Culture Heritage and Economic Survival of Ancient Art : An Ethnographic Study of Dokhra Artisans of Bastar, Chhattisgarh

Art serves as a conduit for enduring values that civilizations cultivate and nurture across different epochs and geographical contexts. Art reflects and shapes societal values, evolving with each culture's unique context. As Radhakamal Mukherji noted, artistic styles are influenced by science, technology, religion, philosophy, and social structures. Like all human endeavors, art involves collaboration. The existence of art worlds(Howard Becker, 1982), as well as the way their existence affects both the production and consumption of art works, suggests a sociological approach to the arts.

In this context, present research aims to study one ancient artform still in existence, Dhokra art. Traditionally, the Dhokra making process involves the casting of finely detailed metal artifacts by lost wax technique. This artform survives in the eastern and central hinterlands of India.

The objective of research is to examine ways in which Dhokra art is produced, consumed, and how it contributes to the formation and transmission of cultural heritage. Through an in-depth analysis of the social and economic dimensions of Dhokra artisans, this research seeks to understand the challenges and opportunities faced by Dhokra artisans in navigating the complexities of globalization and preserving their cultural legacy.

A qualitative research approach is employed for this research, including ethnographic fieldwork, archival research, and case studies. Semi-structured in-depth interviews conducted of Dhokra artisans, middleman or the sellers of Dhokra art and customers of Dhokra art.

The research found the growing influence of Hinduism has shifted tribal beliefs towards idol worship, further stimulating the demand for such artefacts. While the demand for Dhokra art has increased, with more outside markets and government emporiums entering the trade, traditional artistic fineness is often overlooked in favour of quantity and weight-based pricing.

This research is significant as it addresses the critical issue of cultural preservation in the context of rapid globalization.