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Umaria, 15 December (Hindustan Reporter). Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, a famous Baiga tribal painter and Padma Shri awardee, who made Umaria district of Madhya Pradesh recognized across the world with her paintings, passed away on Sunday. She was ill for the last few months and due to old age and neuro-related complications, her health was continuously deteriorating, due to which her condition became critical. He breathed his last today at the age of 86.
Umaria’s public relations office has confirmed this through social media. It has been informed by the Public Relations Office through a tweet that Shan tribal painter Jodhaiya Bai of Umaria district has passed away after a long illness at the age of 86. He had a major contribution in taking Baiga painting to the country and abroad. In the year 2023, the President gave him the Padma Shri award for his special contribution to painting.
Last month, Jodhaiya Bai needed neurologist, nephrologist and cardiologist, which were not available in Umaria District Hospital. He was sent to Jabalpur Medical College by ambulance, but his condition did not improve. Due to not being able to eat food, his body had become more weak. He died on Sunday at his personal residence in his native village Lodha.
It is noteworthy that Jodhaiya Bai, living in small village Lodha in Umaria district, used to earn her family’s living by selling fertilizer, firewood and dry fruits from the forest. Her husband died when she was forty. After this he started painting. His artistic style was compared to that of Jangarh Singh Shyam, who was a Gond. After painting on canvas and paper, she now also used other media such as clay, metal and wood. Her grandson makes masks, which she would paint. His paintings have been displayed in Bhopal, Delhi, Milan and Paris. On the occasion of International Women’s Day in the year 2022, the then President Ramnath Kovind honored her with the Nari Shakti Award in recognition of her achievements. After this he was awarded Padma Shri in the field of arts by the Government of India in 2023. He was awarded the Padma Shri by President Draupadi Murmu.
Jodhaiya Bai Baiga gave global recognition to the extinct Baiga painting through her skills. He brought glory to not only Umaria district but the entire country with his amazing painting. A vibrant depiction of tribal traditions and cultural heritage was seen in his art. She was a strong identity of the art and culture of the Baiga community. The demise of Jodhaiya Bai Baiga is a big loss in the field of art and culture. She was a powerful voice for the tribal community and her art will always be a reminder of the depth and beauty of Indian traditions.
