“RATHORE EXIM”

Start a Dhokra Handicraft Manufacturing Unit – Tribal Brass Art for Global Markets

Dhokra Handicraft is one of India’s oldest and most eco-friendly tribal brass handicrafts, created using the lost wax metal casting technique. Originating from Bastar, Chhattisgarh, these handmade decorative items reflect cultural storytelling and traditional skills passed down through generations. With rising global demand for authentic tribal handicrafts, setting up a Dhokra handicraft manufacturing unit is a profitable opportunity backed by raw material support, government schemes, and export potential.

👉 Unlike factory-made metal products, Dhokra is not just a craft — it is a time-intensive, handcrafted tribal art form, passed down through generations. Each piece reflects the artisan’s soul, making it a true heritage handicraft, not mass-produced craftwork.

Start Your Own Dhokra Art Manufacturing Unit – India’s Tribal Bronze Craft

✅ We provide land, technical training, and full support to set up your own dhokra metal casting unit. Invest only in plant and machinery.

What is Dhokra Art?

Dhokra Art is a 4,000-year-old form of lost wax metal casting practiced in India, primarily using brass or bell metal to create tribal sculptures, animals, deities, lamps, jewelry, and decorative pieces. The process is entirely handmade, eco-friendly, and deeply rooted in tribal heritage and traditional rituals.

This unique tribal art originated from the heart of India — primarily in Chhattisgarh (Bastar region), West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand — where various tribal communities still preserve this tradition. The Bastar Dhokra form, in particular, holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag and is globally admired for its raw texture, antique finish, and cultural symbolism.

We offer you a complete opportunity to start your own Dhokra Art Sculpture & Handicraft Manufacturing Unit, powered by the ancient craft of lost wax casting, using brass scrap or bell metal as the core raw material.

What You Can Manufacture

Tribal Brass Sculptures
Traditional Lamps, Deities & Wall Hangings
Keychains, Jewelry & Tribal Pendants
Customized Gifts for Decor & Corporate Gifting
Export-Grade Tribal Art Collectibles

Raw Materials

Brass Scrap or Bell Metal Ingots (high-purity)
Natural Beeswax or Industrial Wax
Fine River Clay, Cow Dung, Coal Dust
Natural Dyes & Finishing Powders

Infrastructure You Need

Wax Modeling & Sculpting Tools
Clay Molding Station with Sun-Drying Space
Furnace for Metal Melting & Casting
Tongs, Crucibles & Ladles
Grinding, Polishing & Buffing Tools
Antique Finishing, Lacquering & Coating Setup
Shock-Proof, Eco-Friendly Packaging Section

Minimum workspace required is approx, depending on production volume. We recommend 3–5 skilled artisans per unit, depending on batch size.

Production Process – How to Make Dhokra Art

The entire process of Dhokra art involves manual labor by skilled tribal artisans — from wax modeling to metal casting. It follows no industrial shortcuts, proving that Dhokra is a genuine handicraft, not an industrial craft.

Wax Model is handcrafted based on design
Model is layered with fine clay and dried
Clay mold is baked to melt out the wax
Molten brass is poured into the cavity
Mold is cooled, broken, and metal form is extracted
Finishing, polishing, and antique coating is applied

Each piece is one-of-a-kind, and even molds cannot be reused — making Dhokra art truly exclusive.

Common Mistakes in Casting & How to Avoid

Mistakes in the lost wax process can occur due to air entrapment, moisture in the mold, or uneven wax thickness. These can cause cracks, incomplete filling, or surface deformities. To prevent this, artisans ensure proper mold drying, uniform wax thickness, slow heating, and filtered molten metal pouring.

Shrinkage & Temperature Control in Casting

Typical shrinkage in lost wax metal casting is around 2–4%, depending on mold design and cooling rate. To minimize it, mold temperature is carefully managed, vent holes are aligned properly, and wax patterns are consistently shaped. The casting temperature for brass ranges from 950°C to 1050°C, depending on alloy composition and mold size.

Cleaning & Maintenance

Dhokra items should be cleaned with a soft dry cloth. For deep-cleaning, use a slightly damp cotton cloth — avoid chemical cleaners as they may affect the antique finish. Occasionally apply natural wax or coconut oil for shine retention.

Global Market Demand

USA, UK, France – Ethical Tribal Art, Museum Stores, Fair-Trade Brands
Germany, Australia – Decor Retail Chains, Cultural Institutions
Japan, South Korea – Artisan Gift Stores, Tribal Home Decor
Direct B2B Bulk Orders, Amazon Handmade, Etsy, Shopify, Alibaba

Certifications & Licenses Required

GI Tag Authorization (for original Bastar Dhokra)
✅ Recognized as a tribal handicraft under Indian Handicrafts Classification, with GI Tag validation ensuring authenticity and artisan rights.
EPCH Registration (Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts)
IEC (Import Export Code)
MSME Udyam Registration
Fair Trade Certification (optional but globally respected)

We also guide you on packaging compliance (eco & export grade), HS Code usage, and shipping documentation.

