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Sunday, 8 October 2023

3029) Dokra Craft, West Bengal: West Bengal Postal Circle of India Post has issued a Special Cover (SC) from its Keshiakole Post Office: Date of Special Cover issue: 26.01.2023:

3029) Dokra Craft, West Bengal:   West Bengal Postal Circle of India Post has issued a Special Cover (SC) from its Keshiakole Post Office: Date of Special Cover issue: 26.01.2023:

Dokra Craft:

Dhokra (also spelt Dokra) is non–ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax casting technique. 

This sort of metal casting has been used in India for over 4,000 years and is still used. 

One of the earliest known lost wax artefacts is the dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro. The dancing girl from Mohenjo-Daro (c. 2300 – 1750 BCE) is not just the most famous piece of art from the Harappan Civilisation, it is also one of the finest examples of metal art from that period.

This world-famous figurine is also the oldest example of a unique metal casting tradition called Dhokra that survives to this day in parts of India.

The products of Dhokra artisans are in great demand in domestic and foreign markets because of primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs and forceful form. 

Dhokra horses, elephants, peacocks, owls, religious images, measuring bowls, and lamp caskets etc., are highly appreciated. The lost wax technique for casting of copper-based alloys has also been found in China, Egypt, Malaysia, Nigeria, Central America, and other places.

Dhokra Damar tribes are the main traditional metalsmiths of West Bengal and Odisha. Their technique of lost wax casting is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting. 

The tribe extends from Jharkhand to West Bengal and Odisha - members are distant cousins of the Chhattisgarh Dhokras. 

A few hundred years ago, the Dhokras of Central and Eastern India traveled south as far as Tamilnadu and north as far as Rajasthan and hence are now found all over India. The art of Dhokra was originally found in the region from Bankura to Dariapur in Bengal, and across the metal-rich regions of Odisha and Madhya Pradesh.

Presently, it is practiced in the tribal belt across present-day Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha, Chhattisgarh and Telangana.

Dhokra, or Dokra from Dwariapur and Bikna, West Bengal, is extremely popular

Recently Adilabad Dokra from Telangana got Geographical Indicator tag in 2018.

The Dhokra artistes first make a clay model out of wax, which is then replaced with molten metal, either brass or bronze, through a lost-wax metal cast.

Dhokra is a metal casted art that uses the ancient lost-wax casting technique.

This art is said to be the first of its kind to use a non-ferrous metal like copper and its alloys – brass (a mix of zinc and copper) or bronze (tin and copper) which do not contain iron.

It uses the process of annealing, where a metal is heated to very high temperatures and allowed to cool slowly.

The casting is done using two kinds of processes – the traditional, hollow-casting method and solid casting. Solid casting is predominant in Telangana, whereas hollow casting is used in Central and Eastern India.

Symbolism of Dhokra:

With its roots in ancient civilisations, Dhokra represents a primitive lifestyle and the beliefs of people, going back to the age of hunting.

This is why figures of elephants, owls, horses and tortoises are commonly seen in Dhokra art.

The elephant symbolises wisdom and masculinity, the horse symbolises motion, the Owl symbolises prosperity and death and the tortoise symbolises femininity.

In Hindu mythology, these iconic symbols also have stories behind them.

The world is imagined resting on four elephants, standing on the shell of a tortoise.

The tortoise, considered as an avatar of Lord Vishnu, carries the world on his back, holding up the earth and the sea.

A Special Cover (SC) issued by West Bengal Postal Circle of India Post:

The Front of the Special Cover (SC) is titled "DOKRA CRAFT" (in Hindi and English) at the left bottom. Also, at left is a metal crafted couple in traditional tribal dress/attire. 

At top right is affixed a postage stamp of 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) titled - "NIBIYA KHERA TEMPLE, BHADWARA" from a set of stamps issued by India Post on the Terracotta Temples of India in 2020.

Warli Tribal Art figurines playing a drum are depicted on the Special Cancellation Stamp with "DOKRA CRAFT" (in Hindi & English) inscribed on Cancellation Stamp which is of KESHIAKOLE Post Office, and the date of cancellation is - "25.01.2023".

