Art Forms of Chhattigarh | Chhattisgarh State PSC (CGPSC) Preparation: All subjects - CGPSC (Chhattisgarh) PDF Download

Art Forms of Chhattisgarh

Geographical Indications of Chhattisgarh are:

Bastar Dhokra

• Dhokra is a non-ferrous metal casting technique that uses the lost-wax casting method, a craft that has been practiced in India for over 5000 years, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilisation of Harappa and Mohenjo-daro. This craft involves creating items out of bell metal, an alloy of brass, nickel, and zinc, which gives the finished products an antique look. The raw materials for casting are typically sourced by recycling scrap metal.
• The process of Dhokra casting requires a high level of skill and precision. The craftsmen start by winding a thin thread of wax over a clay core. This core is then thickly coated with fine clay, usually obtained from termite mounds, and allowed to dry. Once dried, the clay is baked, leaving a narrow vent to allow the wax to melt away. The space left between the clay layer and the core is filled with molten metal, which cools and solidifies to create the final product.
• While examples of lost-wax casting are found globally, the coiled thread technique used in Dhokra is unique to Chhattisgarh.
• Some of the typical Dhokra products include Nandi Bull, horses, elephants, Ganesha statues, candle holders, ethnic tribal designs, and other items that vary according to market demand. Approximately 10,000 tribal people are involved in this art form, which has survived for centuries through various dynasties.
• The art form is primarily practiced by tribes like the ‘Ghadwas’ of Bastar and the ‘Jharas’ of Raigarh.

Bastar Wooden Craft

• The tribal population in Bastar heavily relies on forest resources, and woodcraft is a widely practiced art form in the region. One of the largest woodcrafts is the Rath (chariot) used during Dusshera. Wooden masks, crafted by tribes such as the Muria, Maria, and Bhatra, are worn for rituals and entertainment. The Muria tribe, in particular, is known for their intricate ornamentation of wooden products, including knife handles, sickles, husking instruments, seed funnels, and wooden combs. Some tribes also create and worship wooden deities.
• While many finished woodcraft products are smoothened and varnished for a glossy appearance, some craftsmen choose to leave the items raw, preserving their natural look. Over time, these artisans have adapted to creating newer products, including contemporary Hindu deities, gods and goddesses, and decorative items.
• The skilled craftsmen of Chhattisgarh also carve beautiful wooden ceilings, doors, lintels, and other architectural elements using various types of wood such as shisham, teak, dhudi, sal, and kikar. Additionally, they produce items like pipes, masks, doors, window frames, and sculptures, both as three-dimensional pieces and as two-dimensional scenes depicted on wooden planks.

Bastar Iron Craft

• Bastar Iron Craft, also known as Loha Shilp, is a traditional craft form in the Bastar region. It involves creating dark raw forms of metal artifacts and figurines using mostly recycled scrap iron.
• The craft originated from the ironsmith community, originally crafting farming and hunting implements for tribes.
• Over time, the craft has evolved into an artistic form, adapting to modern times. Artisans now produce decorative items, worship articles, and daily living accessories such as lamps, candle stands, effigies, toys, and figurines.

Terracotta Craft

• Terracotta pottery is a significant craft in Chhattisgarh, representing tribal rituals, customs, and emotions.

Other Art Forms of Chhattigarh

• Sisal Fibre: Sisal Fibre, sourced from abundant sisal leaves in the region, produces a naturally white, soft yet strong fiber. It is known for its tensile strength and durability, often used in maritime settings like ships and boats.
• Cowrie Craft: Cowrie Craft, known as Cowrie Art Forms of Chhattisgarh, involves using shells to embellish various items such as bags, dresses, and caps.
• Bamboo Craft: Bamboo Craft is a traditional practice in certain regions of Chhattisgarh where artisans create products like furniture. An example is the Narayanpur bamboo project affiliated with the National Bamboo Mission.
• Stone Carving: Stone Carving is a craft focused on creating deities for worship, primarily using soapstone to shape and carve idols. Additionally, tribals produce everyday items for urban markets and festivals.
• Godna Art: Godna Art, a unique form of art, is predominantly practiced by women in Jamgala, Chhattisgarh. These women paint traditional tattoo motifs on textiles using natural colors sourced from forests.
• Tumba Craft: Tumba Craft, a lesser-known art form originating from the Bastar region, draws inspiration from hollow gourd shells historically used by tribals as containers for water and salfi.

Traditional Art Forms of Chhattisgarh

Chhattisgarh boasts a rich cultural heritage intertwined with traditional art forms that reflect the state's rituals and beliefs. Let's delve into the two prominent art forms of the region: Painting and Ornaments.

Painting

• Pithora Paintings: Pithora paintings, originating from the tribal regions of central India (Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh), are vibrant depictions associated with rituals. These artworks often feature offerings to the Gods and are prevalent during significant occasions like marriages, childbirth, and wish fulfillments.
• Fork Art Paintings: Another intriguing form of traditional painting in Chhattisgarh, Fork art paintings, also hold ritualistic significance. They adorn walls and floors with colors, symbolizing various ceremonies and beliefs of the tribal communities.
• Symbolism of Horses: Horses are a common motif in these paintings due to their auspicious symbolism. The presence of horse imagery signifies prosperity and is linked to ancient sacrificial practices.
• Usage of Natural Colors: Artisans utilize natural colors to create these masterpieces, adding an organic and vivid touch to the traditional art forms.

Ornaments

• Variety of Materials: Artisans in Chhattisgarh craft ornaments using a diverse range of materials such as gold, silver, bronze, and mixed metals. These pieces also incorporate beads, cowries, and feathers, enriching the tribal costumes with a distinct allure.

• Traditional Folk Ornaments: Both men and women from tribal communities in Chhattisgarh adorn themselves with traditional folk ornaments, reflecting their cultural identity and heritage.

• Cultural Significance: The art forms of Chhattisgarh not only showcase the artisans' skill and creativity but also encapsulate the cultural essence of the region. These authentic handicrafts are not just visually appealing but also deeply rooted in the state's traditions and beliefs.