Prime Minister of India gifted a Dokra artwork to French President Emmanuel Macron during the AI Summit in Paris, showcasing India’s rich handicraft traditions.
Dokra Metal Craft

- The word “Dhokra” is believed to be derived from the Dhokra Damar tribes, the traditional metal smiths of Central India.
- Dokra (Dhokra) 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 (e.g., Mohenjo-daro’s Dancing Girl figurine).
- Known for primitive simplicity, unique folk motifs, and handcrafted designs without joints.
Traditional Practitioners & Regions
- Practiced by Dhokra Damar tribes, originally from Odisha & West Bengal, later migrating across India.
- Found in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu.
- Geographical Indication (GI) tag:
- Adilabad Dokra (Telangana) in 2018.
- Dokra craft from West Bengal in 2018.
Features of Dokra Art
- Unique Pieces: No two pieces are identical 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.
About Lost-Wax Casting Process
- A metal casting technique where a molten metal is poured into a mould created using a wax model.
- Historical Significance: One of the oldest known metal casting methods, dating back over 4,000 years (e.g., Indus Valley Civilization’s “Dancing Girl”).
- Lost Wax Technique:
- A clay core is created, and wax is used to shape the design.
- The wax is then covered with clay, and the mold is heated, melting the wax.
- Molten brass is poured into the mold, creating the sculpture.
- The mold is broken, and the finished sculpture is left.
Casting Methods
- Solid Casting (South India): Uses a single wax piece to create the mould.
- Hollow Casting (Central & Eastern India): Uses a clay core with a wax overlay.

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