A Glimpse toward Bihar
Bihar has a rich historical past. From the ancient time to the present century, it is always a center of attention of historians. Bihar is rich with varied arts and crafts. The unique features of art and crafts in Bihar are the intrinsic beauties and great creativeness. These creative beauties have been preserved in various forms like in ancient stone, wooden structures, grass-clothes, lacquer and metal-wares. Bihar’s craftsmen have excelled in manufacturing artistic goods which have great demands in local and international market. The fine skill and perfection of Bihari craftsmen is clearly manifested from various archeological excavations in Patna, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, Rajgir, Kumhrar, Bulandibagh, Nalanda, Mithila and other places. Pottery, wooden structures, metal wares, stone wares, jewelry, lacquer works, kashida, sikki and moonj wares, wooden and clay toys, zari, artistic textile fabrics and printing on cloth are some of the contemporary crafts of Bihar which are known in Indian as well as international markets for their artistic beauties and innovations.
Another chief feature of Bihar’s handicraft is practicality and usefulness in everyday life like bangle making, khatwa works and stone works, zari works on sari and on other clothes, rock paintings and wood carvings for decoration purpose. However, reasonable price is the most important feature of the art and crafts in Bihar because of which there are in great demands in Indian as well as in foreign market. Mostly, it is demanded at the time of festivals like Ram Navami, Ganesh pooja, Karwa Chauth, Diwali and so on. Even it is used for home décor, birthday party, gift purpose and for showing culture.
Some arts and crafts names
- Lacquer Works (Muzaffarpur, Darbhang)
- Zari Works (Patna)
- Wooden Works and Wood Carvings (Patna)
- Tikuli Works (Banaras, Patna, and Culcutta)
- Brass Works (Nalanda and Rajgir)
- Pottery Works (Patna)
- Madhubani Paintings (Mithila)
Lacquer Arts and crafts
Bihar has a rich past of highly artistic and beautiful lacquer ware craft. Bihar’s lacquer ware artisans are very famous for decorating various items beautifully with lacquer ware work like legs of beds, boxes, bangles and stools. Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga and Madhubani are famous for the lacquer-work, especially for production of lac-bangles.
Lacquer craft is unique in its process and output. The raw lacquer, which is a kind of resin, is heated and moulded into the desired shape. It can be in a bangle, box, or any other decorative piece. The moulded lac is then polished until it shines, and finally, it’s painted with bright colours and intricate designs, making each piece a work of art.
Lacquerware in Bihar has been around for centuries. Lacquerware is employed for a variety of uses in the state, the most interesting of it being creating faux ornaments in plays and theatre. The craft is made by making a mixture of clay with lac to strengthen it and subsequently heating it to make it mouldable.
Mostly, this art and crafts are used to make beautiful bangles for women, such bangles are called “lahthi”. In Bihar, All women wears such types of bangles on festivals like Karwa chauth, Teej, Chhat pooja, Ganesh pooja, Ram Navami, and even in wedding occasions like Haldi and Mehndi and Etc. There is mythology behind that wearing such types of bangles represent the sign of culture and purity.
Working Style and process
- First stage for filling up dents on surface of product, then sanding it 5-6 times to ensure that the surface is smooth and no trace is remained.
- Depending on different design required eggshell inlay, silver leaf or Art & Decorative on the product, there are up to 07 steps will be processed in this stage.
- There are 2 coats of color paint or stain layer and 3 coats of high gloss layer to be painted on the product to enhance the Art & Decorative work for giving its stunning pattern under the gloss layer. The first layer of coloured lacquer is applied, usually followed by silver leaf and another layer of clear lacquer. Then several more layers of different coloured lacquers are painted by a brush, with clear lacquer layers between them.
- Polished compound is applied on the surface of product in stage 4 giving the full characteristic of lacquer finishing.
Preserving the Lacquer Art and Craft
While Muzaffarpur’s Lacquer work has evolved with time, it is essential to preserve its rich legacy. Efforts are being made to promote and support the craftsmen, ensuring that their artistry continues to thrive. Handicraft fairs and exhibitions provide a platform for artisans to showcase their work and connect with world-wide audience.
Additionally, the government and various organizations Should take initiatives to provide training and skill development programs to the craftsmen, ensuring that the craft is passed down to future generations. These efforts not only help in preserving the craft.
Conclusion
Bihar is a treasure of art and handicrafts. The cultural heritage of Muzaffarpur is beautifully reflected through Lacquer artwork created by its talented artists and artisans or craftsmen. Pottery, wooden structures, metal wares, stone wares, jewelry, lacquer works, kashida, sikki and clay toys, zari, artistic textile fabrics and printing on cloth, every piece showcases the skillful craftsmanship of the region. So, if you’re an art enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of handmade creations, a visit to Muzaffarpur is the best way to experience the beautiful art and handicrafts.