The women who paint Jharkhand: Sohrai-Khovar's journey from harvest ritual to galleries

In the remote villages of Jharkhand, the Sohrai and Khovar painting traditions have flourished for thousands of years, surviving through oral transmission from mothers to daughters. Once confined to cave walls and festival walls, this unique art form is now practiced almost exclusively by women. Originally a seasonal craft tied to harvest and wedding seasons, Sohrai-Khovar has adapted to the agricultural cycles of rural Jharkhand, providing women with a reliable source of income during the off-seasons.

The art form has garnered international recognition, receiving Geographical Indication status in 2020 and being featured on government buildings throughout the state. While the shift toward livelihood has brought financial stability to many women, some critics argue that it risks reducing the art form to mere commercial products rather than preserving its cultural significance.