Artisan Soul

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO INDIAN ART HUBS

WEST BENGAL CRAFT HUB

Dokra
An ancient form of lost wax casting art, which cannot
be appropriately dated back in time, due to the
diversity and the techniques used in making this
handicraft, which varies place to place and culture to
culture. Two of such cultural hubs in West Bengal are
located in Burdwan and Bankura. The entire villages
are engaged this form of art and they have most
courageously held up their century old tradition in
India and as well as in abroad, promoting their craft
everywhere they go.
The Designs typically vary from tribal figures and
figurines, or idols of Gods and Goddesses or birds
and figures of animals.
Being the most elegant art form on the portfolio of
Artisan Soul, Dokra seemingly will grab everybody’s
attention.

Dokra Jewelry
These Jewelries are entirely handcrafted in the
district of Burdwan by the same artisans as our
Dokra pieces. The beading of these pieces with
threads and beads make these items much more
magnificent and a must have collection for the
ethnic affectionate women.
Most of the metal pieces are made using the lost
wax casting technique by our most capable
Dokra artisans, which gives this art an ethnic yet
a very modern touch to be explored.
These beautiful pieces are one of the most
attention seeking crafts on our portfolio.

Mr. Shubho Karmakar, a very dedicated Dokra artisan
belonging to the place, Dariyapur located in the further
interiors of the Burdwan district of West Bengal. Being an
excellent artisan himself, he also trains a lot of his co-dwellers
into the art and helps us maintain a steady supply of the craft.
Shubho Karmakar
Dokra – Dariyapur
Although Dariyapur being one of the two main Dokra hubs of
West Bengal, it is also the largest, with respect to the
magnitude with which the people have taken Dokra as the
only means of income for this village.
Every individual of this village practices the art form, and
preserves the ancient craft dating back 4000 years into human
history.

Wooden Items
Natungram Village in Burdwan district of West Bengal
is known for traditional Wooden Dolls. The doll
making tradition has been in trend for centuries and
continues even to this day. The traditional designs of
Wooden Dolls support the culture and mythology, the
richness of ideas, the brilliant combination of pure
simplicity and glamour combined with the
craftsmanship of the crafters.
Making of the Wooden doll is unique and is a
household activity in Natungram. This small village, is
the hub of wooden doll making artists also known as
‘Sutradhars’ (a narrator or storyteller). These dolls,
from ancient folk tales and mythology are
characterized by their vibrant colors and distinctive
ethnic style, are carved out of a single piece of wood.
Owl sculptures from Natungram in Burdwan district
share the status in representing Bengal’s handicraft.
Besides owls, Krishna-Radha, king and queen dolls are
traditionally made.

Mr. Bijoy Sutradhar, a master artisan who has won a lot of
awards, most notably the Shilp-Guru award for his excellence
in the craftsmanship of the wooden dolls and other wooden
items. He hails from the village of the origin of these crafts that
is Natungram itself. Over the years he has been successful in
promoting the art on a global scale as well as on every platform
available to him. He has been one of the major reasons why the
artform is still alive in the heart of West Bengal.
Bijoy Sutradhar
Wooden Dolls – Natungram
He not only makes these crafts but also trains a lot of able
artisans who then have succeeded in taking up the
responsibility of spreading the awareness of the art elsewhere
throughout the country.

Sholapith
This is again a very ancient craft, dating back to the
time when in Ancient India worshiping of idols had
started and Shola, a naturally found fiber was
massively used for decorations of the idol and in
many other festivals and occasions.
Shola is even used in marriages and several Bengali
festivities. This Sholapith is collected from the
naturally found grasses and then the usable material
is extracted out of it and then crafted into beautiful
pieces of decorations.
Shola works hold a great resemblance of craft during
the times of Durga Puja, one can see exquisite level of
Shola work all around the state of West Bengal.
However, this goes without saying that the artform
has evolved into much more than just a decorative
work on Pandals. Craftsmen have moved on to create
home décor rather than just sticking on to the
convention, and thus we produce before you these
excellent pieces.

Mr. Ashis Malakar, belonging to the family of Malakars, who
reside in the village of Bonkapasi, Burdwan, is the third
generation National Award winner for his proficiency in this
art form. Starting from his Grandmother, now to him everyone
has been excellent craftsmen and have been recognized not
only on national level but also on global level. He has done
several workshops across the world in different locations and
has earned the credit of the master artisan in his field.
Ashis Malakar
Sholapith – Bonkapasi
He himself works on the fine pieces of work as well as employs
approximately 100-150 artisans who work under his most
capable guidance round the year at all times.

