Current Status of Dokra Craft in Bikna: A Case Study of Bankura District, West Bengal, India

Abstract

Handcraft industries play an important role in the livelihood and economy of rural people of the developing countries like India. The ancient craft ‘dokra' of Bikna village is not an exception of this concept. Dokra metal casting is one of the oldest traditional techniques of metal casting in India. In recent year, the products of Dokra artisans are in great demand in domestic and foreign market because of its medieval simplicity enhancing folk motifs and forceful form. But in today's globalised world where fashion and luxury industries take maximum share in trading market, it is so difficult for sustenance of dokra art and craft in the market. But only their love and respect to their occupation make it possible to run parallel with modern society. Despite its high demand in international market and wide geographical importance, the dokra artisans of bikna are facing a lot of problems. So, the proposed research study is a modest attempt to provide an account of dokra craft in Bankura and socio-economic condition of Bikna village. In this paper, various problems relating with this art has been assessed and an attempt regarding solution of problems has been also suggested.