Sheikhpura (Bihar), Jan 29 (NationPress) The journey of Krishna Devi serves as an inspiring example of women’s empowerment and self-sufficiency when provided with the right guidance and support. Together with her husband Praveen Kumar, they attribute their ability to introduce Tanjore paintings from South India to Bihar to the JEEViKA program, emphasizing that their path would have been incomplete without this assistance.

The Government of Bihar, through the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS), which is an autonomous entity under the Department of Rural Development, is leading the World Bank-supported Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (BRLP), locally referred to as JEEViKA, aimed at the social and economic empowerment of the rural underprivileged.

Furthermore, the Livelihoods Restoration and Enhancement aspect of the Bihar Kosi Flood Recovery Project (BKFRP) has also been incorporated into JEEViKA.

Krishna Devi, who completed her education up to the 8th grade in her small village of Gunhesa in Sheikhpura, Bihar, has established a distinct identity for herself by excelling in the creation of India’s traditional Tanjore paintings.

Despite facing challenges such as limited resources, minimal formal education, and societal skepticism, she has demonstrated that skill, dedication, and determination can triumph over any hurdle.

Her adventure commenced when Krishna Devi and her husband, Praveen Kumar, relocated to Tamil Nadu in search of employment, where they took a job yielding merely ₹4,000 monthly. Although life was tough, a serendipitous encounter introduced them to the renowned Tanjore paintings, an intricate art form embellished with 22-carat gold foil.

Praveen Kumar dedicated nearly a decade to mastering this craft, absorbing lessons in patience, precision, and dedication.

The COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 disrupted their lives, compelling the family to return to Bihar. With no reliable income, Krishna Devi sought assistance from JEEViKA, securing a loan to begin crafting Tanjore paintings in her village—a skill that was nearly unheard of there. She encountered skepticism from locals, who doubted the viability of art as a means of income.

In spite of these obstacles, Krishna Devi and her husband pressed on. Sourcing materials often necessitated trips back to Tamil Nadu, yet their resolve remained steadfast. Gradually, their artwork gained acclaim through government fairs and exhibitions in cities such as Patna, Bhubaneswar, Indore, Gurugram, and Haryana.

Today, Krishna Devi’s paintings are celebrated nationwide, with two pieces alone fetching ₹3.30 lakh. Larger Tanjore paintings require 5–6 months for completion, while smaller artworks can be finished in approximately 15 days.

Beyond their visual splendor, these works hold deep spiritual significance, frequently portraying deities such as Krishna, Ram, Vishnu, Lakshmi, and Shiva, crafted with raised figures on wooden boards and vibrant hues of red, green, blue, and gold.