232. Adilabad Dokra

Adilabad Dokra are metal crafts made of Brass by the tribal’s belonging to Woj community in the Telangana State. Each product of Adilabad Dokra is unique because mould is used only once and will be broken during the making process. 

Adilabad Dokra is deftly created by hand and hence the objects have an individualistic touch. Artisans follow the natural traditional process of lost wax technique, so the objects look very fine and simple. The products have a core of clay preserved within the metal casting, unlike other metal work. 

The Uniqueness of Adilabad Dokra is that no two pieces are alike in shape as well as in size and hence replica of the antique is nearly not possible. Dokra craftsmen use brass scrap as a main raw material for the metal casting, which will be available in surrounding markets i.e. Adilabad, Asifabad and Jainoor. 

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The work consists of idols of tribal god and goddess, bells, folk motifs, anklets, animal figures like elephants, peacocks, horses, bulls, tortoise, rabbits, and deer etc.., measuring bowls, lamps and lamp caskets, figurines, drummers, peculiar shaped spoons, and other simple forms and traditional designs.

Wojaris make sacred bells which are among the symbols of the Persa Pen. The design and shape the bell is very unique. A peacock is placed above the bell results in aesthetic and traditional look, and the sound generated from each bell is also unique.

The first task in the lost wax hollow casting process consists of developing a clay core which resembles the rough shape of the final cast object. Next, the upper layer of the clay core is covered by a layer of wax composed of pure bee’s wax, resin from the tree Damara orientalis, and mustard oil. Where the wax is shaped and carved in all its finer details of design and decorations. 

It is then covered with a layer of soft clay over the wax design, which takes the negative form of the wax on the inside, thus becoming a mould for the metal that can be poured inside it. Drain ducts are left for the wax, which melts away when the clay is cooked 

Once the mould of desired product with the required design is ready, a crucible is taken with the brass scrap and is attached to the mould with the help of the clay. Then the mould is kept in the batti such a way that the brass containing side touches the batti and covered with the fire wood on all surfaces. 

With the help of the blower (Bhata), extreme fire to will be generated to melt the brass scrap. Once brass scrap is completely melted, casted mould will be taken away with the help of the chimta. As soon as casted mould is taken out, mould will be reversed so that the melted metal flows between the core and the inner surface of the mould. Here the Wax will be replaced with the molten metal which fills the mould and takes the same shape as the wax.

Once they confirm that the metal is completely flown and think that the desired product is formed, mould will be kept in the water to cool the metal as well as to softness the clay of the mould so that the clay can be separated from the product. The outer layer of clay is then chipped off. Metal cast will be properly cleaned and craftsmen performs the finishing part of the desired product with the help of Reti (Canvas) and wire brush.

GI Tag Registration Date         : 28 March 2018

GI Tag Number                         : 521

Certificate Number                  : 308

Geographical Area                  : Telangana

Special Cover Release Date   : 16 December 2021

Cancellation                             : Hyderabad GPO 500 001

Type                                          : GI Tag Cover

Cover Identification Number  : TS/32/2021

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