Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dhokra in Jharkhand
In earlier times, metal workers made agricultural implements, votive figures, vessels and other cooking implements, jewelry and talismans for their communities. Some were for personal use, but the process of production was so laborious and precise that other communities who were both hunter-gatherers, house builders or farmers needed their products. Many of these, including cutting knives and a variety of popular votive figurines were sold at village marketplaces called haats. Some of these systems still continue till today.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
At the same time, the commercial world of permanent shops, malls and exports have flourished, and feudal societies have given way to elected governments which take up the responsibility of assisting isolated and marginalized communities to improve their lives.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A map of Jharkhand has been ingeniously developed in dhokra craft by Jharcraft, the state government agency working for the development and marketing of dhokra and other crafts from Jharkand.
This is displayed in their showroom in Ranchi.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A figurine of Birsa Munda, the most important figure who led the movement for tribal religious freedom and empowerment.
He was a fierce fighter for Independence from British rule and became a folk hero during his lifetime. Many stories surround his colourful life which was tragically short.
The Indian Parliament has his portrait in its main hall. This piece of dhokra craft in his honour, has been developed by Jharcraft.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Drummers are an intrinsic part of tribal celebrations. Women and men take equal part in all festivities.
These figures have been developed by Jharcraft which often guides dhokra craftspeople with ideas and designs.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Tribal communities are well-known for their love of music and dance. Often dhokra figurines feature musicians and dancers.
These figures have been developed by Jharcraft as gift items reflecting tribal culture.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The resplendent Goddess Saraswati is always shown seated on a swan. This figure in dhokra craft was developed by Jharcraft.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A variety of figurines can be seen displayed at the Jharkhand craft showroom in Ranchi city.
Dhokra artisans supply their works to be marketed here.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A group of tribal dancers crafted in dhokra craft and mounted as a gift item are popular souvenirs.
New Markets For Dhokra Craft
Those with skills and lifestyles going back millennia cling faithfully to their own beliefs and practices, making India the only country that still offers crafts created by a large number of tribal communities. Many private retail establishments dealing in art and craft keep the best of dhokra craft on their shelves. The process of manufacture is so laborious that it cannot be replicated through mechanical processes. Hence, dhokra craft is fully handmade and indigenous expression of tribal identity. The state government of Jharkhand has established showrooms in many cities in India and always have a wide range of dhokra craft on their shelves.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Some dhokra artisans with enough capital to produce stock for short term sales take part in state and privately organized craft bazaars where they display their wares on tables in small stalls.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Containers, tribal and religious figurines ad jewelry form an assortment of dhokra crafts sold at temporary bazaars in larger cities.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A sailing ship with travelers is an unusual theme for dhokra artisans, but serves as an appropriate gift for those travelling abroad, which, among rural people in India, is still considered an important event.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Dhokra products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Most figurines that are in popular demand during the festive season come in a variety of sizes to suit every pocket.
They also make excellent wedding gifts, particularly among those who buy an idol of Lord Ganesha as a gift for an auspicious beginning for a couple’s life together, as Lord Ganesha is considered a remover of all obstacles.
Dhokra Craft in Jharkhand: Products (2019)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about Dhokra craft here:
-Environment
-Process
Text: Jaya Jaitly
Photography: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Artisans: Madhav Malhar, Moti Malhar, Dilip Malhar
Ground Facilitator: Ankit Kumar
Documentary Video: Chirodeep Chaudhuri
Curation: Ruchira Verma
