About Chhattisgarh

On November 1, 2000, India gave birth to the new state of Chhattisgarh. Carved out of the state of Madhya Pradesh,spans an area of 1,35,194 square kilometers, and consists of sixteen districts, all blessed with the bounties of nature. Agriculture is the main occupation of nearly eighty percent of its population. In fact, so many different varieties of rice are grown within its perimeter, that Chhattisgarh has rightly earned the sobriquet – “Rice bowl of India”

Chhattisgarh has been borne to many races and tribes – Banias, Gonds and maria, to name a few. Many of them trace their origins to the neighboring states of Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Orissa, and Maharashtra. The people of Chhattisgarh have long resided in perfect harmony with nature.

Deep in the forests, the reverberating sound of drumbeats and rhythmic footsteps float through the air. Songs of birds resonate in chorus and a gentle breeze carries this symphony of nature across the land… the land of Chhattisgarh and its people. ure across the land… the land of Chhattisgarh and its people.

Of the entire population of Chhattisgarh, almost a third are tribals. Prominent among them are the Hill and Bison Horn-Marias and Muria Gonds, Dhruvass, Bhatras, and Halbas.

Accordingly to professions the main castes are the Ghadwas (blacksmiths), Mahar and Ganads (weavers), the Charmkaar (leather worker), kallar and Sundi (distillers). Rawat (cowherd), each is providing a vital service in maintaining the fine balance of the tribal society Nothing is more distinctive of the Chhattisgarh than his love of music, dance and liquor.All these elements come together in the many festivals celebrated by the tribals.

Religion and rituals: Religions and rituals play a very important role in the life of Chhattisgarh people. The informal nature of religion in this area is typical of the practised by many small ethenic groups in India. It is reflected inn the anionic forms of folk- mythical gods and goddesses. Danteshwary is one of the most revered goddesses of this area, worship as the bestower of wishes and protector against evil.

Survival for the ethnic population is dependent on the unfathomed ways of nature. They seem to instinctively sense the very core of nature, converse with its magestic silence and learn from its ancient wisdom. Nature’s exuberance gaiety and colour with all its subtleties have left an indelible mark on their imagination and creativity. They do not attempt to dominate or outwit the natural forces, but have learn to live in harmony with them. All available natural resources are utilized to their optimum potential. Honed and perfected over the generation almost all object of daily use surpass their original function and are transforming into objects of great aesthetic value. As a result, what has evolved is an indigenous technology that is simple in concept but sophisticated in practice. Nowhere is this more clearly reflected than in the construction of their houses. The fences erected around the houses are constructed with bamboo sticks. Pigsties and hencoops are similarly constructed. The houses themselves are made of mud, branches, bamboos, and thatches, all materials sourced from their immediate environment, and skillfully utilized.

Bell Metal (Dhokra):

The BELL METAL or DHOKRA is one of the earliest known method of metal casting. This craft dates back to pre-historic time of Harrappa and Mohenjodaro period of Indus Civilization.

Dhokra metal casting is perhaps the only living tradition of metal image making in Eastern India. The technique has managed to survive many centuries and change of dynasties owing to its modesty of application in everyday lives if traditional tribal people of BASTAR, Chhattisgarh, INDIA by more than 10,000 traditional tribals.

Artwork is done with hand, without any advancement of technology.

The unique 13 stage process of DHOKRA/BELL METAL making is the original creative instinct of the craft persons, which is a beautiful amalgation of art and science.

The ancient art of cire-perdue or lost wax thread method of metal casting is still used by the tribal people of BASTAR, from Chhattisgarh over a last 200 years. They do not attempt to dominate or outwit the natural forces. But have learnt to live in harmony with them. All available natural resources are utilized to their optimum potential.

The DHOKRA/BELL METAL castings of figurines and different animals with their antique look, fits in with interior decor. DHOKRA/BELL METAL is an alloy of brass, nickel and zinc that gives an antique effects of the castings.

Earlier craftsmen used to create only traditional ritualistic items and decorative pieces but now with new designs inputs, there has been a lot of product diversification, resulting in numerous innovative utility items like door handles, lamp shades, hangers, boxes and caskets of different shapes and sizes. More than 10,000 unique old tradition and new design products are available right now and continuously increasing.