Dhokra is a 4,000-year-old lost-wax metal-casting tradition of the Bastar tribal belt, among the oldest continuous metalworking techniques on earth. Each piece is cast once and unrepeatable, prized for its rustic tribal motifs of animals, deities and folk life.
- Region of origin:
- Chhattisgarh
- GI registration:
- Bastar Dhokra
- Materials:
- brass; bronze; beeswax
- Techniques:
- lost-wax casting
- HS code (customs):
- 8306
Products
About Dhokra
Dhokra is a 4,000-year-old lost-wax metal-casting tradition of the Bastar tribal belt, among the oldest continuous metalworking techniques on earth. Each piece is cast once and unrepeatable, prized for its rustic tribal motifs of animals, deities and folk life.
- Region of origin
- Chhattisgarh
- GI registration
- Bastar Dhokra
- Materials
- brass; bronze; beeswax
- Techniques
- lost-wax casting
- HS code (customs)
- 8306
How it’s made
lost-wax casting
The makers
Crafted by Ghadwa / Dhokra Damar tribes of Chhattisgarh.
Why “GI-tagged” matters
Dhokra is registered under India’s Geographical Indication (GI) Act as “Bastar Dhokra”. A GI tag legally certifies that a piece genuinely originates from its traditional region and is made by its rightful artisan community — your guarantee of authenticity.
Buying Dhokra — questions, answered
- Are VedikCraft's Dhokra pieces hand-painted or prints?
- Every Dhokra piece is genuinely handmade by a named artisan — one of a kind, never a print or machine copy.
- Is this Dhokra authentic and GI-certified?
- Yes. Dhokra is a GI-protected craft (registered as “Bastar Dhokra”). Every order ships with a signed Certificate of Authenticity and a QR code to verify its maker, region and GI status.
- What does an authentic Dhokra piece cost?
- Handmade Dhokra typically ranges from ₹800 to ₹25,000, depending on size, detail and the artisan.
- How do I care for a Dhokra piece?
- Keep Dhokra out of prolonged direct sunlight and damp, and dust it gently. Because each piece is handmade from natural materials, slight variations are part of its character.
Related crafts
GI-certified authenticity
Rooted in India’s registered craft traditions
Artisan-direct
Made by the makers — fair, direct earnings
Traceable provenance
Every piece carries its maker, region & origin