Dokra or Dhokra Metal Craft

Dokra (also spelled Dhokra) metal craft is one of the most fascinating tribal art forms of India, and it holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Telangana. This ancient art, renowned for its rustic beauty and timeless charm, is especially practiced in the tribal regions of Adilabad district. The craft derives its name from the Dhokra Damar tribes, traditional metal-smiths who create exquisite artifacts using the unique lost wax casting technique — a method that has remained unchanged for centuries.

GI Tag (Geographical Indication)

The Adilabad Dokra craft has received official international recognition by being awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag.
GI Tag Status: Awarded
Year of Award: 2018 (specifically, the GI tag was accorded on March 28, 2018).
Significance: The GI tag certifies that the product originates from the Adilabad region of Telangana and possesses a quality, reputation, or characteristic unique to that geographical area. This legal protection prevents unauthorized use of the name and helps the Woj community artisans to authenticate their production, ensuring they earn a premium and derive an improved livelihood.

History

Dokra or bell metal craft has ancient roots dating back over 4,000 years, with traces of similar metal casting techniques found in the Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro from the Indus Valley Civilization.
In Telangana, this traditional art is practiced by the Ojha community—locally known as Wojaris or Ojjis—who belong to a sub-tribe of the Raj Gond Adivasis. For centuries, these artisans have lived in villages such as Keslaguda, Ushegaon, Jamgaon in Kumram Bheem Asifabad district and Tamsi mandal of Adilabad district, continuing their ancestral craft.

Historically, they produced essential ritual and household objects like lamps and bells used by the Raj Gonds and Kolam tribes in agriculture and religious ceremonies.
In recent years, there has been a revival of Adivasi culture in the Adilabad region, which has led to renewed interest and creativity among the Ojha artisans, encouraging them to resume the production of artistic items that had been discontinued for nearly three decades.

The Craft and Process

The hallmark of Dokra craft lies in its lost wax technique — a meticulous process that ensures each artifact is one-of-a-kind.

A clay core is shaped to form the base of the object.
Thin wax threads are then wrapped around the core to create the desired design.
Another layer of clay is applied over the wax model, leaving a small opening.
Molten brass or bronze is poured through this opening, melting the wax and replacing it with metal.
The outer mould is broken to reveal the final piece — meaning no two Dokra items are ever identical.

The resulting artifacts are noted for their joint-free structure, distinctive textures, and primitive elegance. The motifs are inspired by tribal life — including folk deities, animals like elephants and horses, peacocks, household objects, lamps, and measuring bowls.

Artisans and Communities

Over 100 Ojha families in Adilabad and Kumram Bheem Asifabad districts are engaged in this craft. The work is highly labor-intensive, often taking 4–5 days for simple items and up to 2–3 weeks for larger, intricate designs.

Artisans generally work on order-based production, as the cost of raw materials—mainly brass and wax—can be high. Traditionally, their clientele included local tribal households, but today, the craft has found domestic and international markets appreciative of its earthy beauty and authenticity.

Shopping and Market

Dokra artifacts from Adilabad have become sought-after collectibles, appealing to art lovers for their aesthetic simplicity and cultural value. 

Visitors to Ushegaon, Keslaguda, Chittalbori, or Tamsi mandal can interact directly with artisans and witness the process of creation. The idols of tribal deities like Jangubai, Bheemalpen, and Persapen are especially popular during local fairs (jatras) and festivals like Dandari-Ghusadi.

The Dokra Metal Craft of Telangana stands as a living testament to the creativity and resilience of its tribal artisans. With each handcrafted piece telling a story of tradition, skill, and devotion, this art form continues to bridge the past and present — embodying the enduring spirit of Telangana’s cultural heritage.

For the culturally curious traveler, a trip to the crafts villages in Adilabad district is a profound experience. Interacting with the Ojha families in their workshops offers an unparalleled glimpse into a world where time moves to the rhythm of the craft.

For those who cannot make the journey, government emporiums like Lepakshi in Hyderabad and various national craft fairs are reliable sources. When you buy, look for the GI tag—it is your guarantee that you are owning an authentic piece of Adilabad's soul and directly supporting its guardian artisans.
More Than a Memento: A Legacy in Your Hands

To own a piece of Adilabad Dhokra is to own a fragment of Telangana's living history. It is a conscious choice to:

Support a Sustainable Craft: It is an eco-friendly art form that relies on recycled materials and human skill.
Become a Patron of Heritage: Your purchase is an investment in the survival of a unique tribal culture.
Carry a Story Home: Each piece, with its intricate wires and motifs, tells a story of the forests, the gods, and the people of Adilabad.

The GI tag has given Adilabad Dhokra the shield it needed to survive. Now, it is up to connoisseurs, travelers, and art lovers to ensure it continues to thrive. Seek it out, appreciate its delicate beauty, and become a part of its enduring story.

Sources
Telangana Tourism Official Website: Dokra Metal Crafts
“Adilabad Dhokra” — Floats the Boat Blog (2016): Read Here