Monthly Archives: January 2022

Sabai Grass (Eulaliopsis binata) is found in the Chota Nagpur Plateau region of West Bengal and Odisha. It has characteristic long leaves and its importance was first identified by the British who used it for military purposes. Since those areas face scarcity of water, the people, mostly women, took up rope making from Sabai grass as their profession. Then with the training provided by the Self Help Groups, artists switched to different types of craft making like furniture, baskets, coasters, wall hangings, etc using Sabai grass.

The stronghold of art and creativity makes the state of West Bengal the cultural capital of India. Among the art, handicrafts, and paintings of Bengal, dokra, terracotta, jute products, hill crafts, cane and bamboo products, chhau masks, Patachitra and Chalchitra paintings play a major role in upholding the rich culture and heritage.