পশ্চিমবঙ্গের অঞ্চল ভিত্তিক শোলাশিল্পের পরিচয়/ Introduction to the regionally based Shola industry of West Bengal

Abstract

One of the most ancient and traditional forms of folk art is Shola Art. The shola plant grows naturally in canals, marshes, ponds, wetlands, and other water bodies. Earlier, artisans themselves collected shola from these water sources. Nowadays, certain groups of people collect the shola and supply it directly to the artisans’ homes. Sometimes artisans also purchase shola from markets in Kolkata. Shola craft is practiced to varying extents in almost all districts of West Bengal. However, some particularly notable centers are Surul in Birbhum, Bonkapasi in Katwa, Kumartuli and Maniktala in Kolkata, Khardah in South 24 Parganas, Bishnupur in Bankura, Amta in Howrah, Chandannagar, Krishnanagar in Nadia, Khagra in Murshidabad, Malda, and Cooch Behar. The materials used in this craft include shola, paper, tracing paper, poplin cloth, ribbons, zari, sequins, bullion wire, decorative foil paper, basma paper, various colors, shoeb paper, glue, etc. The tools mainly consist of different sizes of Bday or Kait knives, along with scissors, knives, nurul, hammer, zigzag scissors, basma pressing machine, scale, pipe, balloons, and others. The artistic products made from shola include wedding headgear (topor), sinthi mor, chandmala garlands, kadam flowers, Bishahari decorations, idol ornaments, and various models such as peacock-shaped boats, Durga masks, elephant howdahs, palanquins, chariots, and more. Artisans traditionally continue this craft through hereditary practices and indigenous techniques passed down through generations. However, some evolution can be observed in the use of materials and tools. The motifs used in this art include fern leaves, lotus flowers, trees, creepers, paisley patterns, different chakis, shuten, pea designs, bitter gourd motifs, tooth patterns, rolled betel leaf designs, and various geometric patterns. The prices of these artistic products vary according to their size and design. Artisans sell their products either independently or through cooperative societies, middlemen, and various government organizations. This craft is primarily associated with the Malakar community. However, at present, people from other communities are also engaged in this artistic tradition. Shola art faces several challenges today. By addressing these problems, this ancient and traditional craft can once again regain its former glory.