India, the land of varied cultures and heritages, houses various painting styles and techniques. Bhojpuri painting is one such folk painting style that has flourished in the Bhojpur - Purvanchal region of India comprising states like Bihar, Eastern Uttar Pradesh, and Northwestern Jharkhand thousands of years ago and it is one of the most popular paintings in these areas.

History of the Art

Historically, it is assumed that this art form evolved around 1300 BC, even before the emergence of Emperor Ashoka. Some facts also conclude that this art form was popularized during the reign of Emperor Ashoka. This painting style is a type of wall painting primarily done on temple walls or on walls of the rooms of newly married couples and the main motifs are that of Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. Although in recent times motifs of natural objects and life and struggles of village people are also depicted to make the painting more acceptable among the common people and bring the style close to reality.

Types of the Art and Painting Techniques

The Bhojpuri painting is classified into two categories: Kohbar and Pidhiya paintings. 

  • Kohbar Painting - The Kohbar style of Bhojpuri painting symbolizes love and gratification. It is the traditional style which is painted on the eastern wall of the room of a newly married couple which depicts the motifs of Shiva and Parvati. According to the Vedas, Shiv-Parvati not only represents a powerful union but also the metaphor of the most stable marriage. Hence, their images are drawn as a way of seeking the divine blessing for a happy married life. 

    Techniques and materials used: Kohbar painting is a bright, multicolor painting done by using natural colours only. The prominent colours used are red, yellow, black, and white which are made of tree bark and clay. The white colour is made from milky soil and the black colour is made by grinding the seeds of the Bhelwa tree. The brushes are also made using tree branches. The artists engrave the images with utmost precision using their fingers, wooden combs, and teeth. Images of marriage ceremonies are also drawn other than Shiv-Parvati in Kohbar painting.

  • Pidhiya Painting - Pidhiya painting can be considered as the modernized form of Bhojpuri painting in which the natural aspects and everyday lives are depicted. Pidhiya painting gives Bhojpuri painting the touch of reality and is more attached to the common lives. Pidhiya painting is also used for showcasing the bond between siblings. The main motifs painted are Lotus flower, snakes, birds, flowers, leaves, creepers, and daily life scenes like farmers cutting the crops, villagers returning home, etc. 

    Techniques and materials used: The techniques of Pidhiya painting are similar to that of Kohbar Painting. Here also bright colours made from natural products like milky soil and Bhelwa seeds are used to draw and colour the walls. The paint brushes are also from natural substances.

 

Prominent Artists

Some of the prominent Bhojpuri artists of recent times are Kamlesh Kundan, Roshan Roy, Vijay Mehta, Koushalesh Kumar, and Rupesh Kumar Pandey(Gyanpuri), Nikki Kumari, Shalini Kumari, Prashansa Kumari, Mukesh Choudhary, Vivek Kumar, Shraban Kumar, and Aman Raj. They have also taken part in the demand for using Bhojpuri painting for beautifying the Arrah Station in Bihar and hence, contributed to the protection and conservation of this ancient art form.

The Current Scenario of the Art and its Recognition

With the passage of time, as people became more involved in technology, the practice of art and culture took a backseat. Bhojpuri painting also faced the same problem of oblivion until now people have started realizing the importance of conserving their traditional heritage and have started taking up responsibilities. Several groups of people from Sarjana Nyas community have come forward in organizing awareness programs about the Bhojpuri painting. The Covid-19 pandemic has also inspired many artists to bring this wall painting technique to fabric by painting on hand-made face masks, sarees, wall hangings used for gifting newlywed couples, and stoles with bright colours like red, blue, green, and yellow which have earned popularity not only in the Indian market but also overseas. Many online platforms have come forward in helping the local artists in buying and selling their products in both domestic and international markets and ARTSofINDIA.in is one such platform that is smoothly carrying out this responsibility. 

                                   Recognition  - The common people have also taken part in the revival of the Bhojpuri painting. Due to a massive protest, the government decided to use Bhojpuri painting in the beautification of Arrah Station in Bihar. The Kohbar Painting style of Bhojpuri painting from Jharkhand has also received the Geographical Indication Tag from the Government of India in May 2020.




Picture Source: biharkhabarlive (Google)