Training & Support

We provide artisan training, raw material support, and live guidance to set up your production unit. Our support includes:

Artisan Cluster Connection
Production Line Setup
Branding, Marketing & Export Mentorship
Product Design Customization
Government Scheme Assistance (if eligible)

Why Invest in a Dhokra Manufacturing Unit?

✅ Brass Scrap–Based = Low-Cost Raw Material
✅ 100% Handmade = High Margins, Low Energy
✅ GI-Tagged Product = Global Demand
✅ Premium Art Market = Strong Export Potential
✅ Government Incentives for Tribal Crafts
✅ Easy Online & Offline Sales Models

Final Message

Dhokra is not just an art—it's a tribal identity, a cultural narrative, and a business opportunity. Start your own Dhokra Art Manufacturing Unit and bring the tribal soul of India to the global marketplace.

📞 Contact us today for a detailed project report, investment guidance, and full execution support.

✅ Note: Dhokra is internationally recognized as a tribal handicraft, not just a decorative craft. Every piece is 100% handmade, carrying heritage, effort, and cultural identity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Dhokra handicraft and why is it in high global demand?

Dhokra handicraft is a 4,000-year-old tribal metal art form made using the lost wax casting technique, primarily in Bastar (Chhattisgarh) and surrounding tribal regions. Its raw, antique finish and eco-friendly production appeal to international buyers, especially those seeking ethical, cultural, and fair-trade handicrafts.

Q2. How can I start a Dhokra art manufacturing unit in India?

You can launch your own Dhokra art unit with brass scrap or bell metal as raw material. We provide support for:

Plant setup and production training
Raw material sourcing
Marketing and export channel creation
You only need to invest in machinery and workspace — we assist with everything else.

Q3. What products can be made using Dhokra metal casting?

A typical Dhokra manufacturing unit can produce:

Tribal brass sculptures and decorative artifacts
Deities, wall hangings, and handmade lamps
Jewelry, keychains, and cultural pendants
Custom tribal gift items for export or corporate use

Q4. What raw materials are used in Dhokra art production?

Key materials include:

High-purity brass scrap or bell metal ingots
Beeswax, river clay, cow dung, coal dust
Natural dyes and antique finishing powders
These make the entire process sustainable and chemical-free.

Q5. What infrastructure is required to make Dhokra handicrafts?

You’ll need:

Wax modeling tools and clay molding station
Furnace, crucibles, and metal casting tools
Polishing, buffing, and antique finishing setup
Eco-safe packaging area for global exports
A team of 3–5 skilled artisans can run a small-scale production unit efficiently.

Q6. What are the key stages in Dhokra casting?

The step-by-step Dhokra production process includes:

Wax modeling based on design
Clay coating and sun-drying
Wax melting through baking
Brass pouring and cooling
Mold breaking and metal extraction
Polishing and antique finishing
Each piece is one-of-a-kind, and molds are not reused — making it a true heritage craft.

Q7. What common casting issues should artisans watch for?

Air pockets or moisture → ensure complete mold drying
Uneven wax layers → maintain standard thickness
Overheating or underheating → maintain 950–1050°C casting range
Shrinkage (2–4%) → use vent holes, consistent patterns, and allow slow cooling

Q8. How do I clean and preserve Dhokra brass items?

Clean using:

A dry soft cloth for daily dusting
Slightly damp cotton for deeper cleaning
Apply coconut oil or natural wax to restore shine
Avoid chemical cleaners that damage the antique finish.

Q9. Where is the global demand for Dhokra art the highest?

Dhokra items are in demand across:

USA, UK, France – for museum stores and tribal decor
Germany, Australia – cultural institutions and galleries
Japan, South Korea – boutique home decor and gift shops
Bulk orders come via platforms like Amazon Handmade, Etsy, Shopify, and Alibaba.

Q10. What certifications or registrations are required?

To legally produce and export Dhokra art:

GI Authorization (for Bastar-specific Dhokra)
IEC (Import Export Code)
EPCH Membership
MSME Udyam Registration
Optional: Fair Trade certification and eco-labeling

Q11. Can Dhokra products be customized for corporate gifting or B2B buyers?

Yes. You can produce customized tribal gifts, including engraved decor pieces, pendants, and sculptures tailored for:

Corporate branding
Interior designers
Hospitality gifting
Retail packaging for global buyers

Q12. What type of training and business support is available?

We offer full support including:

Production line design and artisan training
Sourcing of tools and casting materials
Branding strategy and marketing mentorship
Government subsidy guidance
B2B export onboarding and packaging compliance

Q13. What makes Bastar Dhokra unique compared to other metal crafts?

Bastar Dhokra, holding a GI Tag, is created using time-honored tribal techniques. It has:

Raw, rustic finish
Cultural themes like tribal deities and symbols
Non-replicable molds
Strong spiritual and historical connection
It’s globally respected as a non-industrial, authentic Indian tribal craft.

Q14. Why is now a good time to invest in a Dhokra art unit?

Growing international demand for handmade, ethical decor
Low production cost using brass scrap
Access to skilled tribal artisans and government schemes
Strong appeal on digital marketplaces and export channels
Unique market niche with limited competition in global art space

Explore our Brass Art