Concept:
Meera Mukherjee was one of India's most important modern sculptors. She is especially known for combining modern sculptural expression with traditional Indian craft techniques. Her sculptures were deeply inspired by the indigenous tribal metal casting tradition known as:
\[
Dhokra casting
\]
Step 1:
Dhokra is an ancient Indian metal casting technique practiced by tribal artisans in regions such as:
• Chhattisgarh
• Odisha
• West Bengal
• Jharkhand
It uses the:
\[
Lost-wax casting method
\]
The process involves:
• Creating a wax model
• Covering it with clay
• Heating to melt the wax
• Pouring molten metal into the cavity
The resulting sculptures often display textured linear surfaces and handcrafted qualities.
Step 2:
Meera Mukherjee traveled extensively to study tribal craft traditions. She adapted Dhokra techniques into modern sculpture.
Characteristics of her sculptures include:
• Rope-like textural patterns
• Elongated human figures
• Folk and rural themes
• Handcrafted surface treatment
• Bronze casting inspired by tribal methods
Her works beautifully merged:
\[
Modern Art + Indigenous Craft Tradition
\]
Step 3:
Option (2): Sand casting
Sand casting is an industrial casting method and not the indigenous process mainly associated with Meera Mukherjee.
Option (3): Terracotta
Terracotta is clay-based pottery and sculpture, unrelated to her principal bronze sculptural technique.
Option (4): Mixed media
Although artists may use mixed media, Meera Mukherjee is specifically famous for Dhokra-inspired bronze casting.
Step 4:
Her work is significant because she:
• Revived indigenous craft traditions
• Brought tribal techniques into modern art
• Elevated craft practices into fine art sculpture
• Created a uniquely Indian modern sculptural language
Step 5:
Since Meera Mukherjee's sculptures were inspired by the indigenous Dhokra metal casting process, the correct answer is:
\[
\boxed{\text{(1) Dhokra casting}}
\]