The evolution of Sujani embroidery, a traditional textile art from Bihar has transformed from a domestic craft into a globally recognised medium for social storytelling, led by 2025 Padma Shri awardee Nirmala Devi.
Sujani began as a functional craft where village women layered old sarees or dhotis to create warm quilts for newborns. Originally featuring simple motifs like elephants and flowers, it has evolved into a sophisticated art form using silk, muslin, and poplin to depict complex contemporary narratives. Modern Sujani serves as a "visual diary" for rural women, addressing themes such as women’s education, child marriage, and environmental issues, providing them with both a voice and a livelihood.
In this piece by Nirmala Devi from Bhusra village (Muzaffarpur), the artist explores the transition from rural to urban life such as- Vivid scenes of farmers ploughing, women pounding grain, schoolgirls on bicycles, and bustling village fairs. The upper half of the work juxtaposes wildlife with modern symbols like motorcars, trains, and aeroplanes. From childcare to children playing cricket, the work captures the "different phases of the day" with a contemporary aesthetic. The craft maintains its signature style of layering and fine stitching, but now uses a vibrant palette of green, orange, white, and brown to bring these lifelike scenes to the Bihar Museum and international galleries.
