শোলাশিল্পের গুরুত্ব : ব্যবহারিক, সামাজিক ও ধর্মীয় প্রেক্ষিত/ Relevance of Shola Pith : Functional Social and Religious Perspective

Abstract

Among the various forms of folk art, Shola art is one of the most notable examples. Rural folk artists create unique artistic objects using simple tools, their own intelligence, and indigenous techniques. Shola art is found almost throughout West Bengal—such as in Kolkata, Kumartuli, Khardah, Maheshpur, Katwa, Jamuria, Bishnupur, Sonamukhi, Khoyrasol, Howrah, Krishnanagar, Murshidabad, and other places. Shola is a type of aquatic plant, and it is the primary material used in this craft. In addition to shola, materials like zari, sequins, embossed paper, colored paper, and tracing paper are also used nowadays. The main tool used is called a kat, along with scissors, knives, narun, chisels, interlock scissors, embossing machines, tumna, rolling pins, compasses, and other implements. Various items are made from shola, such as topor (traditional headgear), kadam flowers, chandmala (garlands), sithimor, pathasi, trees, and creepers, decorative backdrops (chalchitra) for idols, idol decorations, and different types of figurines. Various design motifs are used in this art; including peacock, lotus, kalka, moon, karela, chaki, half-chaki, flower-chaki, five-petal, seven-petal, and tooth-pattern designs. Shola art has significant practical, social, and religious importance. Shola items are used for home decoration, such as peacock-shaped boats, ornamental structures (ambari), elephants, masks of Goddess Durga, and statues of famous personalities. It is widely used in social ceremonies like weddings and annaprashan (rice-feeding ceremony). It is also used for decorating ceremonial pavilions (mandaps). In religious rituals, the use of shola art is very prominent. It is widely seen in Durga Puja, Kali Puja, Jagaddhatri Puja, and other festivals. Additionally, it is used in Manasa Puja, Chandi rituals, Bishahari worship, and even in the making of Tazia in Muslim traditions.