Malar Shilp/Dhokra/Lost Wax Metal Casting of Chhattisgarh

The Malars of Chhattisgarh are found mainly in Sarguja; some of them are also found in Raipur. The metal-casting techniques used by Malars are similar to those used by the Jhatur (also called Malars) of Raigarh. The wax used is an alternative to beeswax; known as Dhuvan or Dhup, the wax used is made from the gum of the Sarai tree or from Ral (resin). In contemporary times, some metal-casters of Raigarh use wax on the coating of Dhuvan. By and large, pure Dhuvan is used with no other material mixed with it.