Art Of Survival: How Odisha’s Tribal Crafts Are Finding New Life In Modern India

In the deep-forested stretches of Kalahandi, Odisha, where heritage lives in the hands that mould metal and paint stories in geometric rhythm, two ancient artforms Dhokra metal craft and Saura tribal painting were on the brink of vanishing. The art form that dates to the Indus Valley Civilization is a source of livelihood and also a tradition passed down within families. But it found itself waning in popularity, due to generational shifts, lack of market access and rising economic hardships. As a result, these metalsmiths and artists faced the risk of abandoning their craft, with younger generations moving away in search of more sustainable opportunities in far off lands. Their slow disappearance signalled the loss of artistic expression, but also of identity, memory, and cultural continuity. Until a quiet revival began. 

Recognising the importance of preserving cultural heritage and sustaining traditional livelihoods, some Indian corporates have stepped in to support the revival of these endangered artforms. Among them, Vedanta, which operates in the region, has been working with local artisans to create accessible platforms for training, market linkage, and design innovation. Through such initiatives, artisans have been able to reconnect with their craft, gain visibility beyond their villages, and find new economic relevance in a rapidly modernising world. The effort involves supporting communities in utilizing their existing skills and identities.

Faces of Revival

In Kankeri village of Lanjigarh block, the over 4,000-year-old Dhokra craft, a metal sculpting art using the lost wax technique, was once kept alive by a few aging hands. Saura paintings, with their intricate motifs narrating ritual and daily life, were largely confined to temple walls.

Uanshu Kansari, a 47-year-old Dhokra artisan from Bandhapari who learned the art from his grandparents, was among those affected by this decline. “We had the knowledge and the tools, but no way to make a living,” he laments. He abandoned his craft due to lack of opportunities, having to rely on other sources of livelihoods. However, Vedanta’s Project Adikala marked a significant moment in his career and life. The initiative provided him with support and an opportunity he had not expected to come across again. “Today, my children are in school, and people recognize my art beyond the village. It finally feels like it matters,” he says, even hoping his children will one day take this culture forward. 

From just 15 artisans at its inception, Project Adikala now supports over 120, with artisan incomes increasing by more than 50% and sales crossing ₹20 lakh last year. Artworks have been showcased at over 30 platforms, including the International Aluminium Conference and TRIFED events. Government bodies like ORMAS have also stepped in to amplify the artisans’ reach.

85% of artisans being supported by the project are women. With limited means to showcase her art and expertise, Malanti Majhi, a 30-year-old Saura artist, too used this project to find her calling a second time. She has completed her formal training in the art form, being among the first women in her village, and now serves as a mentor to young girls. “We’re not just painting our ancestors’ stories, we’re creating our own,” she highlights.

Project Adikala: Where Tradition Meets Transformation

Launched in 2018, with the support of Vedanta Aluminium, Project Adikala aimed to go beyond merely documenting traditional art forms, it aimed to regenerate them. Through skill training, design innovation, and access to markets, artisans have greater opportunities to sustain and grow their work.

Today, through Adikala’s design workshops, branding support, and market linkage initiatives, these artforms are evolving. They are being presented at national exhibitions, incorporated into luxury decor, and adapted for modern jewellery, while retaining their core essence.

“We’ve focused on blending traditional craftsmanship with modern relevance, enabling artisans to transform their heritage into a thriving livelihood. This journey is as much about dignity and pride as it is about craft,” says Rajiv Kumar, CEO – Vedanta Aluminium.

Scaling Tradition with Sustainability

Ratna Kansari, son of a Dhokra master craftsman, has found new avenues by fusing classical techniques with contemporary designs. “I still use the lost wax method, but I now cater to global tastes. We are now innovating and and designing for the future,” he says.

In a region where cultural identity faced challenges, a new narrative is emerging—one that respects tradition while looking toward the future. Beyond economics, Adikala is creating a sustainable model, over 90% of materials used are eco-friendly, and producer groups align with government schemes to scale impact. The result is a growing catalogue of 100+ handcrafted designs spanning figurines, jute bags, apparel, decor, and accessories - highlighting new ideas and methods.

“Adikala has shown that when heritage is valued, it becomes a powerful vehicle for transformation,” says Kumar, “And for the communities of Kalahandi, this transformation is not just artistic, it's deeply personal.”