Taru Shilp: Where Shahdol's Craftsmanship Finds a New Life

There are stories that begin with a journey, and there are stories that begin with a pair of skilled hands.

In Chhatwai village of Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, a new chapter in the region's craft tradition is taking shape through Taru Shilp, a community-based handicraft initiative supported by the District Administration, Shahdol. Bringing together local artisans, Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) families and Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Taru Shilp is creating new livelihood opportunities while giving traditional crafts a platform to reach markets beyond the village.

From intricately carved wooden figurines and sculptures to colourful Gond paintings and handwoven Dari and Kaleen, Taru Shilp reflects the skill, patience and creativity of Shahdol's artisan communities.

And now, these creations are finding their way from the workshops of Chhatwai to homes across India.

What All Comes Under Taru Shilp?

Taru Shilp brings together a diverse range of traditional crafts created by local artisans of Shahdol. The collection includes:

• Wooden handicrafts and sculptures
• Gond paintings
• Dari
• Kaleen

Together, these crafts showcase the region's traditional skills, artistic expression and evolving craftsmanship, with each piece reflecting the patience and creativity of the artisans who make it.

The Art of Turning Wood into Craft

At Taru Shilp, creating a wooden sculpture begins with carefully selecting suitable wood such as Sagwan (teak) and Khamhar, ensuring it is soft and free from major cracks or defects. Artisans first trace the design onto the wood and use larger chisels to shape the basic form. Finer chisels are then used to carve intricate details and create depth and relief. The finished piece is carefully sanded with progressively finer grades of paper before being polished, giving the sculpture its final finish. Each stage requires patience, precision and skilled craftsmanship, making every Taru Shilp creation unique.

Weaving Dari and Kaleen, One Layer at a Time

Making a Dari or Kaleen is a careful process of weaving, alignment and repetition. Artisans first prepare the loom and arrange the yarn, carefully stretching and securing the warp threads to maintain even alignment. Using traditional tools and bamboo supports, the yarn is woven through the warp layer by layer to create the desired design. Once complete, the Dari or Kaleen is washed, dried and carefully trimmed to achieve an even, neat finish. 

Gond Painting Bringing Tribal Stories to Life

Gond painting brings traditional tribal artistry to life through vibrant colours, intricate patterns and nature-inspired motifs. Artisans begin by preparing the surface and sketching the composition before carefully filling it with characteristic lines, dots and detailed patterns. Inspired by elements such as animals, birds, trees and everyday life, each painting is built patiently, layer by layer. The process requires precision and creativity, resulting in distinctive artworks that reflect the rich artistic tribal traditions of Madhya Pradesh.

From Training to Earning

For several artisans, Taru Shilp has turned craft training into a source of livelihood and a potential career.

Ashok Kumar Verma of Chhatwai, after completing the 100-day woodcraft training, now creates wooden artworks and earns approximately Rs 12,000 - Rs 13,000 a month. Sunder Lal Baiga of Pachdi joined the woodcraft training when employment opportunities were limited. Today, through job-work, he earns around Rs 12,000 - Rs 15,000 a month and hopes to build his future in woodcraft.

Durga Singh of Chhatwai trained in woodcraft and Gond painting now earns approximately Rs 10,000 - Rs 12,000 a month through job-work. She hopes to become a master artisan and train others in the future.

Together, their stories reflect how Taru Shilp is helping local artisans turn traditional skills into sustainable livelihoods, while creating greater opportunities for women and SHG members.

From Chhatwai to Customers Across India

Taru Shilp is taking the craftsmanship of Chhatwai beyond Shahdol and into homes across the country. Its products are now available on Amazon, giving local artisans access to a wider market and allowing customers to discover and purchase their handcrafted creations online.

For those visiting Shahdol, the experience begins at the Sant Ravidas Hastshilp and Hathkargha Centre at Chhatwai, located on Rewa Road, near Sandipani School. Visitors can explore wooden handicrafts, Gond paintings, Dari and Kaleen while discovering the skill and stories behind their making.

Located around 7 km from Virat Temple, the craft centre can be included in a wider Shahdol itinerary, with Sarsi Island, Bandhavgarh and Amarkantak also within travelling distance. A visit here offers more than a chance to shop; it is an opportunity to meet the artisans, see their craft up close and understand the traditions behind each creation.

Whether discovered online or at Chhatwai, every Taru Shilp creation carries a piece of Shahdol's artistic heritage and the story of the artisan who made it.