The correct option is
1 only
Explanation
Dhokra (or Dokra) is a traditional non-ferrous metal casting technique known as the lost-wax casting (cire perdue) method. This technique has been used in India for over 4,000 years, with the famous "Dancing Girl" of Mohenjo-daro being one of the earliest known examples. It is still practiced by tribal communities in states like Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The Dhokra technique involves the casting of non-ferrous metals (typically alloys like brass, bronze, or bell metal) using the lost-wax or cire perdue method. In this process, a duplicate metal sculpture is cast from an original sculpture made of wax.
- Statement 2 is Incorrect: The core figure is not made of solid iron. The process begins with a core made of clay (often mixed with rice husk or sand). A layer of wax is then wrapped around this clay core to form the detailed shape of the artifact.
- Statement 3 is Incorrect: In the lost-wax technique, the wax is not inside when the metal is poured. The clay mould (containing the wax model) is heated first so that the wax melts and drains out (is "lost") through ducts. This leaves a hollow cavity between the inner clay core and the outer clay mould. Molten metal is then poured into this empty cavity to take the shape of the original wax model.
Key Takeaway
Dhokra art relies on the lost-wax technique (cire perdue), where a clay core is covered in wax, encased in clay, and heated to remove the wax before molten metal fills the void.