Pattachitra
‘Pattachitra’ or ‘Patachitra’ refers to the traditional art
of scroll painting on a cloth base. Upon breaking
down the term Pattachitra, ‘Patta’ means Cloth and
‘Chitra’ means picture, this appealing form of art is
based out in the eastern states of our country,
particularly West Bengal and Odisha.
The paintings resemble mythological narratives and
folktales in the form of intricate detailing, all painted
in natural colors collected or extracted from the
natural environment. In West Bengal, Pattachitra in
ancient times was used as a narrative form of art
wherein artisans would sing alongside the painting
describing the depiction. These artisans are often
referred to as ‘Patuas’, who would hover from place to
place in ancient times, showcasing their magnificent
use of colors on a scroll of cloth and sing along the
stories of folklore and different mythologies.
Pattachitra holds a great importance in human history,
the art of storytelling has evolved through it, an early
method of entertainment for the common people.

Mr. Bahadur Chitrakar, a renowned Pattachitra artist
associated with Artisan Soul since its very initial days. Mr.
Chitrakar and his works both have been recognized by many
art galleries across the globe and he has most ably
demonstrated his works in many countries other than India.
He has a notable collection of works across domains of
authentic Pattachitra paintings and also a sub-category of the
same popularly known as the Kalighat paintings.
Bahadur Chitrakar
Pattachitra – Pingla
Along with his entire family Mr. Chitrakar runs a small
Pattachitra museum in his dwelling place, Pingla, Paschim
Medinipur, where he has kept this age old tradition of story
telling through some amazing paintings alive. Throughout the
year Pingla is attracted by many tourists from around all the
nations and the Pattachitra museum is the epicenter of all the
attention.

Sabai Grass
Sabai Grass is a naturally found fiber, common
around the river bed of West Bengal and Odisha.
Found in abundance this grass has no food value in
our food chain. Hence, this either goes entirely to
waste or it is turned into very beautiful things of
utility. Majorly mastered in some of the regions of
Jhargram and Purulia, this art form has embarked
upon the market due to its utility and the durability
of the products while making it sure that the whole
look of the surroundings remain ethnic.
Even more surprising fact about the craft is that the
entire craft is practiced by women entrepreneur
residing in the village, that is to say that the entire
craft is manufactured and promoted forward by the
women themselves.
Sabai Grass products are very elegant and can be
used for a lot of things. The utility value is
immense.

Mrs. Mridula Mahato, a woman entrepreneurs residing in the
interiors of West Bengal in the district of Jhargram has
mastered the art of weaving Sabai Grass and producing the
most eye-catching crafts of utility. Mrs. Mahato not only works
hard towards producing these but employs 10-12 woman
artisans and guides them on how to weave the golden grass.
Mridula Mahato
Mrs. Mridual Mahato, has been to several handicraft expos and
trade fairs herself and she has exhibited the skillset through
many beautiful items and created a specific segment of
customers for the respective item among them.
Sabai Grass – Nayagram

Handloom
Handloom Sarees of Nadia are famous all over the
world for their typically traditional designs. There
are over 15,000 artisans/weavers located in this belt
of West Bengal. The sarees are greatly inspired by
the Tangail sarees of Bangladesh due to the fact that
during the time of partition of West Bengal from
India post-independence, the community of artisans
were also separated out and many artisans living in
the further eastern parts of West Bengal moved to
Bangladesh but the designs almost remained
unchanged whatsoever, for example Dhakai Sarees,
Jamdani, Tant Sarees, etc.

Mr. Provash Ghosh, although being the owner of one of the
biggest handloom networks of Nadia, Mr. Ghosh himself
started his loom while he was still a student, and had excelled
the art of weaving sarees of different types and varieties. He
has become widely known all throughout the country for the
variety of sarees he has in his stock.
Provash Ghosh
Having employed more than 4000 looms all across the Nadia
and Shantipur Districts, he has one of the finest men at work
who can weave magic in matter of days.
Handloom Saree – Phulia

Kantha Stitch
A very traditional stitching method used by the
women of West Bengal’s Birbhum, a very beautiful
and attractive form of art which attracts a lot of
enthusiastic people from around the corners of the
world. Kantha is among one of the finest stitching
works India showcases due to the most intricate of
details that is used and also due to the time and
care taken to craft one of these pieces.
Needless to say kantha has been a widespread
attraction for those who are enthusiastic of the
Indian art and craft. The stitching is typically done
on Sarees, Dupattas, Shawls and on Kurtas.
However, in the evolving times of need, the artists
have adapted themselves from time-to-time
changes in demand right from the color coordinations
to the type designs used on the
products.

Madurkathi
Madurkathi mats or more popularly known as
‘Madur’ are weaved from a reed called
‘Madurkathi’. Mat weaving, an ancient practice
of West Bengal, has its origins in the district of
Medinipur. In these areas, it is an important
source of income since these mats are
traditionally woven across maximum
households.
Mats made out of Madurkathi are used as
bedding or are used for sitting. Mats are good
insulators and also absorb sweat which makes
the possession of Madurkathi mats popular for
households in West Bengal.

