THE KOHBAR PAINTING OF JHARKHAND

Описание: KOHBAR PAINTING OF JHARKHAND

Kohbar painting is a traditional art form, traditionally prepared on mudwall of the house, and it is closely associated with marriage rituals, practiced by several tribal and folk communities of Jharkhand. Its core cultural area lies in the Hazaribagh region and its surrounding districts, where marriage is sanctified through this ritual, art, and belief.
Traditionally painted on freshly plastered mud walls during marriage ceremonies, Kohbar transforms domestic spaces into sacred sites.

At the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya, traditional artists from the Mahato sect of the Kurmi community, residing near the forest region of Johrakaat, are demonstrating this living tradition. A dedicated wall panel within the Mythological Trail has been provided for the Kohbar artwork. Before beginning the wall painting, the artists first prepare a ritual ground drawing known as Chauk, an essential part of the marriage ceremony. The Chauk sanctifies the space and invokes divine presence. The Chauk drawing begins with two parallel line segments representing the seats of the bride and groom. These extend into symmetrical rectangular and triangular forms and are enclosed within a circle, symbolising unity and protection. From within these geometric forms emerge organic floral and creeper motifs, signifying growth and fertility. The place designated for the couple is decorated with flowers and green thorny leaves fixed into a lump of cow dung and mud.

Kohbar painting is not merely decorative art. It is a living ritual tradition where marriage, belief, and community memory come together — preserved and shared here at IGRMS.