Crafting everyday items from grass was a way of life for the Tharu community of the Terai region till modernisation took its toll on their traditional craft. Now the Tharu women are reviving their craft, earning money in the process.
The story of the Tharu people in the terai region of Uttarakhand, once known as the ‘Tharuaat’, is a tale of resilience, cultural richness and the power of community. The Tharu tribe thrived in harmony with nature, weaving their traditions into the very fabric of their existence.
In the heart of the lush forests, the Tharu people lived a life intertwined with the rhythms of the land. Their weaving skills were not just a craft but a way of life, passed down through generations, each thread carrying the stories of their ancestors.
The tradition faded over time as utilitarian items made of other materials became easily available. But women’s self-help groups have started to revive their craft successfully.
Using grass varieties called kaas (cordgrass) and moonj (Tripidium bengalense), and other natural materials, the Tharu people created intricate utensils and beautiful mats that adorn their homes.
As time passed on, winds of change swept through the terai, as in every other region. Modernisation brought easier access to alternative materials, casting a shadow over the traditional weaving practices of the Tharu people.
The younger generation, caught in this progress, began to drift away from the old ways. Their interest in the traditional craft waned.
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With each passing day, the tradition grew fainter, impacting not only the cultural rituals and celebrations but also the delicate balance of the local ecology. The once vibrant tapestry of Tharu culture started to fade and the spectre of extinction loomed large.
Amidst this backdrop of change, women’s self-help groups (SHGs) took to preserving their weaving traditions. They embarked on a journey to breathe life back into the fading threads of their heritage.
Vimla Devi, a member of the tribal community and an SHG member said, “We are continuing a cherished tradition passed down from our grandmothers, great-grandmothers and aunts.”
Gathering under the shade of ancient trees, these women share stories and laughter even as their hands work. Through their collective efforts, they not only preserve the cultural legacy of the Tharu community but also pave a path towards economic empowerment.
“We no longer work as labourers. In the past, we would toil hard for the landlords who would constantly urge us to keep working. We had only aching hands and feet to show for our work,” said Rashmi, another SHG member.
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“Nowadays, none of our women works as labourers. We make the craft items at our own space and pace. It feels good to earn some money,” added Rashmi.
Many Tharu women and girls have started making these craft items, as they are able to earn money while staying at home.
“Today each member of our SHG earns at least Rs 10,000 per month, which helps us to be financially independent and support our families,” said Vimla Devi.
The products that the Tharu women make are in demand not only in the country but also abroad. They have had some non-governmental organisations (NGOs) like Himadri lending them a helping hand.
“When an NGO gives us training in new designs, we gather in a place like the panchayat hall, where about 25 women can sit. The NGO gives us specific requirements, such as uniformity in colour, height and shape of the items. We work in groups to ensure consistency,” said Devi.
The NGOs not only train the women in aspects like design but also help in marketing the final products.
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“The weaving skills of the Tharu women are unique in many ways. However, for a long time, it remained confined to their homes, causing the new generation to view it as a waste of time,” said Pooja Mishra of Himadri. “NGOs like us help them upgrade their designs; and we act as a bridge between consumers and the artisans.”
Ecologists and the forest department, recognising the importance of this cultural revival, lend their support to the cause. They bridged the gap between tradition and conservation, weaving a web of sustainability that embraces the cultural heritage of the Tharu people and the natural beauty of the land they call home.
As the women’s laughter fills the air, a sense of pride and purpose blooms in the hearts of everyone involved. The story of the Tharu people, once on the brink of fading into obscurity, now shines brightly as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.
In the weaving of their mats and making of utensils with blades of grass, the women find not just a livelihood but a connection to their roots, a link to the land, and a bond with each other that transcends time and space.
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The lead image shows a Tharu woman of the terai region making a basket. (Photo by Aditi Rana)
Mukesh Kandpal works as a Nature and Sustainability Educator at Nature Science Initiative.
Aditi Rana is a student in the humanities field at Nanakmatta Public School.
