Dhubri ‘shola’ craft artisans fight to sustain tradition amid low income

Dhubri: Shola or ‘kuhila’ (pith) craft artisans of Dhubri district are finding it difficult to preserve the traditional art form, saying they do not earn enough to support their families.Primarily practised by the Malakar community of Dhubri and in some parts of western and central Assam, the art form holds cultural signicance as well. In Dhubri alone, there are about 1,500 Malakar families who know the craft.Artisans from Debottar Hasda said the community has earned name and fame, and that Dulal Malakar of Debottar Hasda village in Dhubri district was even nominated for a national award in the handicrafts category in 2023.

However, his name was later dropped, they added.The artisans said the craft holds cultural significance in local celebrations, idol decoration and the region’s handicrafts tradition. They said they make decorative figures, masks, religious motifs, garlands and ornamental pieces from the soft white branches of plants grown in the area.Pith craft artisans said despite recognition from cultural forums and at the national level, the community’s pith craft production has not flourished due to a lack of promotion and marketing strategy by the govt.

Talking to TOI, artisan Koren Malakar of Gauripur alleged that state and central govts have done little to help the community grow and transform the traditional folk art into an industry. “After much persuasion, Dhubri District Skill Development conducted a 25-day training cum workshop in Gauripur on Nov 25. But what’s the use of such training if it is not supported by financial aid. With the certificates issued by skill development, many of us tried to avail bank loans but failed,” Koren rued.