Papier Mache, Clay, Plaster of Paris of Madhya Pradesh

Papier-Mâché is a traditional and eco-friendly art form practiced primarily by the Nagvanshi community. It involves transforming waste paper into decorative and utilitarian objects, known for their bright colors, intricate detailing, and distinctive gold embellishments. Historically linked to the royal courts of Gwalior, where artisans created imitation pearls and ornamental pieces for the Moti Mahal palace, the craft has evolved to include figurines, masks, jewelry boxes, vases, and highly detailed bird sculptures.

The process begins with soaking waste paper for days until it becomes soft, then mashing it into a pulp mixed with natural adhesives like Dhaora tree gum and chalk powder. Artisans sculpt a clay model, create Plaster-of-Paris (POP) molds, and shape the papier-mâché mixture into thick sheets, which are cast into the molds. After sun-drying, the pieces are smoothed with sandpaper and painted using locally sourced desi colors, often incorporating gold leaf for added elegance. Lightweight and travel-friendly, these handcrafted artifacts are widely produced in Gwalior, Ujjain, Bhopal, and Ratlam, where artisans continue to innovate, crafting sustainable, finely detailed objects that reflect Madhya Pradesh’s rich artistic heritage.

The products made from papier mache include human figures, birds, animals, caricatures, statues of gods and goddesses, and models of traditional religious centres like Khajruraho and Sanchi. Gwalior, Ujjain, Indore, and Harda are important centres for this craft. Gwalior is famous for its papier mache toys; Ujjain is famous for deities as well as for toys.