Sholapith Craft(Sholar Kaj)

Artwork – Sholapith Craft (Sholar Kaj)
 Region – West Bengal, India

Sholapith, also known as Indian cork, is a traditional craft of West Bengal made from the soft, milky-white inner pith of the Aeschynomene aspera plant, which grows in the wetlands of the Sundarbans delta. This lightweight, eco-friendly material is intricately carved to create ceremonial and decorative items, such as the topor (wedding headgear) and ornate decorations for Hindu deities during festivals like Durga Puja.

The craft, popularly known as Sholar Kaj, is practiced by artisans called Malakars—a term meaning “garland makers.” Belonging to the Nabasakha artisan group, the Malakars have preserved this hereditary art for generations. Sholapith is prized for its purity, whiteness, and smooth texture, symbolizing sacredness in Bengali culture. Documented as early as the 11th century, this endangered craft continues to reflect the deep artistic and spiritual traditions of Bengal, though now threatened by synthetic substitutes like thermocol.