Dhokra is one of the most ancient crafts known to man and dates back to the time of Mohenjodaro civilization. This non-ferrous metal casting using the lost-wax hollow casting technique is particularly famous in Odisha. Its intrinsic simplicity and varied utilization has made dhokra a much-loved craft in India and many countries across the world.

Although dhokra metal casting has a rich history of more than 4000 years in India and can primarily be found in the states of Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Odisha and even Kerala; the process of making dhokra differs from place to place. The Odisha Dhokra is renowned for its use of the traditional method of dhokra casting, producing very different but exceptionally beautiful figurines and sculptures in the process.