The role of the state in saving Paitker painting in Jharkhand

Abstract

This study investigates the background of Paitker painting in Jharkhand, India, and the role of the state in saving it. Paitker painting is more than 500 years old. It is exclusively practised by the Chitrakar community in Amadobi village, a tradition that had been encouraged by the emperors of the Dhalbhum dynasty (1300 ad). Today, Paitker painting is on the verge of vanishing as there are only 45 families left in the Chitrakar community of whom only two are keeping this rare art practice alive. Most have left their community and practice, and migrated to cities to find a more sustainable livelihood. The study adopted an exploratory research design using a qualitative research approach and oral narrative analysis. Four officials of Jharcraft, artisans and policy-makers were interviewed to understand the progress made by the government in saving Paitker painting. Additionally, secondary data was collected to better understand the cultural significance of Paitker painting, the socio-economic value of Paitker for the Chitrakar community and handicraft marketing processes within and outwith India. The main findings of the study reveal that clarity was lacking in the conservation approach and that additional government policy support was needed. The most significant initiatives of the state to date include training and e-retailing through the Jharcraft web-platform. The study found that improving the infrastructure and better promotional efforts to improve marketing, nationally and internationally, could improve the sustainability of Paitker painting in an effort to save it.