Dhokra metal art is a traditional Indian metal-casting craft made by the lost-wax method. Artisans in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand and Telangana cast figures, animals, musicians, deities, lamps and decorative objects in brass and bell metal. The technique is one of the oldest in the world: the famous Dancing Girl bronze from Mohenjo-daro, about 4,000 years old, was made in a similar way.
What is Dhokra art?
Dhokra (also spelt Dokra) is named after the Dhokra Damar communities of metalsmiths who travelled across eastern and central India. Every piece is made from a single-use mould, so no two castings are identical. Bastar Dhokra from Chhattisgarh and Bengal Dokra from West Bengal both hold Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
How Is Dhokra Made?
- Core: a rough form is shaped from clay mixed with rice husk and dried in the sun.
- Wax: beeswax or a wax-and-resin mix is drawn into thin threads and wound over the core. This creates the fine thread-like texture Dhokra is known for.
- Mould: the wax model is coated with layers of fine clay, leaving a channel for the metal.
- Melting out: the mould is heated so the wax runs out, leaving a hollow.
- Casting: molten brass is poured in.
- Finishing: the mould is broken and the piece is cleaned, filed and polished by hand.
Because the mould is broken during the process and finishing is performed by hand, individual Dhokra artworks vary in texture, surface detail and form. These differences are part of the character of handmade metal craft.
Dhokra by region
- Bastar, Chhattisgarh: deities, animals and tall lamps with dense wire detail.
- Bankura and Bardhaman, West Bengal: owls, elephants and horses; Bikna and Dariyapur are known centres.
- Odisha and Jharkhand: figures from village life, musicians and ritual objects.
- Betul, Madhya Pradesh: the related Bharewa tradition. Meet Baldev Waghmare.
Stories and Subjects in Dhokra Art
Dhokra artists create works inspired by people, musicians, dancers, animals, tribal life, devotional subjects and everyday cultural themes. Explore available works in the Dhokra metal art collection and review each product page for its specific artist, dimensions, material and design details.
The Artisans Behind Dhokra
Treasure of India works with Dhokra artisans including National Award winner Hirabai Jhureka Baghel of Bastar, Baldev Waghmare and Sangeeta Uike of Betul. Visit our artist profiles and Craft Map of India to explore more Indian craft traditions.
Dhokra elephants, deities and gifts
Small Dhokra figurines, animals and deities are popular gifts because each one is cast by hand and no two are identical. Elephants are among the most loved subjects, from small pieces for a desk or console to large sculptures for an entrance.
See elephant art and Ganesha art across crafts.
Dhokra art price
Dhokra pieces at Treasure of India currently range from ₹1,190 for small figurines and wall hooks to ₹49,990 for large sculptures. Price depends on size, weight of metal and detail. National Awardees Baldev Waghmare and Hirabai Jhureka Baghel, both featured in NAVRATNA: Indigenous Masters at our Gurugram gallery, are among the artisans in the collection. Every piece ships with a signed certificate of authenticity.
Shipping Dhokra art in India and abroad
We ship across India and worldwide from our gallery in Gurugram, usually within 2 to 3 weeks. Delivery is free in India on orders of ₹2,999 and above, and international shipping is a flat ₹4,000 per order. See international shipping, customs and duties.
How to care for Dhokra
- Dust with a soft dry cloth. Avoid water and chemical cleaners.
- The darker patina is natural and part of the look; do not polish it away.
- Keep away from damp corners and coastal humidity where possible.
Why Handmade Dhokra Matters
Traditional craft survives when skills remain visible, understood and practised. Choosing handmade Dhokra gives an individual artisan-made object a place in a home or collection while helping keep the creative practice visible.
Explore Dhokra Metal Art
Browse the Dhokra collection to explore available sculptures and decorative works, or discover related Indian tribal and folk art from different regions. Dhokra was part of NAVRATNA, the exhibition that opened our gallery in Palam Vihar, Gurugram in October 2026.
Featured Dhokra Artworks
Explore a few currently available pieces before browsing the full collection:
Airavata – Three Trunk Elephant
Peacock Diya Stand – Set of 2
Dhokra Madiya Madin – SmallFAQs
What is Dhokra art?
A traditional lost-wax metal casting craft from central and eastern India, used to make brass figures, animals, lamps and decor.
Which state does Dhokra art belong to?
Dhokra is practised in several states: Chhattisgarh (Bastar), West Bengal (Bankura), Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Telangana.
How old is Dhokra?
The lost-wax method dates back about 4,000 years, to the Indus Valley Civilisation.
What is the price of Dhokra art?
At Treasure of India, from ₹1,190 for small figurines and wall hooks to ₹49,990 for large sculptures.
Do you ship Dhokra art outside India?
Yes, worldwide, for a flat ₹4,000 per order; delivery usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Is Dhokra made of brass?
Most Dhokra today is cast in brass, sometimes bell metal, using recycled scrap metal.
