Basic Identification of the Craft

• Name: Chhau Mask of Charida, Purulia

• Alternative Name: Chhau Dance Mask

• Type: Folk Cultural Art of West Bengal

• Area: Charida village, Purulia district, and nearby regions

• Country: India

• Materials Used: Clay, soft paper, diluted glue, cloth, mud, fine ash powder, jute, acrylic hair, beads, sequins, feathers, metallic foil

• GI Registration Date: 28 March 2018

Origin and Historical Background

The tradition of mask-making in Charida dates back approximately 150 years, during the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi. The king invited skilled artisans from the Sutradhar community to settle in Charida, laying the foundation of what would become an internationally admired craft.

The early evolution of the craft is credited to Buddeshwar Sutradhar, considered the first master mask-maker of the village. He created the earliest iconic mask pair—Kirat and Kiratini, representing Shiva and Parvati. His contribution established the visual identity of Purulia Chhau masks and marked a turning point in their artistic development.

Over generations, mask-making became a family tradition in Charida, with skills passed down from elders to children. Today, nearly every household in the village participates in this vibrant artistic practice.

What Makes Purulia Chhau Masks Unique?

While Chhau dance exists in three regions—Purulia (West Bengal), Seraikella (Jharkhand), and Mayurbhanj (Odisha)—the Purulia Chhau is the only form that uses large, colourful, highly ornate masks.

• Seraikella Chhau uses smaller, simpler masks.

• Mayurbhanj Chhau uses no masks at all.

It is the elaborate Purulia masks that give the dance its visually dramatic and larger-than-life character.

Dancers describe the mask as transformative—it enables them to instantly “become” the deity or demon they portray, whether it is Ravana, Kartikeya, Mahishasura, Durga, or Shiva.

Types of Chhau Masks

Chhau masks are categorized according to the characters portrayed in the dance:

1. Babu Masks: Gods such as Shiva, Vishnu, Kartik, Krishna, Ganesha

2. Bir Masks: Heroic or demon characters like Mahishasura, Ravana

3. Nari Masks: Female deities such as Durga, Parvati, Saraswati

4. Animal Masks: Tiger, lion, monkey characters (e.g., Bali, Sugriva)

5. Bird Masks: Peacock, swan, Jatayu

6. Bhoot Masks: Ghosts or supernatural beings

Each mask is designed with strict stylistic rules—for instance, Krishna is always blue, Rama green, female gods pink, and demons often painted in darker shades with fierce expressions.

Manufacturing Process: The Art Behind the Mask

Creating a Chhau mask is a multi-stage, labor-intensive process requiring both skill and patience. The craft is practiced mainly by the Sutradhar community. A single full-sized mask typically takes 6–7 days to complete.

Step-by-Step Process

1. Base Moulding:
   A wooden or cane base is coated with clay to form the initial shape.

2. Layering:
   8–10 layers of soft paper are pasted using diluted glue, creating a sturdy shell.

3. Ash Dusting & Sun Drying:
   Fine ash is sprinkled on the mould, and it is dried thoroughly under the sun.

4. Mud–Cloth Reinforcement:
   A mixture of mud and cloth strips strengthens the structure.

5. Separation & Smoothing:
   Once dried, the papier-mâché mask is separated from the base and polished.

6. Detailing:
   Facial details such as eyes, eyebrows, lips, and ornaments are shaped.

7. Painting:
   The mask is hand-painted using bright colours symbolic of each character.

8. Decoration:
   The mask is adorned with beads, feathers, sequins, jute hair, plastic flowers, and elaborate headgear. Some headdresses weigh up to 5 kilograms.

This meticulous process results in a mask that is expressive, vibrant, and durable—perfect for energetic Chhau dance performances.

Charida Village: The Heart of the Craft

Charida, also known as Mukhosh Gram (The Mask Village), is the central hub of Chhau mask-making. With over 115 families and around 300 artisans, it is a living museum of folk artistry. Every house doubles as a workshop, where men sculpt and women decorate the masks.

Charida is also recognized as a Rural Craft Hub by the Government of West Bengal in collaboration with UNESCO, which has helped promote the craft globally.

An annual Chhau Mask Festival is held in the village between January and February, attracting visitors, scholars, and buyers from around the world.

GI Tag and Recognition

On 28 March 2018, the Chhau mask of Purulia received the Geographical Indication (GI) Tag, officially linking the craft to Charida.
The GI tag helped:

• Protect the originality of the masks

• Increase national and international demand

• Raise awareness of artisans’ rights

• Improve income-generating opportunities

Manufacture & Export Timeline Table (Chhau Masks of Charida, Purulia)

Quick Reference Table for Key Organisations