The Back of the Special Cover (SC) gives a brief description, (in Hindi and English) as under:

" The Dhokra or Dokra is a beautiful form of tribal art that showcases the immense talent of tribal craftsmen.

This technology is one of the oldest forms of craft that is still practiced in Bikna Village of Bankura, West Bengal.

In this technique, Dokra artists cast the images of Hindu or tribal Gods, Goddesses, measuring bowls, ornaments earlier, but now-a-days they cast figures of people or deities, riding elephants, musicians, horse riders, elephants, peacocks and many more decorative items.

A Special Cover is being released to commemorate this distinct art form".

The logo of India Post is printed in the lower half of the Back.

The Special Cover has been approved/issued by the West Bengal Postal Circle of India Post vide its Approval number - WB/02/2023.




Links:

More posts on "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" on this Blog:

1) Did you Know Series (71): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" (Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence: A set of four coins in the denominations of Rs.2, 5, 10 and 20 issued by the India Government Mint, Mumbai

2) Did You Know Series (74): "Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav" ("Bharat/India celebrates the 75th Year of Independence"): A set of six coins in the denominations of Rs.5, 10 and 20 totalling Rs.75 issued by the India Government Mint, Hyderabad, together with a Special Cover issued by the Hyderabad Postal Circle of India Post

3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: A Presentation Pack of Indian Postage Stamps prepared by the National Philatelic Museum, New Delhi comprising of : i) A First Day Cover: ii) the two Stamps of 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) and iii) the Information Brochure (IB): Year of Presentation Pack issue: 2023

4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: "Special Edition - 2022-2023": India Government Mint (IGM) Hyderabad has issued two Presentation Packs in Coin Cards in the denominations of Rs.20/-, Rs.10/-, Rs.5/-, Rs.2/- and Re 1/- with the AKAM logo on the Reverse: Year of Presentation Packs issue: 2023

AMRITPEX 2023 (THE NATIONAL PHILATELY EXHIBITION) held at New Delhi from 11-15.02.2023:

1) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: EXPLORING NEW HORIZONS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023

2) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "WOMEN's POWER: EXCELLENCE IN SPORTS": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023

3) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: 11) "WOMEN'S POWER: CONSERVING NATIONAL HERITAGE": A SPECIAL COVER RELEASED ON 12.02.2023

4) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) WOMEN'S POWER: DEFENDING OUR NATION": A Special Cover released on 12.02.2023

5) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "DIVYANG: PRIDE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 13.03.2023

6) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "PUPPETRY: INDIA'S CULTURAL HERITAGE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023

7) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "BIRSA MUNDA": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023

8) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "GOVIND GURU": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023

9) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INTERNATIONAL YEAR OF MILLETS -2023 (FOXTAIL MILLETS, FINGER MILLETS, PEARL MILLETS, SORGHUM MILLETS, BARNYARD MILLETS, LITTLE MILLET"): A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023

10) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "OUR FREEDOM STRUGGLE": A Special Cover released on 14.02.2023

11) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The "National Philately Exhibition"), held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "NATURAL HERITAGE OF INDIA": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023

12) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "ACHIEVEMENTS AT 75 YEARS": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023

13) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philatey Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "UTI ASSET MANAGEMENT COMPANY LIMITED (UTI AMC)": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023

14) "AMRITPEX 2023" (The National Philately Exhibition") held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi from 11-15 February 2023: ii) "INDIA POSTS IN SERVICE OF THE NATION": A Special Cover released on 15.02.2023

15) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav (AKAM), India: India Post has issued a 500 Paise (Rs.5/-) postage stamp highlighting the initatives taken by the Government of India (GOA) under the programme: Date/Year of Stamp issue: 11.02.2023

Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav: Five Special Covers released by Philately Division, Dak Bhawan, New Delhi:

1) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: i) "FREEDOM STRUGGLE"

2) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: ii) "IDEAS@75

3) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's history: iii) "RESOLVE@75"

4) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: Am initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: iv) "ACTIONS@75"

5) Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, India: An intiative of the Government of India to celebrate and commemorate 75 Years of Independence and India's glorious history: v) "ACHIEVEMENTS@75"

