Description

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Context

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.

About Dokra Metal Craft

Origin	Dokra artwork originated in India over 4,000 years ago, dating back to Indus valley civilization. The name ‘Dokra’ is derived from Dhokra Damar tribes (of Odisha & West Bengal)
Regions	Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal, Telengana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu
Casting Technique	Lost wax technique or Cire Perdue
Features	Handcrafted metalwork Intricate designs
Gi Tag	Adilabad Dokra (Telengana) Dokra craft of west Bengal
Other Name	Bell metal craft

About Lost Wax Technique

In this technique, wax figures are first coated with wet clay and allowed to dry.
The clay coated figures are then heated, allowing the wax inside to melt.
The wax is then poured out through a tiny hole and liquid metal is poured inside the hollow mould.
After the metal has cooled down and solidified, the clay coat is removed and a metal figure of the same shape as the wax figure is obtained.
Examples: Bronze Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro, bronze bull of Kalibangan etc.

Sources:

THE TIMES OF INDIA

PRACTICE QUESTION

Q. With reference to Indian arts, consider the following statements regarding Dokra Art:

1. It is an ancient metal casting technique that uses the lost-wax method.

2. It is primarily practiced by artisans in Rajasthan and Gujarat.

3. Dokra artworks are usually made of brass and are famous for their unique folk motifs.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Statement 1 is correct

Dokra art follows the lost-wax casting technique (also called cire perdue), which has been used for over 4,000 years in India.

Statement 2 is incorrect

Dokra art is predominantly practiced in Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand—not in Rajasthan and Gujarat

Statement 3 is correct

Dokra art pieces are typically made of brass and copper-based alloys. They often feature folk motifs, tribal deities, animals, and musical instruments, showcasing India’s rural traditions.