Dynamic Dokra

                                                                                  
The ancient Indian art forms are integrally weaved into the local lifestyle of people making the art iconic for the region. The older the art more unique and raw is the style, method and the design making it esteemed and looked upon. The exquisite Dhokra or bell metal craft in Chattisgarh, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal is an essential part of the life of tribals and their life is incomplete without the art; its products are used right from birth to death for all the rituals, events and social occasions which are celebrated with the Dhokra products, mainly idols. The actual establishment of this craft lies in the practices of the people and religious beliefs.

When you pick up each Dokra product it takes you the sacred lands and gives a realization how sacred our country is with rich tradition, culture and art. The Indian art and craft industry supports numerous artisans where three million of them are metal artisans being the majority amongst rest working under other sections. Bell metal craft provides employment to many villagers across India. Since metal artisans / blacksmiths are in a larger number they play a vital role in protecting and encouraging the art till date. The most important is that the children of these artisans also learn the art at an early age with their parental guidance and take ahead the art for generations.

Places of practice

• The main clusters of Bastar in Chattisgarh for Dhokra art are Kondagaon and Jagdalpur regions. Besides these, Barkai, Ektaguda, Sirmud, Karanpur and Nangur are also some of the places where this art is practiced. Most of the figures made in Bastar are blunt and plain compared to products made in other states.
•  Places like Ushegaon and Chittabori in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh are chief centers of Dokra.  Figures such as drummers, horses, decoration accessories, tribal deities are created with great artistry with Dokra art as well as brass artwork.
• Dokra art is practiced in Puri, Ganjam, Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Phulbani, Nayagarh, Mayurbhanj and Khurda in Orissa. On the other hand a community known as Kansari of Orissa is skilled at making good Dhokra cook ware. In addition to this, Orissa is known for detailed versions of the metal craft.
• In West Bengal it is practiced in districts of Purulia, Burdwan, Bankura and Midnapore. The craftsmen of West Bengal are called Dokra Kamaras and are considered as social outcasts.
• As Bastar is surrounded by Maharashtra state, Dokhra art is also spread here to some extent and products are available in the nearby regions. It’s also become a specialty of semi-tribals communities in living at the mountain ranges of Vindhya.

Dhokra Art History and Tradition 

Dhokra is the oldest form of metal casting which is prevailing in India over 4000 years. This art is considered very important and popular because of its wide usage, cultural connectivity, originality and folk character. Till date the primitive techniques are being used in the making which is the lost or vanishing wax casting method. The earliest Dhokra artifact known and found is the dancing girl at Mohenjodaro and Harappa civilization which specifies dominance and continuity of the art.

Origin of the artisans

The community involved in Dhokra art is called Ghadwas which are groups of artisans who supplied utensils made out of brass and other metals to the villages for their daily use. They claim that their ancestors were tribals and had migrated from Maharashtra and got settled in Bastar many centuries ago. There are many tales told about the origin of Ghadwa groups, one of the maximum heard one is- About 3000 years ago there was a ruler of Bastar who was gifted with a Dhokra art necklace for his beloved wife. Looking at the beauty of the craft he honored the craftsmen as “Ghadwa”. The name Ghadwa has been derived from the word Ghalna meaning melting and working with wax. It’s also derived from the word Ghadna which means to make, it also means act of shaping and creating. Besides these names, these artisans are also called as in vishwakarmas, ghasias, mangan and khaser some of the regions.

Artifacts and designs of Dhokra Art

• Domestic Items: Utility products made are normally containers like bowls and glasses to measure rice or grains. But the purchase of Dhokra domestic utensils have gone low in the past few years.
• Religious Artifacts: The major motifs and themes include structures which are worshipped like the sun, moon, mountains, fields, forests and flora-fauna. Traditionally idols of local deities, Gondidevi Matamurti, etc. were made. But nowadays we will find idols of Lord Ganesha, Goddess Durga, elephant, horse and nandi bull made as decorative pieces and for worship too. Some items for example kalash which is a ritual pot is requested and purchased as offering.
• Dhokra Jewellery: In the section of Dokra jewelry plethora of forms are crafted into beautiful and artistic jewellery which have the typical ancient motifs and themes, such as large hole beads made from dokra art put together to make necklaces marks a proper piece of tribal jewellery. But, now-a-days we will find some ornaments with a fusion of contemporary art and ethnicity. To illustrate, glass beads, stone or plastic beads are used in necklaces and are connected with pendant made from Dhokra art. Similar method is followed for earrings and other trinkets with floral designs. In addition, there is a high demand for jewelry making which includes anklets, anklet bells (ghungrus), nose rings, toe-rings, etc.
• Contemporary Products: Accessories like bells, door handles, vases, incense stick holders, lamps, water jugs, and key holders are also a part of this admirable art. Decorative items include candle stands, pen stands, ash trays, mobile holders, etc. are often made as modifications to get adjusted with the present demand and needs of customers. Dhokra handicrafts also comprises of ornamental animals, tribal figures and so on.

Current Scenario of Dhokra Art and the artisans of Bastar

Presently about 600 artisans are working in Bastar on Dhokra Art. Among these very few have engaged them with Self Help Groups (SHG`s) and are actively working. While on the other hand most of the artisans are not available when required and don’t desire to continue. This could be possible because of the tedious work one has to put in or relatively low wages offered. But due to the high demand for the Dhokra products there is work readily available all the time. Hence, many people have shifted from daily wage jobs and involved themselves in Dhokra Art. Government has started many training programmes to induce and encourage new artisans. Besides, some organizations offer aid and assistance to the existing artisans in the art along with modification and timely updates.
One of these organizations is Saathi Samaj Sewa Sansthan which is in Kondagaon. This not only promotes and markets Dhokra Art but other traditional arts and crafts of Bastar. This organization also provides livelihood to all the artisans in the region along with health and education facilities. The members of Saathi Samaj Sewa Sansthan have till date helped in regards to marketing, technical and provided financial support to about 40 SHG`s in the region who are engaged in Dhokra Art. All Dhokra Art products are also marketed through this organization in exhibitions across the country.

Constraints of Dhokra Art

Dhokra Art to an extent is facing issues with raw material availability as the scrap metal has to be purchased from the market is getting expensive. Also the making requires wood and bees wax which is again not easy to acquire due to the depletion of forest resources. Thought there are many artisans working on Dhokra Art, there is a constant risk and fear of the working hazards.
Villcart is proud to be associated with Saathi Samaj Sewa Sansthan and procures all Dhokra Art products form them. Hence, when you buy each product you support the artisans with livelihood and help the organization develop in a sustainable way.
The originality, form and its raw beauty makes the art desirable all over India and abroad as well giving the artisans a paramount position in the art domain and their due reverence.

A COURTESY OF www.villcart.com
                                              Dokra is a Very Dynamic & Artistic Rich Craft of India
                                  But Now It is Converted in a Dying & Lost Heritage of Our Country                                                                Due to Lack of Awareness & Negligence 
                                                So Please Let's Save it & Feel Proud of It  :)
                                                          Enjoy The Making Of Dokra !!!