Factors influencing artisans in Mayurbhanj district to abandon traditional dhokra craft: A structural equation modeling (SEM) analysis

Dhokra casting is a traditional process where artisans melt brass to create idols, which they sell in the market to sustain their livelihoods. However, many artisans are now abandoning this craft. To understand the reasons behind this shift, a survey was conducted among 212 artisans in the Kuliana, Rairangpur, Jasipur, and Karanjia areas of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha. The study employed structured questionnaires, focused group discussions, and direct observations, along with statistical techniques like structural equation modeling. The findings revealed that artisans are transitioning to other occupations due to several challenges in the Dhokra business, including rising raw material costs, financial constraints, lack of training in art and business skills, the collapse of cooperative societies, middlemen dominance, limited market access, and the withdrawal of government support. Without intervention to address these issues, the decline of this traditional craft is likely to continue.