Dokra or Dhokra Metal Craft

Dokra Metal craft is quite popular in the tribal regions of Telangana. Dhokra or Dokra also known as bell metal craft is a tribal metal craft widely seen in Jainoor Mandal, Adilabad District of Telangana.

Dhokra is an ancient bell metal craft practiced by the Ojha metal-smiths of Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal and Telangana – the style and workmanship of the artisan community being different in different states.

In Telangana, the Ojha artisans are also known as Wojaris or Ojjis who create brass metal art objects using the tedious but perfect lost wax technique while casting the metal.

The Dokra artifacts are made in brass and are unique in that the pieces do not have any joints. The method is by combining metallurgical skills with wax techniques employing the lost wax technique, a unique form where mould is used only once and broken, making this art the only one-of-its-kind in the world. 

The 100 Ojha families, a sub tribe of the Raj Gond Adivasis found in Keslaguda, Ushegaon and Jamgaon of Kumram Bheem Asifabad district and Tamsi mandal of Adilabad district, manufacture brass metal items using the lost wax technique since centuries. The artisans traditionally manufacture only items like lamps and bells of different sizes used by the Raj Gonds and Kolam tribe in agriculture and religious activity. 

A minor resurgence of Adivasi culture witnessed in the old undivided Adilabad district has provided scope for the traditional Ojha artisans to indulge in creativity. Due to the phenomenon ensuring good sales during the Dandari-Ghusadi festival gone by and also holding out the promise of the trend to continue in the religious season ahead, the Dhokra brass metal artisans are making artifacts which they had discontinued to produce since about three decades.

The artisans make bronze and brass objects using the casting technique called dhokra,where a clay model is the core,over which,wax threads are wrapped around to form a layer.This is again covered with yet another layer of clay which has an opening. Molten bronze or brass is poured into this opening, which melts the wax completely, replacing it with brass or bronze. The cast object needs the outer mould to be broken each time.

In Adilabad district, places like Ushegaon and Chittalbori are the main contributors of this art. What catches your eye in this beautiful craft is that each piece is different from the other.

The craft produces objects like figurines, tribal gods, etc.

This work has good demand both in the domestic and international market due to its aesthetic look and primitive simplicity. The work consists of folk motifs, peacocks, elephants, horses, measuring bowl, lamp caskets and other simple art forms and traditional designs.

There are many families in Adilabad district dedicated to this ancestral craft, which is a labor-intensive work.

Very often, the artisans take up only order based work with an advance. The purchase of raw materials would require an initial expenditure beyond their means, more so if the end products do not sell. Dhokra is a very labour intensive as making of a simple piece could consume 4-5 days while more complicated designs could take upto 2-3 weeks. The designs are usually traditional, though they are known to make contemporary designs on demand. The characteristic pieces include slender and elongated metal figurines, folk motifs, elephants, peacocks, horses and household articles like measuring bowls and lamps The unique feature of a dhokra artefact is that the pieces do not have any joints. The entire object is handcrafted with the final product that has a distinct texture depending on the wax strips used in its design.

Things have recently started looking up for the Ojhas of Adilabad as they have tapped into their local markets comprising of the Gond tribal homes and their seasonal jatras or fairs. The idols of local deities – Jangubai, Bheemalpen and Persapen are most popular as are other items used in worship. The study of their return to local markets is unique in the lives of all artisan communities.

Typically dhokra objects cost between Rs.300 -500.

Contact:
Bhujang Rao Ojha: +91 94-92-428293 [Keslaguda, Kerameri mandal]
Indrajeet Ojha: +91 9652950224 [Belsari Rampur village in Tamsi mandal]


Sources
http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/about/arts-crafts/dokra-metal-crafts.html
https://floatstheboat.wordpress.com/2016/05/18/adilabad-dhokra/

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Nirmal Rural Tourism

Nirmal is a city and the district headquarters of Nirmal district in the Indian state of Telangana. It is famed for its toys made out of wood. Nirmal paintings and Nirmal Toys (Wooden Handicrafts) and Nirmal Furniture are named after the town of Nirmal in Telangana.