Links to Special Covers issued by the Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post:

i) "Bikaneri Bhujia", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

ii) "Makrana Marble", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

iii) "Blue Pottery of Jaipur", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

iv) "Thewa Art Work", Rajasthan, India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

v) "Kathputlis of Rajasthan", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers (SCs) on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

vi) "Molela Clay Work & Pokran Pottery", (Rajasthan) Postal Circle of Inda Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

vii) "Kota Doria", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

viii) "Sanganeri & Bagru Hand Block Print", (Rajasthan), India: Rajasthan Postal Circle, Jaipur of India Post has issued a set of eight Special Covers on Geographical Indications (GIs) of Rajasthan: Date of Special Covers issue: 18.08.2021

Links to Special Covers issued by Maharashtra Postal Circle recently:


Links to Special Postal Covers/Booklet issued by the Maharashtra Postal Circle (2021-2022):















17) The Solar System: A set of eight Stamps of 500 Paise (or Rs.5/-) denomination each, depicting the eight planets - Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Neptune & Uranus, brought out by India Post on 20.03.2018






Links to posts on Special Covers (SCs) brought out by Lucknow Postal Circle of India Post:







Links to posts on Special Covers (SCs) brought out by Chhattisgarh Postal Circle of India Post:




Links to posts on Special Covers (SCs) brought out by Karnataka Postal Circle 2021 onwards:













Links to Special Covers issued by Uttarakhand Postal Circle recently


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Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Odisha Postal Circle:




Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the North East Postal Circle:


Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the West Bengal Postal Circle:







Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Tamilnadu Postal Circle:


Links to Posts on Special Covers issued by the Haryana Postal Circle:



Links to posts on Special Covers issued by Kerala Postal Circle:


IPKF Operations, Sri Lanka:


Links to posts on Army Post Office (APO) issues: 


























Other posts on the Indian Armed Forces on this Blog:












Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:






Maximum or Maxim Cards:









Special Stamp Packs/Books:











Links to Posts on Our Solar System:
Links to posts on Mahatma Gandhi on this Blog:






Some posts on Banks on this Blog:







Links to some  posts on the Forts of Maharashtra:








Special Stamp Packs/Books:






India Post Stamps on Special Mugs:




Permanent Pictorial Cancellations:




Links to Posts on Indian Post-Cards:



























Commemorative Stationeries:




"My Stamps" Albums:
  
Registered Post Envelopes:


Links to Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2023:
























Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2022:








































Links to other Commemorative Stamps Posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2020:




Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2019:



















Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2018:




























Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian stamps issued during 2017:
















































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Links to other Commemorative Stamps posts on Indian Stamps issued during 2014 and 2015:































List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on stamps issued in 2013: 





List of Commemorative Stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2012:






List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2011:



List of Commemorative Stamps Posts  on Stamps issued in 2010:






List of Commemorative stamps Posts on Stamps issued in 2009:




List of Commemorative Stamps Posts issued in 2008: 




List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2007:



List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2006


List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts  in 2005:


List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 2004:


List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1996


List of Commemorative Stamps issued  posts in 1964:
  

List of Commemorative Stamps issued posts in 1961:


Commemorative stamps issued in 1931, 1947 and 1950:


 Postage Stamps from Thailand depicting Buddhist Jataka Tales:





Other Postage stamps from Thailand:


Forever Stamps from United States Postal Service (USPS):



Postage Stamps from the Bailiwick of Jersey



Postage Stamps from Gibraltar


Postage Stamps from Guernsey/Alderney Island:
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Postage Stamps from Kyrgyzstan:





Postage stamps from Tokelau:

UNESCO Postage Issues:

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Postage Stamps from Correos (Spanish Post):
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International Philately Exhibitions :









10 comments:

  1. Rajan Trikha has commented:
    "Very informative post."

    ReplyDelete
  2. Santosh Khanna has commented:
    "A VERY informative article on Dokra craft, West Bengal.
    Thanks for sharing this interesting post."

    ReplyDelete
  3. Mita Banerjee has commented:
    "As usual... very enlightening and interesting!"

    ReplyDelete
  4. Vijaylaxmi Shukla has commented:
    "🙏totally awesome 🙏."

    ReplyDelete
  5. Raj Kumar Srivastava has commented:
    "Great post 👍🏻😍"

    ReplyDelete