Dokra Craft - Indian Handicrafts Facing an Encouraging Resurgence in the Global Brassware Market
India has always been a land of artisanal skill and creativity, dating back to ancient times, where people of the land handcrafted goods for their day-to-day lives. Over time, these techniques of handicraft production have become a part of India's rich cultural heritage. Today, as we witness the renaissance in the sphere of Indian handicrafts, we cannot overlook the role played by the resurgence of Dokra craft.
Dokra is one of the oldest metal casting techniques in the world, having been practised for over 4,000 years. The craft is indigenous to the tribal areas of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, and even parts of Andhra Pradesh, Maharastra, and Madhya Pradesh. Dokra craft is an unusual fusion of simplicity and elegance. This unique art form combines brass with natural products and materials, such as cow dung, rice husks, and clay, to create intricate objects that capture tribal life and mythology.
The brassware industry has always been a part of Indian handicrafts, making up a significant contribution to the country's economy. However, with the introduction of industrialization, the handcrafted goods business declined rapidly, leading to a subsequent halt in the Dokra craft. The once-flourishing technique of metalwork, now lay stagnant, with craftspeople struggling to make ends meet.
However, with growing awareness among people about the importance of sustainable living and a return to traditional art forms, India's handicraft industry began to gain momentum again. Now, with globalization and the rise of e-commerce, Indian goods have a global market. The Dokra craft has become one of the most sought-after handicrafts in the world, with demand rising significantly in foreign markets.
The resurgence of Dokra craft has not only helped revive the craft, but it has also brought benefits to rural communities in India. With the increasing demand, the artisans are even able to charge higher prices for their products, bringing more economic stability to their lives. Employment generation is at its peak with more and more people getting employed in making the crafts, transporting the products, and even in the administration and management of the organisation.
The Dokra craft is a meticulous process requiring several skilled artisans. The process involves making clay moulds, filling it with wax, shaping, and molding before casting the wax patterns with melted brass to make solid brass objects. The brass object is then re polished, and the casting work is finished off with intricate hand designs etched on the surface. Artisans and the Local communities have preserved this tradition over time and continue to make intricate, detailed brass objects.
The Dokra craft has not only achieved success in the global markets, but it is also doing well locally. With increasing demand for customs-made products and personalised gifts, artisans have found ways to develop new products for the local markets as well. The local population has also started to display handicrafts in their homes as a distinctive piece of art. And the tourist who comes to visit India can take back a piece of Indian art form with them.
The Dokra craft pieces have now expanded to include wall hangings, masks, tribal figures, jewelry, and home decor pieces. The most popular pieces are those depicting deities and goddesses, with the most widely sold pieces coming from West Bengal, popularly known as the 'bankura horse.' The horse is made exclusively in the Bankura district of West Bengal and is a perfect representation of the tribal, rural lifestyle of the community who made it.
The Dokra craft has also faced many challenges in its revival. The artisans initially struggled to find a suitable, sustainable method of marketing and advertising their craft. With the advent of digital marketing, The Dokra artists pushed themselves to use the internet as an advertising platform, creating social media pages and learning how to use e-commerce websites. The digitization of the Dokra industry enabled artisans to cater to a vast international market without spending too much time and money on travel and logistics costs.
Moreover, the Dokra craft has also faced competition from imitations, cheap knockoffs made in bulk at factories for a fraction of the price of authentic Dokra pieces. Customers cannot distinguish between authentic and non-authentic products, which lowers the value of the product. To ensure they keep their products unique and authentic, the industry set up the 'Bastar Arts and Crafts Association' in Chhattisgarh to register and promote authentic Dokra pieces.
In conclusion, the Dokra craft has witnessed a resurgence and acceptance in the global handmade industry due to the increasing demand for eco-friendly and sustainable products. The Dokra craft has not only brought more economic stability to rural areas and small-scale artisans but has also given India's handicrafts a chance to shine on the world stage. The adoption of digital mediums has provided artists with a platform to promote their work and communicate with clients, making it easier to expand their reach.
The Dokra craft promises to continue flourishing and keeping Indian art traditions alive. As art enthusiasts and artists alike, we must continue to support the resurgence of these ancient handicrafts and spread awareness to ensure the continuation of this fantastic art form for the generations to come.