Bankura, April 20 -- On the outskirts of Bankura town, the village of Bikna Shilpa Danga continues to preserve the ancient art of Dhokra metal craft for generations. This enduring dedication to traditional craftsmanship has earned the village global acclaim for its intricate designs and immense heritage value.

Passed down through generations of artisan families, Dhokra art relies on the ancient lost-wax casting technique. The entire process is remarkably labour-intensive and meticulous, often requiring several days of dedicated craftsmanship to bring a single, intricate piece to life.

Goutam Karmakar, a seasoned artisan from Bikna Shilpa Danga, detailed the intricate stages of Dhokra casting, explaining that the process begins with the ...