Forged in fire, preserved in tradition: The timeless Dhokra Art of Mayurbhanj where history still breathes

Hidden deep within hills, forests, and the lap of nature in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district lies a priceless heritage. A heritage that is not just art, but the living soul of culture and tradition of Odisha. This ancient craft is believed to have flourished during the era of Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. And its name is Dhokra. Dhokra is not just a form of art; it is the heartbeat of a traditional artisan community that has preserved this craft through generations.

For centuries, these craftsmen have shaped molten brass into breathtaking forms, each piece carrying the fragrance of earth, the rhythm of tribal life, and the stories of nature, animals, folklore, and mythology. The name of this timeless village, where the past still breathes through the hands of its people, is Kudia Khunta under Gopabandhunagar block in Mayurbhanj.

In this quiet village, more than 40 families continue to embrace the profession that defines their identity. Generation after generation, they have kept the Dhokra tradition alive, not as a mere livelihood, but as a legacy. Because, tradition may be old, but its value is forever new.

Every sculpture they create, be it a dancing figure, a tribal deity, a form of Lord Jagannath, horses, elephants, or elegant home décor, is not just a product.  It is a story, a feeling, a piece of their soul shaped by hand, baked in fire, and polished by generations of wisdom.

You May Like: Odisha continues to witness rise in temple thefts during winters; is it a pattern or something else?

A Journey Of Resilience. A Reflection Of Culture.

“I have been associated with this for the past nine years. Our forefathers were also associated with this form of art and I learnt it from them. Our work is called Dhokra Art and dates back over 4000 years. Our art received recognition in the Mohenjo-Daro period. We have been doing this for a very long time. Earlier, our art was sold door-to-door, and we made idols of Gods and Goddesses along with home decor. We have made some changes to our form of art; now, we make items that are used as gifts and home decor, and other items. We made several changes to our work and aspire to make some more modifications. We are the sixth generation here,” said a villager, Kunal Rana.

“We hadn't thought that we could do this for long, as our people had started to leave the village for other job opportunities. When we went outside, we found that our art is appreciated and wanted. It was then that we decided to represent our artwork in a different form. I feel very happy with my work,” said Rana.

Read More: Bhagabat Tungi brings Odia culture and devotion to centre-stage in Cuttack's mega annual festival

Naming of ‘Thatari’ Community:

Sharing his story, another villager said, “We belong to the ‘Thatari’ community. Previously, our people crafted weapons for the royal families. During wartime, our people worked day and night. While making weapons, it caused a lot of loud noises, and for that reason, the king could not sleep peacefully. He asked our people, ‘Why were we making so much noise, Thatari?’ That is how our people received this designation, and it also became our community. After our people stopped making weapons, they shifted to idol making, and that has been going on ever since then.”

A villager said, “The items that we used to make previously are not appreciated and valued these days. So, I try to make items that attract people in today's era. I try to make new designs that specifically cater to the requirements of the customers. I keep up with the trend and search online for design ideas as well….”

Today, Dhokra art is winning hearts across India and around the world. Its unique blend of ancient techniques and modern design sensibilities has given birth to a global Dhokra craft style- one that respects history while embracing the future.

This is not just art. This is a journey of resilience. A reflection of culture and a testament to creativity. And above all, a living tradition that continues to shine through the hands of Odisha's Mayurbhanj artisans.

WATCHBelow: