps, jewellery, and tribal motifs.
Lost-Wax Casting Process:
- Technique – Molten metal is poured into a mould created using a wax model.
- One of the oldest known metal casting methods, dating back over 4,000 years
- Example – Mohenjo-daro’s Dancing Girl figurine
Source: IE
Previous Year Question
Kalamkari painting refers to
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2015 Prelims]
(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 Western Himalayan region of India
(d) a hand-painted decorative silk cloth in North-Western India
Answer: (a)