How does one fathom the journey of a craft from its origin to its ever evolving nature to its present day?
With the astounding diversity handmade crafts offer through its communities along with the immaculate techniques lasting to this day, we often wonder:
"How has Dhokra survived for thousands of years, without losing the core of its building blocks?"
We found our answer at Bikna - A small village in West Bengal where you'll find rhythmic hammering of the metal and the earthy scent of clay.
Here, amidst drying molds and the constant hum of creativity, lives a thriving community where Dhokra's artistry isn't a learned skill, but a way of life passed down from parents to children as naturally as speaking in their mother tounge.
In Rajesh Kochhar's words (a member of NISTADS who studied the communities avidly)
‘Dhokra people, believe in the philosophy of ‘learning by being’
Unlike many crafts, Dhokra in Bikna doesn't involve formal apprenticeships. Kids grow up surrounded by it - every corner a workshop, every sound a lesson. Molds in various stages of drying and half-finished figures become a familiar sight.
It is in this immersive environment that young minds start early. Small hands begin by shaping simple clay cores, eventually graduating to the intricate art of detailed modeling with dhuna (pitch). This idea of shared knowledge and experience is the lifeblood of the Dhokra community.
The craft is a shared tradition, a symphony played by many hands but creating a harmonious whole. Every step, from creating the core to pouring the molten metal, reflects this collaborative spirit. While individual talents might shine through in the finer details, the finished piece embodies the collective energy of the Dhokra families.