Jharkhand, a state rich in cultural diversity and natural beauty, is home to a vibrant tradition of art that reflects its deep-rooted connection with nature, spirituality, and everyday life. Among its many artistic expressions, the traditional paintings of Jharkhand stand out as a unique and powerful medium through which the indigenous communities tell their stories, preserve their heritage, and pass down their traditions from one generation to the next.
Sohrai Paintings: The Harvest Art of Jharkhand
Sohrai Painting is a folk/tribal painting tradition that is mostly practised in the villages of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh area. Traditionally, women of the household paint on the mud walls of their homes during the holiday of Sohrai, which falls just a day after the Hindu celebration of Diwali.
The colours used in this picture (red, black, yellow, and white) are natural earth colours foraged from the wild or purchased from local merchants. Chewing twigs are used as paint brushes, while cloth rags are used to apply the base coat.
The paintings depict a matriarchal tradition in which the art form is passed down as a legacy to daughters by their mothers; likewise, one of the key topics of these paintings is the mother-child bond.
Sohrai Paintings have received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag.
(Click here to read in detail about Sohrai Painting)
Khovar Paintings: The Marriage Art of Jharkhand
Khovar Painting is a folk/tribal painting tradition that is mostly done in the villages of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh district. The Khovar art illustrates the socio-religious custom of preparing a wedding room. Traditionally, women of the home paint on the mud walls of houses during weddings to greet and bless the wedded couple.
The paintings are part of a matriarchal tradition in which mothers pass down the art form to their daughters as a legacy. The most common motifs include fertility and fecundity symbols, as well as designs influenced by the environment.
Natural earth colours (white and black) were used in this painting, which were obtained either by foraging in the wild or by purchasing from local stores. Colors are applied with fabric rags on the walls, and motifs are scratched with comb pieces. Like, the Sohrai Paintings, these too depict a matriarchal tradition in which the art form is passed down as a legacy to daughters by their mothers.
They received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Tag along with Sohrai Paintings.
(Click here to read in detail about Khovar Painting)
Paitkar Paintings: The Scroll Art of Jharkhand
Paitkar painting is a folk art form that is only practised in Amadubi village in the Dhalbhumgarh area of Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district. The paintings are created by Bengali painters known as ‘Chitrakars,’ which literally means ‘picture-makers.’ The paintings depict fascinating stories about the origins of life, Hindu history and legends, as well as tribal lifestyles, rituals, and festivals.
Natural elements such as stones, leaves, flowers, and tree bark are utilised to create the colours used in paintings. Even the paint brushes used to be manufactured locally from goat hairs.
Paitkar paintings are traditionally done in scroll style, with a series of pictures that tell a tale. Paitkar is gradually losing its elongated shape and surviving in the tourist industry as a single frame painting.
(Click here to read in detail about Paitkar Painting)
Jadopatia Paintings: The Stories of After-life
Jadopatia painting is a type of folk art that is popular in the villages of Jharkhand’s Dumka district. The word ‘Jadopatia’ means ‘Magic Painters.’ The paintings are created by Bengali painters known as ‘Chitrakars,’ which means ‘picture-makers.’ The paintings tell fascinating stories about the origins of life, life after death, Hindu history and myths, as well as tribal life, rituals, and festivals.
Natural elements such as stones, leaves, flowers, and tree bark are utilised to create the colours used in paintings. Earlier, even the paint brushes used to be manufactured locally from goat hairs.
Jadopatia paintings are traditionally done in scroll style, with a series of drawings that tell a tale. Jadopatia is gradually losing its elongated form and surviving in the tourist industry as a single-frame painting.
(Click here to read in detail about Jadopatia Painting)
The Significance of Traditional Paintings in Modern Times
In today's rapidly changing world, the traditional paintings of Jharkhand serve as a vital link to the past, preserving the cultural identity and artistic heritage of the indigenous communities. These art forms are not just decorative but are deeply woven into the social and spiritual fabric of rural life. They are a means of storytelling, a way of connecting with the land, and a celebration of the cycles of life.
As Jharkhand continues to evolve, there is a growing recognition of the importance of preserving and promoting these traditional art forms. Initiatives by local NGOs, government bodies, and cultural organizations are helping to keep these traditions alive, providing a platform for artists to showcase their work and earn a livelihood. Moreover, the increasing interest in sustainable and ethical art has brought traditional Jharkhand paintings to the attention of a global audience, highlighting their relevance and appeal in the contemporary world.
Conclusion
The traditional paintings of Jharkhand are a testament to the rich cultural diversity and artistic talent of the region. From the vibrant Sohrai and Khovar wall paintings to the narrative scrolls of Paitkar and Jadopatia, these art forms offer a window into the lives, beliefs, and values of Jharkhand's indigenous communities. As we continue to celebrate and support these traditions, we not only preserve a vital part of our cultural heritage but also enrich our understanding of the world through the eyes of these talented artists.
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