Geographical Indication (GI) tag

Nirmal Toys and Crafts and Nirmal Furniture got Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2009

Nirmal town in Telangana has always been considered as the gifted land related to art and crafts. The art community of craftsmen in this town are called as ‘Naqash’ and they have made this region, quite famous for the Nirmal paintings. The paintings capture rustic ethos to splendid royal environment, and right from flora to fauna, there are an explicit array of beautiful expressions which are portrayed in myriad colours and attractive forms on Nirmal products.

This town is very acclaimed for the Nirmal artistic creations and toys. From the natural ethos to the regal condition, from verdure to fauna, an unequivocal exhibit of articulations is depicted in horde hues and structures on Nirmal items.

Nirmal town has gotten interchangeable with lovely artistic creation everywhere throughout the world and involves pride for Telangana. Nirmal artists additionally make lacquered furniture, boxes, bowls, huge screens, plate, toys, and pictures, which are painted with artfulness and meticulousness.

Frames, shields and corporate gifts, nameplates, utility things create the scope of items.There are artworks done even on the entryway, divider embellishment and so on.The artistic creations are skilled as gifts and are considered as glad belongings by admirers of craftsmanship and workmanship authorities.

Painters and experts from all over India visit Nirmal to purchase these works of art, as well as exploring the procedure wherein the artworks, are done, directly from the readiness of the solicit to the extraction of natural hues and style of painting.

Most of the Nirmal Paintings consist of traditional art scenes drawn from the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata, influenced by other schools of art from earlier times like Kangra, Ajanta and also Mughal miniatures. This art form received great patronage during the Mughals and the Nizams too. There are many colours used in Nirmal Paintings, and most of them are derived from natural sources. The motifs used are quite popular with attractive finish on the canvass. Birds are depicted very attractively and the world-class export quality of these paintings has earned wide recognition and rewards. Lepakshi Handicrafts offers Nirmal paintings at reasonable prices. These are ideal to decorate your drawing rooms and they can also be gifted as cherished souvenirs.

The evolution of this Nirmal art and craft can be traced back to old days of Kakatiya dynasty. This craft is a form of lacquered woodwork that was born in Nirmal town and since then, this art has remained an attraction through all these ages and now days it is made both in Nirmal town and Hyderabad. The motifs used are frescoes from Ellora and Ajanta and Mughal miniatures, and floral designs

During all these years, Nirmal work has evolved to cater to the new needs. Besides the wall hangings, Nirmal craftsmen also crafted exquisite lacquered furniture, large screens, boxes, bowls, trays, toys, and pictures. Assortments of decorative and utilitarian articles are crafted in Nirmal art style. 

The master craftespersons of Nirmal originally made gold colour from the juices of herbs. The paintings are in gold on dark backgrounds and are remarkably attractive. Popular items include jewellery and ornament boxes made of poniki wood, food tray covers, playing cards, ganjifa boxes and many more items. A large variety of products, wall plaques, furniture, screens, panels, , bowls, lamp stands trinket boxes, and ashtrays, are made.

Nirmal toys are copies of natural forms and artists only make animals and birds. Poniki wood is used for small products and teak wood for larger items. Wall plaques with painted flying birds are also common, as are brightly colored depictions of fruits, vegetables, and animals.

Creation of Nirmal Paintings

The technique involves lacquering the wood surface and then painting the precise design. The conventional designs can be traced and drawn in chalk on any composition board or smoothened wood and then painted in bright and flat colors while are often touched up with gold and finally varnished.

The organic colors used are made from herbs, gums, and minerals. The gold which is found in this work is extracted from herbal juices. The Painting of mughal miniatures on white wood ponki is very attractive. As these items age, they acquire an exquisite muted glow which is simply impeccable. 

