Baldev Waghmare
Baldev Waghmare is a distinguished Bharewa (Dokra) metal craft artisan from Tigariya Village, Betul District, Madhya Pradesh, India. Born in 1979, he belongs to the traditional Bharewa artisan community, which has preserved the ancient lost-wax metal casting tradition for generations. He learned the craft from his father, Shri Sukhram Waghmare, and has devoted his life to preserving and promoting this remarkable tribal art form.
With over 20 years of experience in Dokra metal craftsmanship, Baldev Waghmare has earned recognition as one of the leading contemporary practitioners of Bharewa metal art. His handcrafted sculptures are admired across India for their intricate detailing, cultural authenticity, and exceptional craftsmanship. Inspired by tribal life, folk traditions, nature, mythology, and everyday rural experiences, his works beautifully capture the essence of India's indigenous heritage.
Baldev chose to dedicate himself entirely to his ancestral craft at a time when the Bharewa metal art tradition was facing decline in Madhya Pradesh. Through his perseverance and commitment, he has played a significant role in reviving and strengthening this centuries-old craft while continuing to work from his native village.
His outstanding contribution to traditional Indian craftsmanship has earned him several prestigious honors, including the National Kalidas Academy Award (2021), the State Vishwakarma Award (2011 & 2021), and the Best Artisan Award (2016) presented by Madhya Pradesh Tourism. His artworks are displayed in Raj Bhavan, museums across Madhya Pradesh, and several important cultural institutions.
Throughout his career, Baldev Waghmare has exhibited his work at numerous national and state-level exhibitions in cities including Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Kerala, and Bhopal. As a master artisan, he has also been associated with renowned institutions such as the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind), Bhopal, Bharat Bhavan, TRIFED, and the Adivasi Lok Kala Academy, where he has demonstrated and promoted traditional Dokra craftsmanship.
Beyond creating exceptional artworks, Baldev is deeply committed to preserving the future of Bharewa metal craft. He has trained over 500–1,000 artisans, many of whom now practice and promote the craft independently. Today, he works alongside 40–50 artisans at the Tigariya Craft Village, contributing to the growth of a vibrant artisan community.
His dedication was instrumental in Tigariya receiving recognition as a "Craft Village" in 2018. Under his guidance, the village has become a center for preserving and promoting traditional crafts, including Bharewa metal craft, bamboo craft, grass weaving, embroidery, textile arts, and iron craft.
Baldev Waghmare believes that preserving traditional craftsmanship means not only continuing one's own artistic practice but also ensuring that indigenous knowledge is passed on to future generations. His vision is to give the traditional crafts of Betul and surrounding tribal communities both national and international recognition, allowing India's rich cultural heritage to thrive for years to come.
