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Section 21

Kondagaon and Bastar

Kondagaon, Chhattisgarh · Craft & handloom

Bastar Dhokra bell metal, wrought iron and wood craft

sourced figures
3
main products
4
businesses to start
6

The story

Tribal artisans of Bastar make Dhokra figures by the lost-wax method, wrought iron lamps and figures forged from scrap iron, and terracotta and wood carvings. Kondagaon, carved out of Bastar district, is the main centre where these crafts are made and sold. Bastar Dhokra, Bastar Iron Craft and Bastar Wooden Craft were among the earliest GIs from Chhattisgarh.

In numbers

  1. Bastar Dhokra (application 83), Bastar Iron Craft (application 82) and Bastar Wooden Craft (application 84) were registered as GIs in 2007-08.

    Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India) · 2026

  2. The MSME-DI Kondagaon profile lists one cluster in the district: bell metal, terracotta and iron craft.

    Brief Industrial Profile of Kondagaon District (MSME-DI, Ministry of MSME) · 2016

  3. The MSME-DI Bastar profile maps 13 clusters, including metal craft at Kuharpara, iron craft at Kakarwada and terracotta, wood craft and stone carving.

    Brief Industrial Profile of Bastar District (MSME-DI, Ministry of MSME) · 2016

GI tag

Ways in for a newcomer

  • Online and export sale of GI tribal crafts
  • Brass scrap, wax and clay supply to artisans
  • Craft tourism and artisan workshops in Kondagaon
  • Packing and courier services for fragile craft

Problems the cluster faces

  • Fair prices for artisans; middlemen take a large share
  • Access to raw materials
  • Remote location and transport cost

Businesses to start here

Metal Handicraft Unit →Wrought Iron Furniture →Terracotta Décor & Utility Ware →Online Folk Art and Art Gallery Marketplace →Ethno Tourism Complex →Handloom and Handicrafts Retail Shop →

Sources (3)
  1. Registration Details of Geographical Indications (GI Registry, IP India)
  2. Brief Industrial Profile of Kondagaon District (MSME-DI, Ministry of MSME)
  3. Brief Industrial Profile of Bastar District (MSME-DI, Ministry of MSME)