Art, Craft & Handloom of Jharkhand

Craftsmanship

Traditional Crafts of Jharkhand

A heritage of tribal art forms passed down through generations using natural materials.

Sohrai & Khovar Painting

A GI-tagged traditional mural art practiced by tribal women in Hazaribagh. These paintings are done on mud walls using natural earth pigments and clays. Sohrai art represents harvest, depicting animals, birds, and plants, while Khovar art features geometric patterns painted inside bridal chambers.

Chhau Mask Making

Crafted exclusively in Seraikela, these elaborate masks are used in the UNESCO-recognized Chhau dance. The masks are made by stretching clay, paper, and plaster over wooden molds, painted in pastel shades, and decorated with elaborate beads and feathers to represent mythological gods and demons.

Bamboo & Wood Crafts

With dense forest covers, Jharkhand is rich in bamboo. Local tribal artisans construct durable and beautiful everyday items, including storage baskets, fishing traps, table mats, and home decor items. Wooden toys and hand-carved panels are also popular.

Paitkar Paintings

Paitkar is an ancient scroll painting art practiced in Amadubi village of East Singhbhum, often called the "Scroll Painters\' Village." Made using natural leaf and stone colors on scrolls, these scroll paintings narrate stories of life after death and tribal folklore.

Textiles

Jharkhand Handlooms

Famous organic silk and hand-woven tribal shawls.

Kuchai Tussar Silk

Jharkhand is the leading producer of Tussar Silk in India. Kuchai Tussar is an organic silk produced in Kharsawan, spun using traditional methods, and known for its natural golden sheen and breathable texture.

Tribal Shawls (Panchi Parhan)

Traditional hand-woven cotton shawls and sarees worn by Santhal and Munda women. They feature simple check or stripe patterns in white, red, and black, woven on local handlooms.

Art, Craft & Handloom