Tella Poniki tree
In initial days, white wood of Tella Poniki tree was utilized as a painted board for painting, which is fascinatingly exceptional.With changes over numerous years, the craftsmen acquainted Indian teak wood due with its delicate grain surface, quality, and lightweight and life quality.mConventional structures are followed or attracted chalk on smoothened wood or creation board and are painted in level, splendid hues and frequently finished up with gold and afterwards stained. When the artistic creations are finished, clear splash is utilized on the frames for water opposition and radiance.The Nirmal painting of Mughal miniatures is profoundly alluring.With maturing, they obtain an exceptional quieted shine that is viewed as perfect.

Tools and Raw Materials

1. Teak wood is used to create a frame of the painting.
2. Oil paints for adding the colour to the painting.
3. Paintbrushes as a tool to fill colour to the painting.
4. Spray paints to be used after the painting is finished as protection from the water and to add shine.
5. Varnish spray for a glossy effect.
6. Luppa paints to prevent colour absorption when oil paint has been used on the surface of the wood.
7. Enamel paints replaced natural paints.
8. Wood sheets of different sizes in the form of base planks.
9. Drilling machine to drill the holes.
10. Cutting machine to cut big pieces into small.

Procedure

1. Initially, the wood is cut into the required size and a rectangular casing is made. 
2. The casing is smoothened utilizing sandpaper. The edge is additionally covered with a few layers of Luppam paint.
3. Luppam Paint (NC Patti) is covered on the rectangular moulded wood load up for around 5 to multiple times.
4. This paint assimilates the dampness from the wood and causes the wood to keep going for a long time.
5. In the wake of applying Luppam paint, different hues are utilized for painting the foundation.
6. At long last, the readied wooden board is joined to the edge.
7. As a rule, the board sizes are of 8/11, 17/11 and 24/16 measurements.

How is the frame prepared

1. Prior to painting, the craftsmen create a frame of various sizes according to the assessed size of conclusive paint to be painted.
2. Luppa Paint (NC Patti) is covered on the wood board that is of the rectangular shape around 5 to multiple times.
3. This paint retains the dampness from the wood and causes the wood to keep going for long. 
4. Post application of Luppa paint dark paint is sprayed for the foundation.
5. Initially, the wood is cut into the required size and a rectangular frame is made.
6. The frame is smoothened utilizing sandpaper.
7. The casing is additionally covered with a few layers of Luppa paint.

Nirmal toys are made from extract of herbs which provides them with a golden sheen. They are generally models of human occupations, fruits, and animals. There are many similarities amid the Kondapally and Nirmal toys as they are made from the same kind of wood during their manufacturing process.
But the Kondapally toys are generally coated with plain water colors whereas the Nirmal toys are particularly embellished with oil paints. Both these kinds of toys are treated with special tamarind paste in the primary stage before they are painted.

The prominent difference amid these is that after treating, the complete Nirmal toy is covered with fabric, rather than lime blue which are used for Kondapally toys.

Where to Shop in Hyderabad
Lepakshi Handicraft Emporium situated in Gun Foundry of Hyderabad and Minerva Complex on S.D. Road of Secunderabad.

Kalanjali Arts and Crafts Nampally in Hyderabad

The crafts museum Calcutta emporium which lies behind the lepakshi gun foundry in Hyderabad

Central cottage industries emporium in Minerva complex, on S.D. road in Secunderabad.

Cauvery Karnataka state Arts and Crafts emporium which lies in the seven hills plaza on S.D. Road Secunderabad.





https://hindikrafts.com/nirmal-painting/

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Pembarti Rural Tourism

Permbarti or Pembarthi is a village located in Jangoan Mandal, Jangaon district, Telangana State, India is world famous for its intricate and exquisite brass ware craftsmanship.The village has a rich heritage of producing handcrafted brass item, including idols, figurines, utensils, and decorative pieces.

