The "lost wax technique"seems to be an ancient technique still prevalent in many parts of India. Discuss the key features of this technique.

Bronze casting was a widespread practice during the Indus Valley Civilization, particularly at Harappa. Bronze statues were made by the “lost wax technique”. This practice is still prevalent in many parts of the country particularly the Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal.
Under this technique, the bee wax is first melted over an open fire and then strained through a fine cloth into cold water. The bee wax immediately solidifies and then it is passed through a pharni, so that the wax comes out of it in the shape of noodle like wires. These wax wires are now used to make a shape of the entire image first. After that, this image is covered with a paste of clay, sand and other materials such as cow dung. On one side, an opening is kept. When it becomes dry, the wax is heated and the molten wax is drained out through a tiny hole. The hollow mould thus created is filled with molten metal which takes the original shape of the object.

Topics: GS-I: Indian Architecture