Baluchari - from the heart of Bishnupur, Bengal

Green Baluchari saree

Art is an embodiment of culture….whether it is a purely hand sculpted idol or a detailed artwork on a drape, art simply reflects the rich cultural heritage of a place.  An intricate handwork not only speaks of the artistic caliber of its weaver but also boasts highly of the legacy it carries within itself.

Sarees, happen to be one of the finest platforms which truly reflect art and its legacy. Bengal highly boasts of the designs, handworks portrayed on an array of  various sarees…whether it is Muslin, Tangail, Taant, all of them depict intricate design works which speaks highly of the heritage that it carries.  While Taant, Dhakai sarees are well known for simplicity and grace, Baluchari and Swarnachari just reflect grandeur and glory.  

Baluchari work

Origin of Baluchari: Baluchari is one of the most eminent creations of Bengal and is predominantly manufactured in Bishnupur district of Bankura, West Bengal. The creation owes its origin to Murshid Kuli Khan, the Nawab of Bengal who adored the art and made it flourish in Bishnupur. He art originally hails from Dhaka, Bangladesh. The art was practiced in Baluchar district and was named after the district itself. However, after a point of time, due to immense flood the art moved on to Bishnupur. Today, it is a popular art practiced in Bishnupur and Baluchari sarees are adored in the same way like Benarasi, Kanjivaram and other such creations that are earmarked as ‘special’.

What makes Baluchari special?
The USP of the art is that Baluchari sarees are designed on a particular motif. Mostly incidents or characters from Indian epics like the Ramayana, the Mahabharata are being portrayed in the drape. A typical Baluchari saree would depict the “Sawamvar of Draupadi” where the bride’s suitors were asked to hit an arrow at the eye of a fish just by looking at its reflection.   

Black Swarnachari saree

Swarnachari, the golden counterpart: Similar to Baluchari, Swarnachari sarees are also very much in vogue. The specialty of these sarees is that it is weaved in gold threads. The lustrous feel of the garment gives it an ostentatious appearance and makes it highly appreciable among women. It has close similarities with Baluchari except for the fact that silk threads are used in the latter. However, conceptually both are same and just like Baluchari it has intricate designs are depiction of mythologies.
Other Motifs: The designs are generally inspired from Mythological stories, like the Ramayana, Mahabharata. It also portrays scenes from the Mughal era for instance the Nawab’s Durbar or depicting women smoking hookah and the like. The drape is available in shades of red, off white with strong hues of gold.
The faces behind the creation: The art happens to be one of the richest cultures of Bengal. To produce one master piece it takes more than 100 hours of hard work. Lalu and Bholu are two twin brothers specialize in creating Baluchari sarees. They are like many other artisans work endlessly and contribute to preserve this heritage.

While the creations amaze buyers across globe, it is the relentless hardwork of the artisans which actually gives the Midas touch to drape which makes the creation a must have in every woman’s wardrobe. 

Dhokra art – From ancient to contemporary

An art is one of the most evident depictions of culture. Most ancient culture boasts of its own contemporary art form which ensembles the lifestyle of the particular era. Dhokra happens to be one of the finest  art specimen which hasn’t just evolved as a part of a  culture, but has morphed itself to represent the contemporary.

Model in Dhokra Jewelries

Origin of Dhokra: The very name “Dhokra” is said to have originated from “Dhokra Damar” tribe who had used the lost wax technology to cast the metals. It dates back to around 4000 years back during the times of Mahen-jo-daro civilization when Dhokra depicted figments of the then culture and lifestyle. One of the testaments to this fact is the “dancing girl” Dhokra art found amongst the remnants of time. It still remains as one of the finest examples of this ancient art.

Dhokra Home Decor

Dhokra Jewelries

Part of Lifestyle: Despite the fact that Dhokra has its origin in past, the art form is gladly welcomed in the life of modern India. Dhokra ornaments are often used as an accompaniment to ethnic apparels. While gold and other metals render an ostentatious appearance to its wearers, Dhokra simply paints the whole attire in an artistic tinge. The jewelries are also combined with Indo western dresses which render a Bohemian aura to its wearer. On the other hand, the same art has found its place in artistic mansions of art aficionados. While most living room decors proudly boasts of the class and stature of its owners, Dhokra essentially reflects their taste. 

Gita Karmakar, Dhokra artist

Dhokra Art in Bankura, West Bengal: Dhokra art is quite popular in Bikhuni village in Bankura. Around 70 families are engaged in the creation, the village is almost a hub of Dhokra creations in India. Gita karmakar is a president awardee and one of the eminent names who have contributed in the art. Batsar in Madhya Pradesh and Monihar in Bihar are yet other examples.

More than just art, Dhokra carries within itself a  timeless saga of long lost culture and civilization. It  still remains a memento of the past and an iconic art of today.