Sohrai – Khovar Painting
Folk Painting
History
The vibrant wall art traditions of Khovar and Sohrai in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, have been practiced for centuries, linked to ancient cave paintings in the Isko and Satpahar ranges. Created primarily by women, these art forms symbolize fertility, prosperity, and divine blessings.
Raw Materials and Tools
Khovar and Sohrai paintings use natural clay-based pigments collected from fields and forests. Common colors include black clay (symbolizing Shiva), red ochre (Gerua) (fertility and ancestors), yellow clay (Nagri/Pila Maati), and white kaolin (Charak Maati). Artists use datwan (chewed neem twigs) as brushes, combs or fingers to etch Khovar designs, and cloth swabs for applying Sohrai colors.
Process
For Khovar art, a black clay base is applied to walls, followed by white kaolin. Artists then etch intricate designs using combs or fingers, revealing the black layer underneath in sharp contrast. Sohrai art starts with a white mud coating, and while still wet, artists apply red, black, yellow, and white pigments using cloth swabs or twigs. Contemporary adaptations involve using paper, canvas, and fabric, allowing greater commercial viability and preservation.
Design and Color
Khovar and Sohrai paintings feature floral patterns, birds, animals (tigers, deer, cows, oxen), and anthropomorphic figures. Khovar relies on monochrome contrast, using etching to create intricate designs. Sohrai, in contrast, employs earthy tones to depict themes like Pashupati (Lord of Animals), the Tree of Life, and Kamla Baan (Forest of Lotuses).
Product Range
Originally created as home decorations, Khovar and Sohrai paintings have evolved into commercially viable products. Today, artisans paint on cloth, paper, and canvas, creating artwork for sale. They also craft home décor items such as trays, coasters, vases, bags, and wallets.