Dr. Jaidev Baghel (1942–2014; Kondagaon, Bastar district, Chhattisgarh, formerly part of Madhya Pradesh) was a master craftsman of Gadwakam — the ancient Indian tradition of lost-wax bronze casting — and one of the most celebrated figures in the revival and global recognition of the Gadhwa metalworking tradition. He belonged to the indigenous Gadhwa metal-craft community and began learning the intricacies of bronze casting at the age of eight under the guidance of his father, Srimanram, a skilled artisan himself.

Renowned for his distinctive, sylph-like sculptures of tribal deities, animals, and human figures, Bhagel developed a sculptural language marked by delicate detail, elongated forms, and a deeply spiritual sensibility. Working across small figurines and monumental public sculptures, he drew upon the visual traditions, folklore, and social memory of his community while expanding the expressive possibilities of Gadwakam. One of his most iconic works, The Tree of Life — a six-foot bronze sculpture installed at the Taj Hotel in Mumbai — became a powerful symbol of resilience and environmental consciousness.

Bhagel received the National Award in 1977, the Shikhar Samman in 1982, and the Shilp Guru Samman in 2002, an honour that recognised his exceptional contribution to Indian traditional arts. In 2003, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Ravi Shankar Shukla University for his contribution to Indian traditional arts.

Beyond his own practice, Bhagel was a teacher, mentor, and institution-builder who dedicated himself to sustaining the Gadhwa tradition for future generations. He established training spaces for young artisans and promoted Gadwakam through workshops and exhibitions across India and internationally, including in the United States, United Kingdom, Japan, Germany, and France. Through this work, he helped bring wider recognition to the Gadhwa tradition while expanding its visual and cultural vocabulary beyond traditional village deities to encompass broader spiritual and cultural themes.

Bhagel’s work continues to be presented in major institutional contexts. In 2026, his sculptures were included in The Meeting Ground: Scenes from the KNMA Collection, presented by the Kiran Nadar Museum of Art in collaboration with Christie’s at Christie’s King Street, London. His legacy endures through the continued practice of Gadhwa metalworking and the generations of artisans influenced by his distinctive approach to bronze sculpture.

Through his mastery of Gadwakam, his commitment to teaching, and his sustained engagement with contemporary audiences, Bhagel played a pivotal role in bringing the Gadhwa tradition from its regional roots in central India into wider national and international recognition.