Chattisgarh is an amazing state. The state is rich in handicraft tradition with skilled tribals practicing myriad crafts.
When we were planning on a road trip in 2010 to this exciting state, one of the reasons for us to decide on Chattisgarh was the handicrafts of the region. We knew about the richness of Dokhra work or delicate Terracota or the works from wrought iron or the wood carvings - these were always exquisite. While we were keen to take away some excellent terracota stuff, we were sure that it won't sustain the long road trip we were under taking. So, the ideal take away was the "Pride of Chattisagrh" which is the Dokhra work.
The cradle of Dokhra tradition in Chattisgarh is a small town of Kondagaon which falls mid way between Jagdalpur and Kanker. We stopped at a place where Dokhra sculptures were being made by skilled workers. A cumbersome and time consuming process involving making of clay models, pouring molten alloy of metals, allowing it to cool and then carve them nicely to get a refined figure. The process requires skills and patience which were abundant among the boys who were busy in doing the work.
We also went and met Mr Jaidev Baghel, Master Craftsman and National Award winner for the craft. A simple man he was kind enough to show us his designs.
We bought along a beautiful sculpture of "Rudra Shiva" and "Saraswathi" which now adorns the living room of our home.
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| Dokhra sculptures being made by skilled workers |
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| A show room in Kondagaon displaying array of Dokhra sculptures |
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| Rudra Shiva and Saraswathi in our Living room |
If you are traveling to Chattisgarh, dont miss out to witness the process of making Dokhra artifacts and pick up a piece to adorn your drawing room.
Useful links
Dokhra work