Bastar Dhokra Craft: GI-Registered Tribal Metal Art of Chhattisgarh

Bastar Dhokra Craft is a renowned traditional handicraft of Chhattisgarh, deeply rooted in the tribal culture of the Bastar region. Known for its rustic beauty and symbolic designs, this craft represents one of the oldest forms of metal casting in India. Made entirely by hand using the vanishing wax (lost wax) technique, Bastar Dhokra has earned recognition as a Geographical Indication (GI)–registered product, highlighting its authenticity and cultural importance.

What Is Bastar Dhokra Craft?

Dhokra craft is a form of metal casting made primarily from bell metal, an alloy of brass and bronze. The defining feature of Bastar Dhokra is the use of the lost wax technique, a process that has remained unchanged for centuries.

Artisans create decorative and functional objects such as:

• Ornamented animal figures

• Tribal human figurines

• Ritualistic and symbolic art pieces

Each product is unique, as the mould used in the casting process is broken after use.

Vanishing Wax Technique in Dhokra Art

The vanishing wax technique is central to Bastar Dhokra Craft. The entire decoration is done using wax strings, which are later replaced by molten metal.

Wax is an ideal medium for this craft due to:

• Its softness and malleability

• Ability to be drawn into thin wires

• Ease of shaping into intricate designs

The wax model is coated with layers of clay to form a mould. When heated, the wax melts away, leaving a cavity into which molten metal is poured. After cooling, the clay mould is broken to reveal the final metal form.

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

Bastar Dhokra designs are deeply influenced by the beliefs and lifestyle of local tribal communities. Artisans traditionally worship natural elements such as:

• Sun and moon

• Fields and forests

• Mountains and jungles

These elements are reflected in the motifs, postures, and expressions of Dhokra figures. The craft serves not only as decoration but also as a cultural narrative of tribal life in Bastar.

Bastar Region and Craft Heritage

Bastar, located in southern Chhattisgarh, is known for its dense forests and rich tribal heritage. The region has long been a center for indigenous arts, with Dhokra being one of its most prominent crafts.

The continuity of this art form depends on community-based knowledge transfer, where skills are passed from one generation to the next. Despite modernization, many artisans continue to follow traditional methods without mechanization.

Economic and Professional Importance

From an economic perspective, Bastar Dhokra Craft plays a vital role in supporting tribal livelihoods. Handmade production ensures:

• Employment within tribal communities

• Preservation of traditional skills

• Market value for authentic handcrafted art

Professionally, the craft demands precision, experience, and deep understanding of material behavior, especially temperature control during metal casting.

Legal Protection Through GI Registration

Bastar Dhokra Craft is protected under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999. GI registration helps prevent imitation products and ensures that only genuine Dhokra items produced in the Bastar region are marketed under this name.

This legal protection strengthens artisan rights and promotes sustainable development of the craft sector.

Data Box: GI Registration Details

Final Thoughts

Bastar Dhokra Craft stands as a powerful expression of tribal identity, traditional knowledge, and artistic excellence. With its GI recognition and continued artisan practice, this ancient metal art remains a major cultural attraction of Bastar and an enduring symbol of India’s indigenous craftsmanship.

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