A cluster is defined as a geographic concentration (a city/town/few adjacent village and their adjoining areas) of units producing near similar products and facing common opportunities and threats. An artisan cluster is defined as geographically concentrated (mostly in villages/townships) household units producing handicraft/handloom products. In a typical cluster, such producers often belong to a traditional community, producing the long-established products for generations. Indeed, many artisan clusters are centuries old Artisan.

About Dhokra Cluster:-

Dhokra Cluster falls under Andhra Pradesh State in Adilabad district.

The Dhokra cluster is able to form 300 plus Artisans & 15 SHGs supporting the strong work force. The mobilization gains momentum day by day.

Metal Craft:-

Metal wire inlay work, tarakashi, initially originated in Mainpuri in UP. It flourished under the patronage of Nawabs. Initially it was used for khadaon (wooden sandals).

Inlay is a means of ornamentation of a surface by setting of other materials into it. In wood inlay mainly brass or copper wires are used. The designs are traditional, depicting flora, fauna and geometrical patterns including the varieties of the jali designs.With the ban on ivory, the plastic sheets began to be used as inlay material. In Mainpuri tradition copper, brass and silver wire were twisted together, beaten with the hammer and flattened before inlaying. This gave three colour design specs on the inlayed surface.

Raw Materials:-

Basic Material : Ebony wood, shisham wood.
Decorative Material : Brass wire, copper wire, ivory, plastic.

Tools:-

Hand saw, flammer, chisel, wooden mallet, files.

Process:-

Inlay is a means of ornamentation of a surface by the setting of other materials into it. Mainly brass or copper wires are used in wood inlay. After cutting the wood from a bigger block in the desired size, a pattern originally traced on a paper, is transferred onto the wood. Copper or brass metal is beaten into thin sheets and cut into fine wire. The design traced on the wooden surface is incised with the aid of a hammer and chisel which is held lightly and tapped with a mallet. The brass or copper wire is hammered into the engraved portion of the design. If ivory is to be inlaid, then, ivory pieces of required shape and size are cut by a saw and fixed with glue at the desired places in the design. After inlay with brass wire or ivory, the wood is smoothened with a file and polished to give a better finish.

Techniques:-

1.  Inlay

2. Cutting

3. Smoothing

4.   Polished

How to Reach:-

By Air:-

Since Adilabad doesn't have its own airdrome, Hyderabad airport tenders great service to its visitors. This airport operates regular flights and is connected to all the major cities of the country and some international cities as well. It is located at a distance of 322 kms and one can take bus, car or train from there for reaching Adilabad.

By Road :-

Hyderabad forms the best medium for getting to Adilabad. Since it is located at a distance of 322 km, the city can be reached easily from here. In fact, the airport is connected with the other parts of the country with National Highway No. 7. There are numerous state and private bus services that connect Adilabad with other parts within and outside Andhra Pradesh.

By Train:-

Adilabad has its own station, which is well-connected to the western and southern parts of India. Most of the trains in these areas serve the needs of travelers. Regular trains from Hyderabad, Mancheral and Kagaz Nagar connect Adilabad with numerous places