The correct option is Sal.
Explanation
Dhokra (or Dokra) is a traditional form of non-ferrous metal casting that utilizes the lost-wax casting (cire-perdue) technique. This ancient craft is practiced primarily by tribal communities in states such as Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. The process involves creating a clay core, covering it with wax threads to form the design, and then casting it in metal.Detailed Analysis:
The preparation of the wax strands is a critical step in the Dhokra process, as the material must be pliable enough to form intricate designs yet firm enough to hold its shape.
- The wax mixture is traditionally composed of pure beeswax, nut oil, and a natural resin.
- This resin, often referred to as Dhuna or Dammar, serves as a binding agent and hardener.
- The resin is extracted from the Sal tree (Shorea robusta).
- The mixture is boiled and strained to create the final wax dough used by the artisans to wrap around the clay core.
Key Takeaway:
In the Dhokra metal casting tradition, the wax composition relies on resin (Dhuna) collected from the Sal tree (Shorea robusta) to achieve the necessary plasticity and firmness for the lost-wax process.