Context: West Bengal's Lalbazaar is not just an art hub, but is also becoming a center for dokra, a popular metalcraft.

• In 2018, Dokra craft from West Bengal was presented with the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

About Dokra Metal Crafts

• Dhokra is a form of ancient bell metal craft practiced by the Ojha metal smiths living in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana.

• However, the style and also the workmanship of this artisan community varies in different states.

• Dhokra or Dokra, is also known as bell metal craft.

• Its documented history is about 5,000 years old.

• Making dokra art is a difficult process. Each figurine takes about a month to make.

• Dokra artifacts are mainly made in brass and are highly unique wherein the pieces do not have any form of joints. The whole object is fully handcrafted.

• The traditional designs are considered highly aesthetic in nature and a collector’s delight.

What is the process?

• There are many processes involved, for which seven to eight varieties of clay is required, apart from other raw material.

• The method of making Dokra is done by combining the metallurgical skills with that of the lost wax technique.

• The handicrafts are known for combining the metallurgical skills with wax technique for making artefacts of distinctive look and beauty.

• The lost wax technique is a distinct form where the mould is used only once and broken, which makes the figure one of its kind in the handicraft market.

• There are two process of lost wax casting.

• The first one is Solid casting which is the method followed in the South and hollow casting, practiced in other states