| Article Title |
Negotiating Tradition and Change: A Cultural–Geographical Study of Sohrai and Khovar Paintings in Hazaribagh region, Jharkhand, India |
| Author(s) | Sreeparna Das, Tanmay Sardar. |
| Country | India |
| Abstract | Hazaribag, Jharkhand, India is known for its two important cultural styles of painting, Sohrai and Khovar; these paintings have historical and emotional meaning to the artisans in that area. This study has investigated the perspectives of the villagers of Isko and Jorakath and their addition to the evolution of these two types of paintings. Artisans in Isko continue to utilize natural dyes in their paint to make ritualistic paintings, with their purpose largely associated with ceremonial events. On the other hand, Jorakath artisans have moved toward using synthetic pigments in their non-ritualistic works, partially due to the influence of tourism and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). This new trend changes the cultural integrity of the paintings because artisans create the paintings and then they are reproduced commercially, negatively affecting the individual artists’ heritage. This paper illustrates an immediate need to protect these artistic forms of expression and provide adequate compensation for artists. The notion of using these forms of artistic expression within an evolving society is emphasized through environmental stewardship, equitable market access, and educational outreach activities to ensure the next generations have access to the legacy of Sohrai and Khovar paintings. |
| Area | Cultural Geography |
| Issue | Volume 3, Issue 2 (April - June 2026) |
| Published | 2026/04/22 |
| How to Cite | Das, S., & Sardar, T.. (2026). Negotiating Tradition and Change: A Cultural–Geographical Study of Sohrai and Khovar Paintings in Hazaribagh region, Jharkhand, India. Cosmos: A Journal of Geography, 3(2), 14-26, DOI: https://doi.org/10.70558/COSMOS.2026.v3.i2.25448. |
| DOI | 10.70558/COSMOS.2026.v3.i2.25448 |
Cosmos: A Journal of Geography
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