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As more people turn toward sustainable and meaningful gifting, Dokra offers not only an exquisite aesthetic but also a way to support artisan communities
Dokra craft uses the ancient lost-wax casting method, producing intricate metal sculptures that evoke both history and timeless beauty.
India’s artistic traditions have thrived for millennia, with each region contributing distinct craftsmanship to the country’s cultural fabric. Among the most ancient and enduring of these is Dokra, a metalworking technique dating back over 4,500 years. Originating from the tribal heartlands of India, particularly the Bastar region in Chhattisgarh, Dokra holds a special place in the country’s rich artisanal heritage. The craft uses the ancient lost-wax casting method, producing intricate metal sculptures that evoke both history and timeless beauty.
While Dokra derives its name from the Dhokra Damar tribes of West Bengal, its practice has expanded to regions such as Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh, with Kondagaon emerging as a significant hub. The lost-wax method involves crafting a clay core, coating it in wax, and detailing intricate patterns with thread. Once encased in clay and dried, molten metal replaces the wax, and the mold is broken to reveal the finished piece. This technique ensures that each Dokra artifact is unique, handcrafted with individual attention.
Despite its deep cultural roots, Dokra, like many traditional crafts, faces the threat of extinction. Artisans who once passed down their skills through generations now grapple with dwindling demand, changing market preferences, and insufficient financial support. Industrialization, cheaper mass-produced goods, and the fading connection to traditional arts have left many artisans struggling to sustain their craft. The younger generation, seeking more lucrative careers, is drifting away from the craft, raising concerns about its survival.
As Dokra fights for relevance in a fast-paced world, artisans like Shabbir Nag from Kondagaon remain determined to keep the legacy alive. A torchbearer of the craft, Nag has been creating Dokra masterpieces for decades. Introduced to the art by his father, a respected artisan, Shabbir continues the family tradition, infusing every piece with the love, care, and knowledge passed down through generations.
His work is known for its intricate detailing—whether in the delicate lines that trace an elephant or the expressive features of a tribal deity. Shabbir is revered, not just for his craftsmanship but for his commitment to preserving Dokra in the face of modern challenges.
“Dokra is more than just an art form for us; it’s a way of life,” says Shabbir. “Every piece carries the spirit of our ancestors. It brings us joy to see people still appreciate this craft. Our hands may be worn from work, but our hearts are full knowing the craft lives on.”
For Shabbir, Dokra is not just an aesthetic pursuit; it’s a means of preserving his community’s identity. The challenge, however, lies in reaching new audiences who understand and appreciate the beauty and history behind each Dokra piece.
Recognizing these challenges, Jaypore, the artisanal brand under Aditya Birla Fashion and Retail Ltd., has made it a mission to support and revitalize India’s traditional crafts. Through partnerships with local artisans, the brand is helping these ancient art forms thrive in the modern marketplace.
In its mission to bring India’s vibrant craft heritage closer to the world, the brand has cultivated partnerships with artisans, textile designers, and craftspeople across India. These collaborations reinterpret traditional crafts with a modern design language that resonates with global audiences while showcasing the larger stories behind each handmade piece. Among the many art forms the firm has preserved, including Toda embroidery, Kalamkari, Ajrakh block printing, and Chanderi weaving, Dokra stands out as a unique and ancient craft, practiced primarily by the Ghadwa community in Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh.
Radhika Chhabra, Creative Head, Jaypore, says, “At Jaypore, we have always believed in the power of storytelling through crafts. Our collaboration with the Ghadwa artisans has been a remarkable journey of mutual growth. We take pride in preserving and promoting traditional crafts while ensuring that the talented hands behind these creations receive the recognition and support, they deserve.” Her words capture Jaypore’s mission—celebrating India’s heritage while creating pathways for artisans to thrive today.
The brand’s collaboration with artisans like Shabbir Nag provides not only a fair income but also helps preserve cultural heritage. The brand connects artisans to urban and global consumers, bringing traditional Dokra creations into contemporary homes. This partnership is more than a commercial relationship; it’s a commitment to ensuring the survival of crafts like Dokra, which are at risk of being forgotten.
Consistent orders from partnerships like these have provided a lifeline to artisans such as Shabbir Nag, helping improve the financial stability of the Dokra artisan community. Artisans can now pay workers weekly rather than monthly, ensuring better livelihoods and boosting morale. This shift has not only elevated their standard of living but also encouraged the younger generation to stay engaged in the craft, seeing that they can rely on timely financial support.
As the festive season approaches, the search for unique and meaningful gifts begins. Dokra, with its blend of heritage and craftsmanship, offers the perfect solution. In a world of mass-produced, impersonal items, Dokra stands out as a handcrafted art form, with each piece carrying cultural significance and a story of resilience.
Whether a metallic tribal figurine, a jewellery piece, or a decorative artifact, gifting Dokra is a way to share India’s artisanal heritage with loved ones. These timeless pieces are not just objects of beauty but symbols of resilience, history, and skill. The festive season, steeped in tradition and celebration, is the perfect occasion to honour and promote the survival of traditional crafts.
As more people turn toward sustainable and meaningful gifting, Dokra offers not only an exquisite aesthetic but also a way to support artisan communities. By choosing Dokra, you’re helping ensure the continued survival of a 4,500-year-old art form.
