NCERT Class 11 Art & Culture — Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

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In the context of traditional bronze casting, the tools known as "pichki" or "pharni" are used for:

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AMelting the alloy over an open fire
BCreating the clay mould
CSqueezing wax into noodle-like shapes
DPolishing the final metal surface

Did you get this right?

Solution

Correct Option

The correct option is Squeezing wax into noodle-like shapes.

Explanation

The terms "pichki" and "pharni" are integral to the traditional Dhokra metal casting technique, which is a variation of the lost-wax (cire perdue) process. This craft is predominantly practiced by tribal communities in regions such as Bastar (Chhattisgarh), Odisha, and West Bengal.

Detailed Analysis:

Pichki: This tool functions as a press or extruder, similar in principle to a syringe or a vermicelli maker. It is typically a hollow bamboo or wooden cylinder with a perforated metal disc at the bottom.
- Function: Warm beeswax (blended with resin and nut oil) is placed inside the tube and pressed down with a wooden plunger. This action squeezes the wax out through the perforations, creating long, thin, noodle-like wax threads.
- Application: These fine wax threads are wound around a clay core to create the intricate surface details and structure of the final sculpture.
Pharni: This tool is used subsequently to shape, flatten, or finish the wax threads on the model to ensure precision before the outer layer of clay is applied.

Key Takeaway: In the context of traditional bronze/bell-metal casting (Dhokra), the pichki is the tool used to extrude wax into fine wires for modeling the design.

Your note

More from Chapter 7: Indian Bronze Sculpture

Consider the following statements regarding the Dhanesar Khera bronze Buddha: 1. It belongs to the state of Uttar Pradesh. 2. The drapery is transparent and clings to the body without any folds. 3. It exemplifies the Sarnath style of foldless drapery. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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With reference to the Chola bronze Nataraja, consider the following statements: 1. The upper right hand holds the damaru. 2. The upper left hand holds the damaru. 3. The main right hand is in abhaya hasta. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

hard

Consider the following statements regarding the Chaturanana Vishnu images: 1. They have four heads. 2. The additional faces represent Brahma and Shiva. 3. This iconographic form is also found in the art of Kashmir. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Which of the following is a characteristic feature of the Adinath bronze image from Chausa? 1. It features short curly hair similar to other Tirthankaras. 2. It is depicted with long hairlocks dropping to the shoulders. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

easy

With reference to the Nataraja bronze, consider the following statements: 1. The upper right hand holds the damaru, symbolizing the beat of time. 2. The upper left hand holds a trident. 3. The main left hand is held in abhaya mudra. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Correct Option

The correct option is Squeezing wax into noodle-like shapes.

Explanation

Detailed Analysis:

Pichki: This tool functions as a press or extruder, similar in principle to a syringe or a vermicelli maker. It is typically a hollow bamboo or wooden cylinder with a perforated metal disc at the bottom.
- Function: Warm beeswax (blended with resin and nut oil) is placed inside the tube and pressed down with a wooden plunger. This action squeezes the wax out through the perforations, creating long, thin, noodle-like wax threads.
- Application: These fine wax threads are wound around a clay core to create the intricate surface details and structure of the final sculpture.
Pharni: This tool is used subsequently to shape, flatten, or finish the wax threads on the model to ensure precision before the outer layer of clay is applied.

Key Takeaway: In the context of traditional bronze/bell-metal casting (Dhokra), the pichki is the tool used to extrude wax into fine wires for modeling the design.