Dhokra Metal Casting: Knowing the Art through its Artisans

Purnachandra Pradhan. Ram Lal Jhara. Budhiarin Devi. Dhanmati Jhara.

When one reads these names, they seem unfamiliar or obscure – not known to the world. These names might not ring a bell now, but they have been associated with the well-recognised art of Dhokra, for a long time. Each of these artisans was granted National Awards in the field of arts and handicrafts for their mesmerising renditions of Dhokra.

Dhokra art is one of the oldest existing art form in India, involving casting of non-ferrous metal to create exhilarating pieces of both utility and display. Dhokra handcrafted products have been named after the Dhokra Damar Tribes, the nomadic travellers of West Bengal and Odisha. They eventually settled down in different locations of India, making Dhokra, a popular craft in various states including Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and even parts of Kerala.

An Art of the Tribes

“The hands of a craftsman engaged in his craft is always pure” – Manu

One will seldom hear of an artisan belonging to the affluent section of a society. Purnachandra Pradhan, in his interview with The Hindu, makes a thought-worthy statement – if an artisan was self-sufficient and opulent, they would not put their works of art for sale, and they would just create for themselves.

Most of the Dhokra artists belong to quaint and indigenous tribes of India. Their tribes vary according to the rural belts they have settled in and are commonly seen practicing the art as family units. Their places of origin have kept them separated from the dynamics of the modern society and they continue to pass this invaluable art, generation after generation. They add a personal touch of their lives to their art and create instinctively, making each creation unique and appealing.

Gonds, Sithulias, Jharas, Ghantaras and Ghadwas are some of the tribes whose livelihoods revolve around the creation of time-consuming but innovative Dhokra products.

The Hands behind the Beautiful Dhokra Products

 Is it enough to merely know the names of the tribes that create Dhokra art with their  sweat and blood? If one really wants to get an insight into the purity and originality of an art, they must delve into the depths of it and know where the art really comes from.

Let us learn about the lifestyle, hardships and inspirations of 3 tribes around India that are ritualistically dedicated to Dhokra crafting –

• Gondsof Betul, Madhya Pradesh

Gonds are categorised as a Scheduled Tribe, mainly settled in central India. There are over two million aborigins belonging to the Gond tribe. However, Dhokra-practicing Gonds reside in the district of Betul, Madhya Pradesh. In this district, Dhokra art is referred to as “Bharai Kaam.” The craftsmen, locally known as ‘Bharevas,’ are involved in making all kinds of Dhokra tribal jewellery, accessories and utility products.  However, the oldest Dhokra handicraft created by them is that of the cattle bell, an object which signifies prosperity and growth for the Gonds.

Upon the division of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh as two separate states, most Dhokra families migrated to Chhattisgarh, bringing Dhokra to the brink of extinction in Madhya Pradesh. To prevent this tragedy, the Madhya Pradesh Hastshilp Vikas Nigam established a Dhokra facility in Betul, a centre where artists can practice the art and put them out in the commercial markets. Young and old Gonds actively participate in this centre, keeping the art alive.

• Jharas of Ektaal, Chhattisgarh

Jhara tribe is essentially a sub-tribe of the Gonds, speaking the gondi language and residing in the crafts village of Ektaal. If one traverses through the humble village of Ektaal (Chhattisgarh), the thatched huts of Dhokra artisans appear like an open gallery. Every household committed to the precision of Dhokra creation and every member of the family, a stalwart in their respective roles.

More than a dozen National Award winners for eminent skills in creating Dhokra belong to the Jhara tribe of Ektaal (including Budhiarin Devi, Ram Lal Jhara and Purnachandra Pradhan). As many as 35 artisans have been the recipient of State awards. This, itself is proof enough that they display an unmatched prowess in creating Dhokra accessories. These tribesmen enjoy the opportunities they get, to travel beyond the humble borders of their village and display their works not just in urban parts of India but also in international cities like Rome, Paris and London. Their art has opened for them, the window to a new world.

• Sithulias of Dhenkanal, Odisha

Dhenkanal is considered to be the primary fortress of Dhokra in Odisha with the village of Sadeibareni holding a special place in Dhokra creation. Sadeibareni is habituated by the Sithulia community. One would not spot more than sixty thatched roofs in this detached village, each house being a gallery of Dhokra in itself.

Sithulias have been practicing the art since time immemorial. Believers in Lord Shiva, celebration of all Shaivite festivals are a must for them. While they are primarily occupied in creation of tribal and religious items, they have gradually incorporated Dhokra home decor products and jewellery into their artistic creations. Working in the heat of the kilns and de-moulding the statuettes fall under the responsibilities of men. Women, however, have a cumbersome task of fetching the soil and firewood for making the products along with managing the household. The Dhokra art in Sadeibareni is different from other Dhokra products found in India because of the use of red soil, which adds a different tone to the final product.

Adding a part of their Soul into the Art

The relation between an art and its artist is nota reciprocal one. People often remember the intricacies of the art, sing praises of its beauty and adore the antiquity of a craft. But more often than not, we don’t find recognition being bestowed upon the nimble hands that dedicate hours, days and months for creating a single, delicately crafted product.

However, an art is ultimately a mirror reflection of its creator. It is important today to explore the roots of precious arts like Dhokra. It is equally essential to give these indigenous tribes, the space they need to be their natural selves. But what is of paramount importance is to support the feat of these humble workers and ensure that they can keep creating flawlessly by resolving the hindrances they have to face on a regular basis.

Purchase your very own Dhokra products available online, only at www.dhokrahandicrafts.com because when you buy the art, you support an entire community of artisans.