Dhokra Art of Dwariapur; One Survey/ দ্বারিয়াপুরের ডোকরা শিল্প : একটি সমীক্ষা

Abstract

Dwariapur, is famous village for Dhokra craft. Dwariapur village is located at Purba Bardhaman district, Ausgram (I) Block. There is a groyp of families involved in making dhokra craft at Dwariapur. Dhokra art is the one of the ancient Indian art. The wax method of metal casting, popularly known as Dhokra. In West Bengal two District are famous for this art, one of in Bikna village (Bankura) and nearby Dwariapur village (Purba Burddhaman). The ancient craft of Dhokra art was once widespread though out India, but is now restrict to a small number of groups of traditional artisans in widely dispersed locations. According to Risley, ‘Dokra’ as a sub caste of kamars black miths in western Bengal, who make brass idols. Dhokra artists create different types of objects. They also made and sold decorative items in different shapes and sizes. Metal used by Dhokras is usually the scrap old utensils scrap collected from the villages, heated and broken into small bits. The craftsman knows by experience the amount of metal required for casting a particular object. The main items of Dhokra art, is enchanting folk motif, primitive simplicity a rustic beauty and imaginative designs and patterns which finds influence from life and surrounding environment of the artisans. The traditional themes of these cast metal sculptures include images of Hindu and Tribal Gods and Goddesses, human images, dancing doll, tribal images, many types of animal etc.