The resident commissioner of Bihar Bhawan in Delhi, Ms. Palka Sahni, has taken an initiative to showcase the traditional art and craft of Bihar on the national as well as international fora by starting ‘Biharika: Bihar ki Kala Dehri’ in Bihar Niwas (Delhi). Under this initiative, she has provided space for the artisans to display and sell their art and craft. This has come at the right time as a life-saver for them as they were struggling due to the impact on economic activities because of the pandemic and the lockdowns.
BEYOND MADHUBANI PAINTING
Whenever we think of the arts of Bihar, the immediate thing that comes to mind is Mithila or Madhubani Painting. However, the state has many other art forms to offer which have similar historical significance. Talking about it, Resident Commissioner, Bihar Bhawan, Ms.Sahni said, “We have Manjusa art which is made by using only three colours – green, yellow and red. The details made are very beautiful and intricate. An artist from Bhagalpur Manoj Pandit is called the ‘Father of Manjusa Art’ and has been recognized on national and international platforms. However, the art doesn’t have the same appeal among wider audience due to lack of promotion. Similarly, there are 52 motifs (Booti Saree) from Nalanda, Sujni (Sheets made from used Clothes), Sikki (Golden grass from which several utilitarian items are made and the paper mache art.”
MAKING IT ECONOMICALLY SUSTAINABLE
The initiative is ongoing from last one and a half year. It all started in the wake of Covid-19. Many artists were suffering because of lockdown. Now that everything is opening up and exhibitions are taking place, Ms. Sahni came up with the idea that instead of limiting it to seminar, webinar or exhibition, they should promote the arts of Bihar in a way that is economically sustainable for the artisans.
Talking about the initiative Ms. Sahni said, “The state is traditionally known for the Madhubani art or Mithila Paintings to the world, and we are trying to connect local artists from various districts of Bihar so that art from Bihar, including Madhubani, Manjusha, Sikki, Sujini, etc. which are a part of the lifestyle of the people there but are not very well known outside Bihar, could come into people’s knowledge and receive the praise that they deserve. In the last two years, we have catalogued more than 200 artists from Bihar. Many Delhi-based artisans from Bihar have also been invited to send their artefacts to Biharika.”
“In last one and half year, artist from various districts have been contacted through video conference, calls and zoom. We also talked to them about their demands, the crisis they were facing and how do they see their art and craft in the field of market. Then, a database of more than 200 artists was created which included the information about their work, their contact details, etc.,” said Mr. Sahni.
The Resident Commissioner, Ms. Sahni, is also in touch with various artists. She knew they need promotion as well as a place to sell their products and that is why the mini emporium was set up in Bihar Niwas. To attract the customers, the team at Bihar Bhawan is promoting the emporium through various ways, including social media, websites and newspapers. The small store has been started on the exit gate of Bihar Niwas to attract the people coming to the famous Pot Belly restaurant famous for Bihar Cuisine.
“Culinary history can’t be separated from the history of culture in general’. Taking a leaf out of this expression, the exhibition will witness the fusion of food and art as the visitors will get to relish scores of popular cuisines from Bihar at The Potbelly restaurant at Bihar Niwas. She further added, “Potbelly has already been holding the flag high in terms of Bihari cuisine. Now people will get more reasons to come to Bihar Niwas after Biharika’s inauguration”, added Ms Sahni
The initiative is already reaching to a wider audience, as apart from art, various food items including Katarni Chura (flattened rice), Makhana and Sattu are also kept in Biharika which is in popular demand for the Bihari people living in Delhi NCR and nearby areas.
There is a plan to introduce these artisans on online platform also. “Bihar is very rich in culture and heritage. We just want to create awareness among people as to what Bihar has to offer. There are various arts that have not got too much attention and acceptance among the art lovers. So, we just want to attract them to Biharika. If we are successful in getting people to visit us, we can expand this initiative and make it more economically viable for the artisans,” the Resident Commissioner of Bihar Bhavan said.
