Since time immemorial, Indians have associated particular tribal districts of Bengal, Jharkhand, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and Andhra Pradesh with the folk art of Dokra or Dhokra. Dokra craft is a type of metal craft falling under the genre of brassware handicrafts. And this humble Indian handicraft is now making its way to foreign shores and earning fame for itself on its own terms in the fashion stores of Paris, Milan and London.
Why has Dokra craft suddenly become so highly coveted?
The reasons for this are plenty. Dokra craft, just like any other type of Indian handicrafts, was dying a slow death. Even a few years back, it was difficult to find quality or even accomplished Dokra craftsmen and metal smiths.
The dearth or paucity of skilled labor resulted in dwindling supplies and the prices of the end products sky rocketed upwards. Naturally, the demand also went down because of the escalating prices. Even the designs and patterns on Dokra items had become outdated.
But there has been a turnaround for this industry, which was nothing short of a wonder. And this wonder has been brought about by latest and advanced technology, adoption of latest product designs and patterns and newness/innovation of motifs. The line of products has undergone sea change and there has been a sudden burst in manufacture of beautiful napkin rings, serving sets, good quality vases etc.