Ancient Sohrai Art is Creating Self-Sufficiency Women in Jharkhand

Tucked away in the heart of Jharkhand, a small village hums with the rhythm of creativity. Here, art isn’t just a pastime; it’s a way of life. Women, young and old, pick up their brushes every morning, their fingers stained with hues of red, black, and white, as they continue a tradition older than time itself—Sohrai painting. But this isn’t just about decorating walls. It’s about reclaiming identity, independence, and a future where their art speaks for them.

Once upon a time, these women were painted only during festivals, adorning their mud houses with intricate motifs inspired by nature, tribal folklore, and ancient cave paintings. Their mothers and grandmothers did the same, passing down this tradition like a sacred heirloom. But times changed, and with modernisation creeping in, the art form began to fade. Mud walls were replaced with concrete, and the vibrant brushstrokes of Sohrai seemed destined to be forgotten. Until a group of women decided they wouldn’t let their heritage slip away so easily.

The Resurgence of Sohrai: How Women Turned Tradition Into a Profession

Sohrai painting, at its core, is a storytelling medium. In Chiruddi and surrounding villages, women have always used it to depict their connection with nature, the changing seasons, and the spiritual world. Originally painted with natural pigments derived from red and white clay, charcoal, and plant extracts, these murals covered homes, temples, and cattle shelters. The tradition was tied to the harvest festival of Sohrai, where cows and bulls—integral to agrarian life—were worshipped and celebrated.

As years went by, the paintings began fading along with the mud walls they adorned. The shift to cement houses meant fewer opportunities for women to paint, and the younger generation, drawn to modern careers, found little interest in an art form that seemed to hold no financial future.

That’s when a handful of determined women, supported by local artists and artisans like Mahto Manish Kumar, Anita Devi, and Meena Kumari, decided to take Sohrai beyond the walls of their homes. The idea was simple—why not paint on fabric, paper, and other surfaces that could reach a larger audience? The execution, however, wasn’t as easy. These women had never seen their art as a means of livelihood, and convincing them to take it up as a profession required persistence.

A few brave souls like Sunita Kumari and Meena Devi started experimenting—painting on sarees, dupattas, and towels, gradually building a small market for their work. Soon, word spread, and orders started trickling in. Today, the women of Chiruddi are not just artists but entrepreneurs. Their paintings, once limited to the confines of their village, are now travelling across India, finding their way into exhibitions, boutique stores, and even international markets.

It hasn’t been a smooth journey. There were doubts, struggles, and moments when giving up seemed easier than pushing forward. Some villagers mocked them, questioning whether people would actually buy “festival paintings” on fabric. But with time, their work gained recognition. Now, orders are flowing in through social media, and the women have secured a steady income. Some earn as much as Rs. 10,000 a month—an amount that was once unthinkable for them.

The real victory, however, isn’t just financial. It’s the shift in mindset. Women who once felt confined to household chores now walk with confidence, knowing that their art holds value. Young girls, watching their mothers earn through their craft, are picking up brushes instead of leaving their village in search of low-paying jobs. The art is thriving, but more importantly, the women are thriving.

A Legacy Worth Preserving

The revival of Sohrai art is more than just an artistic movement—it’s a revolution in the making. These women have not only kept their cultural heritage alive but have also carved out a path towards financial independence. Their journey proves that age-old traditions can evolve, adapt, and continue to inspire. While local artists push Sohrai into mainstream markets, broader recognition and sustainable opportunities remain essential. Celebrate these inspiring artists by sharing their stories and supporting their work. Discover more about their vibrant craft and help preserve this heritage for future generations. Join the movement today!