Padma Shri awardee Baiga Tribal Artist Jodhaiya Bai Dies

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Jodhaiya Bai

Jodhaiya Bai was a Baiga tribal art artist. She played an important role in bringing international recognition to Baiga tribal art.
She was honoured with the Padma Shri in 2023 & Nari Shakti Award in 2022 for her exceptional contribution to the field of arts.

About Baiga Tribe

Baiga are an ethnic group in central India who are known for their unique culture, including their tattoos, their relationship with the forest and their festivals.
They reside in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh.
They practice slash-and-burn cultivation, locally called “Bewar”.
Baiga was the first community in India who was granted habitat rights in 2016.

Baiga Tribal Art

The Baiga art is closely linked to the tribal community’s way of life, spirituality, and rituals.
Bai’s art was known for its symbolic depictions of forest life, animals, plants, and tribal deities.
Her work has not only been a medium of expression but also a means of preserving tribal knowledge, which is passed down through generations in the form of visual storytelling.

Legacy and Contributions

Cultural Preservation:
- Jodhaiya Bai’s contribution went beyond her artwork; she was a custodian of Baiga cultural heritage. Through her art, she educated younger generations about the importance of preserving their indigenous traditions and environmental connections.
Tribal Representation:
- Bai’s recognition on a national platform brought much-needed attention to the Baiga tribal community, often marginalized in mainstream society. Her success served as an inspiration to other tribal artists and uplifted the importance of tribal craftsmanship.
Promotion of Traditional Art Forms:
- Bai played a significant role in preserving and promoting tribal art forms that were at risk of fading away due to modern influences. She worked with several NGOs and government initiatives to showcase the rich diversity of India’s tribal cultures.
Environmental Awareness:
- The subject matter of Bai’s paintings often centered around nature, forest ecosystems, and wildlife, which highlighted the Baiga tribe’s deep-rooted connection with the environment. This made her art an important medium to spread environmental consciousness.

Final Farewell

Jodhaiya Bai’s death marks the end of an era for the Baiga tribal art community. However, her contributions will continue to inspire future generations of artists, tribal communities, and art lovers. The Padma Shri award bestowed upon her ensured that her work and dedication to her cultural roots would be remembered in the annals of India’s rich artistic history.