In the quiet village of Gunhesa under Gagri Panchayat in Bihar’s Sheikhpura district, Krishna Devi has turned her artistic talent into a beacon of empowerment. Once limited by scarce resources and minimal education, this determined woman has mastered the intricate Tanjore painting, a traditional South Indian art form, and emerged as a role model for countless others.
Joining the Jivika self-help group program marked a turning point. Krishna not only achieved financial independence but also introduced the delicate craft of Tanjore paintings to Bihar, breathing new life into this age-old tradition. In an exclusive conversation, she shared how she honed her skills through formal training in Chennai, where her husband once lived.
The process demands unwavering patience. Artisans start with a plywood base, cover it with fabric, and layer it with lime, glue, and other mixtures to create raised deity figures. Vibrant colors follow, topped with a shimmering layer of 22-carat gold. A single painting can take up to 15 days, with larger pieces requiring even more time.
Krishna’s works have graced exhibitions across multiple states, finding eager buyers in bustling cities like Delhi. From Bihar alone, her business has generated nearly four lakh rupees. Invitations arrive via letters, complete with travel and accommodation arrangements, opening doors to prestigious events.
Her husband, Praveen Kumar, recalls their struggles. Connected to Jivika since 2016, they faced job loss in Chennai during the 2020 pandemic, forcing a return to Bihar. Jivika officials recognized her talent, providing platforms at fairs and loans to expand. Initial mockery from villagers turned to admiration, culminating in an award at Noida Haat from the ministry.
Tanjore painting’s allure lies in its gold leaf application, enhancing both beauty and value. Sourcing raw materials remains challenging in Bihar, often requiring trips to Tamil Nadu, but Krishna’s resolve never wavers. Through government melas in Patna’s Gandhi Maidan, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Gurugram, and Haryana, her deities of Krishna, Ram, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Shiva have captivated audiences nationwide.
Krishna Devi’s story exemplifies how rural women, armed with skill, government support, and self-belief, can preserve cultural heritage while forging economic paths forward, inspiring a new generation.