As per a recent report by MCRHRDI, population of Pembarthy is 4096 with 1065 households consisting of 2145 male and 2151 females

Pembarthi Metal Crafts

It is renowned for its intricate and exquisite brassware craftsmanship, which has been a traditional occupation for many villagers. Pembarthi's brassware, including idols, figurines, utensils, and decorative pieces, has earned acclaim both domestically and internationally. The village has a rich cultural heritage of crafting metal objects using traditional methods, and its artisans have passed down their skills through generations.The air resounds with the continous clink and tap of mallets beating out brass sheets into fascinating and wonderful objects of art and utility.

Pembarthy is 80 from Hyderabad on National Highway (NH 163) to Warangal. 

Best Tourism Village 2023

Pembarthy the enchanting realm of metal crafts, has been recognized as the Best Tourism Village 2023 in Silver Category. 

Geographical Indication (GI) Tag

Pembarthi's brassware craftsmanship received the GI tag from the Government of India in 2010, ensuring the protection and promotion of this cultural resource.

Environmental Conservation

The village has its own nursery, developed under the Haritha Haram Scheme, with extensive plantation activities aimed at preserving the environment and conserving biodiversity.

Ban on Single-Use Plastic

Pembarthi has implemented a ban on single-use plastic to protect the environment, species, and water resources.

Solar Lights

Solar lights have been installed in place of conventional LED lights to mitigate environmental damage.

Infrastructure Development

The village has invested in tourism infrastructure, including accommodation and visitor amenities, to promote tourism and economic sustainability.

Skill Upgradation

Artisans receive training and skill upgradation to enhance the quality and appeal of their craftsmanship.

Economic Growth 

Pembarthi's metal craft industry and tourism generate income and employment, benefiting the local community and contributing to economic development.

Cultural Preservation

The GI tag and continued craftsmanship pass-down protect and promote the village's cultural heritage.

Social Inclusion

The village ensures that tourism benefits are distributed equitably among all sections of society, promoting social inclusion and equality.

Women Empowerment

Women in the village are encouraged to participate in tourism-related activities and entrepreneurship, fostering gender balance.

The forging of the craft employs the age-old traditions handed over delicately from one generation to another depicting the illusive artistry of Kakatiyas.

The joint effort of Telangana State Tourism and the local community generated opportunities and livelihood for the artisans community.

Originally stone carvers, the artists have left their handiwork in the facades of innumerable stone carvings and temples all over India. Then when brass became common, they experimented with this material. The buildings of Vijayanagar at Hampi are ruins now, but their lower stories were sheathed in beaten copper and brass by the ancestors of the Pembarti craftsmen.

For some reason this widespread craft has survived only at the sleepy little village of Pembarti.

Scholars tell us of a previous age when iron was not known and copper and alloys were used for making metal tools and objects of daily use. A small part of that age is still with us but mostly in objects of art.
Statues, carvings, castings still continue to be made in the attractive copper alloys. The methods used are still ancient, traditional ones although the raw material today comes from modern mines and furnaces.

Indian brass is renowned the world over and chances are the brass potted planter in the foyer of a Manhattan hotel or Tokyo corporate office comes from Pembarti, a small village of Telangana which is a centre of brass work.

Brass lotas, large globular vessels and plates were in demand even up to the beginning of this century. But as time went on the market died out for these.

In recent times, tired of mass-produced dully uniform items, customers from affluent countries started noticing the unique Pembarthi craftsmanship. Now, as an example, brass and copper planters are prized. The Pembarthi designs are quite different from , say Moradabad or Benares brassware although the material is the same – factory made brass sheeet.

Innovative architects started using Pembarthi brassware in their designs as a integral whole rather than piecemeal “items” of furniture. This has led to a revival of the craft tradition.

http://www.idc.iitb.ac.in/dsource/resource/sheet-embossing-pembarthi

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