Mr. Alok Jana a National Award wining artisan, who has also
won a lot of other recognitions across the world. Along with
Mr. Jana, Mrs. Jana has also won several awards in the same
field and continually developing the said craft on a very large
scale, in and around his dwelling place, i.e. Sabang, Paschim
Medinipur.
Alok Jana
A very fine artist and a very committed person, who has
invested all his time and anticipation in learning how to weave
Madurkathi products. He has single handedly created a global
demand for the said craft, right from simple Madurkathi mats
he produces very elegant Masland floor mats, which are a very
popular creations of Mr. Jana.
Madurkathi – Sabang

Leather Crafts
Leather Bags from Shantiniketan, West Bengal are
quite different from the mainstream leather bags
due to the use of batik print designs done on the
bags. These bags were initially revived back from
the edge of extinction during the 1940s by none
other than Shri Rabindranath Tagore.
Among saving all the handicrafts he played a
prominent role in promoting this art. By
innovating the batik designs along with the
traditional stories inscribed on it. These bags are all
made of pure leather and hand painted. The most
notable thing about the craft is that the color used
on the bags are mostly natural colors.

Mr. Sanyashi Das, a Government of India recognized Artisan
and Trainer for the art of Leather Embossment belonging to the
district of Birbhum. He plays an important role in training and
development of the leather products manufactured in this hub.
A prominent recognized artist by the Ministry of Handicrafts,
he has been practicing this art for more than 20 years now.
Wherein he guarantees the authenticity of the leather he uses.
He employs more than 30 artisans, who work dedicatedly for
him, and are training under his guidance who design and color
these products and make it ready for the customers to use.
Sannyashi Das
Leather Craft – Bolpur

ODISHA CRAFT HUB

Dokra
A more than 4000 year old art living in the deepest
part of Odisha, in the district of Dhenkanal. The
Dokra found in Odisha is much more refined than
that can be found in any other places. Carrying the
elegant golden color, these pieces are same as those of
West Bengal, the only difference and the most
important one indeed is the type of finish that can be
found in these and the detailing seen is one of its
kind.
The Odisha Dokra also differs in its type of
craftsmanship and the final figures that are casted
out. The Dokra pieces are not at all associated with
figures of Gods and Goddesses, however due to the
popular demands the craftsmen have revolutionized
into making those as well. The popular Dokra pieces
of Odisha still stands to be the figures of different
animals, tribal figures and figurines, etc.

Mrs. Golap Gadtia, a National award winning artisan,
belonging to Dhenkanal district of Odisha. The place is
popularly known as Sadeibareni, the whole village is involved
in making of these wonderful pieces of Dokra casting. Mrs.
Gadtia’s artform has a wide demand in the international
markets due to the intricate finishing of Dokra pieces.
She along with her whole family dedicatedly design and
fabricate these beautiful items and market these items further.
Golap Gadtia
Dokra – Sadeibareni

Pattachitra
Pattachitra just like Dokra is also found in Odisha.
The Odisha Pattachitra is considered to be one of the
oldest and all the more intriguing due to the different
designs and patterns used on it. West Bengal
Pattachitra is more about the tribal art and culture,
depicting the tribal forms of representation, telling a
story in huge scrolls, whereas Odisha Pattachitra are
symbolic in nature, depicting the idols of different
Hindu Gods and Goddesses.
Pattachitra found in Odisha are in existence for a long
time now, they were bought as souvenirs by the
devotees at the Puri Jagannath temple.

Belonging to the village of Raghurajpur, Odisha, there are
several artisans residing here. This village has been a declared
a heritage village due to its significance of being a hub to more
than 100 Pattachitra artisans, who make and promote the craft.
Santosh Behera
Pattachitra from Odisha is widely known for the color
combinations used and the minute details used on the paper.
These artisans take just 4-5 days to create these masterpieces.
With a huge demand in all the markets, these items are a best
in class products for any kind of décor.
Pattachitra – Raghurajpur

Sambalpuri Saree
A traditional hand woven saree made in the Districts
of Sambalpur, Balangir, Bargarh, Boudh and Sonepur
districts of Odisha. However, this originated from the
tribal belts of Sambalpur, Odisha and these sarees
reflect the ancient handicraft called Bandha Kala, i.e.
the tie-dye art reflected in the minute weaves done on
the saree also known as Sambalpuri Ikkat.
Sambalpuri sarees are popular for their beautiful
designs Shankha, Chakra, Phula(Flower) which has
high resemblance to the Odiya culture and its use of
these objects to represent Lord Jagannath. A very
traditional method of making sarees as well as a very
ancient one.

Bhagwan Meher, a very motivated artisan, who has been
making these beautiful Sambalpuri sarees for decades now in
the district of Bargarh, Odisha. Meher is the title given to all
the Sambalpuri artisans, who have been practicing this art of
generations.
Mr. Meher supported by his daughter and son is continuing
this craft, and has a lot of loyal customers from all over India
who approach him for his beautiful creations.
Bhagwan Meher
Sambalpuri Saree – Bargarh

Thank You!