Sohrai Art of Jharkhand: Tribal Mural Tradition Explained
Why in the news
Sohrai art took centre stage at Kala Utsav 2025 in Rashtrapati Bhavan; President Droupadi Murmu praised it as reflecting the soul of India.
About Sohrai art
- Ritual murals of the Santhal, Munda and Oraon tribes, mostly by tribal women in Jharkhand.
- Done at Diwali and harvest time as thanks for livestock, fertility and farm life.
- Found in Hazaribagh, Santhal Parganas and Bihar border areas; evolved from prehistoric cave art.
Key features
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Motifs | Animals, birds, trees, rural scenes |
| Colours | Red ochre, white kaolin, black manganese |
| Tools | Bamboo twigs, chewed sticks, cloth |
| Artists | Women, passing skills across generations |
Significance
- Eco-friendly art reflecting indigenous worldviews, myth, farming and feminine creativity.
Exam angle
- State: Jharkhand.