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Research Paper | Art and Architecture | Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026 | Pages: 370 - 374 | India
Sohrai Folk Art Practices: Motives and Designs of Santal Community in Purulia, West Bengal, India
Abstract: This article aims to document and analyze the unique artistic practices and cultural significance of Sohrai folk art among the Santal community in Purulia, West Bengal. Their ancient arts practices and the pre-historic arts are aesthetically interconnected over the centuries. This long tradition of endless artistic expressions of Folk and Rural Arts can be seen also in Modern India. Gradually, these art forms are gaining recognition in the global market and art world. These art forms have influenced many contemporary artists to explore the new horizon and possibilities in Visual Arts. Folk and ritualistic arts are the integral parts of the Santal society. Their aesthetics and sustainability show their sensitivity towards the Mother Nature. It has significantly contributed in the development of human civilization and their artistic perceptions. The tradition has never changed over the decades but the main principle and aesthetic perception remain primitive and rustic. Women are the centre of such art practices. These arts were created for harvesting festivals, traditional rituals and marriages throughout the generations. However, their creativity and artistic expression remain unaffected by irregular practice. These artistic practices have persisted over centuries, adapting through migration and cultural changes. Their ancient design and motifs can be seen in their rural art practices. Understanding these practices is crucial for preserving cultural heritage and highlighting the artistic contributions of rural women, especially as traditional art forms face decline in the wake of modernization.
Keywords: Rural Arts, Sohrai Tradition, Santal Community, Aesthetics, Sustainability
How to Cite?: Saheb Ram Tudu, Rajiv Mandal, "Sohrai Folk Art Practices: Motives and Designs of Santal Community in Purulia, West Bengal, India", Volume 15 Issue 2, February 2026, International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR), Pages: 370-374, https://www.ijsr.net/getabstract.php?paperid=SR26205172125, DOI: https://dx.dx.doi.org/10.21275/SR26205172125