So far you might have eaten idli, biriyani, poha and several other delicacies made from paddy grains, but you would be utterly surprised if we told you that you can even get pieces of jewellery made out of them. Not gold or silver, it is the humble rice that is finding its way to the hearts of fashionable people. After trying out metal, paper, and flower jewellery, people of taste who like unconventional pieces of jewellery are getting fascinated by paddy jewellery.
Putul Das Mitra, a 46-year-old artist in Kolkata, West Bengal, makes jhumkas, bangles and necklaces with the grains of rice and has been awarded many accolades for her extraordinary talent.
‘It began some 25 years ago. In our family, there’s a tradition of making garlands of Govind Bhog, a variety of paddy, for Lakshmi Puja. Compared to flowers, such garlands have long-term durability. Carrying forward this tradition, I made some Rakhis using the same material. Those Rakhis were unanimously loved,’ Mitra tells Gaon Connection.
She soon embarked on her jewellery-making journey. She first experimented with small garlands and other simple pieces of jewellery before moving on to create complex pieces. Then, in 2000, she got an opportunity to showcase her talent at an exhibition held in Kolkata, where people loved her unique art form. As her art became popular, she received a state award in 2002.
Mitra says, “The acclaim and acknowledgement made me realise that it can be done professionally. Feeling encouraged, I’ve created thousands of pieces so far.”
Mitra’s jewellery is in great demand, not just in different states of India, but also in countries like China, Switzerland, France and Italy. Apart from the exhibitions held in different states of India, she sells her jewellery online as well.
Mitra has a very supportive family. ‘When I had just started, my father supported me a lot. Now, my husband helps me as much as he can. My children have grown up now, but when they were very young, my husband looked after the children and home when I was away for work,” she acknowledges her family members’ role in furthering her art and turning it economically viable.
In 2015, former President Pranab Mukherjee awarded Mitra a National Award. Mitra’s paddy jewellery can be purchased from Delhi Haat. As you sample these intricately crafted adornments, you notice that Mitra’s jewellery not only caters to the style of professional women, she also creates full-fledged bridal jewellery sets. The price range of 50-2500 rupees is also attractive to a varied clientele.
Mitra has employed at least two dozen people in her enterprise. Realising the potential of her art, Mitra has also trained numerous individuals across various states in jewellery-making under the Guru Shishya Parampara scheme introduced by the central government.
Mitra shares that the biggest question in the first-time buyer’s mind is the shelf-life of her jewellery. After all, this is a food item we are talking about! “My jewellery can last up to 7-8 years. The paddy grains undergo a chemical treatment to be protected from any kind of damage. We use adhesive to fasten the pieces and acrylic paints to colour them. They are washable and stay in good condition even after that.” Mitra uses chemical-free, natural products to make paddy jewellery in keeping with the environmental and health concerns of this age.
Are you ready to wear some paddy at your next soiree?
