The Enabling Environment for Tribal Women Artists in Eastern India: A Comparative Analysis of Socio-Economic Indicators in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha

Abstract

Tribal women in eastern India are key custodians of indigenous art forms such as Sohrai-Khovar (Jharkhand), Dhokra metal craft (Chhattisgarh), and Saura painting (Odisha). Yet their socio-economic empowerment remains uneven across states. Using secondary data from the National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5, 2019–21), this study compares the welfare of Scheduled Tribe (ST) women in nine districts recognized as hubs of tribal art across Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. Focusing on education, asset ownership, financial inclusion, and decision-making autonomy, the analysis reveals consistent inter-state disparities. Odisha outperforms both Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh across nearly all indicators: ST women in Odisha exhibit higher literacy (64.7% vs. 58.2% and 52.1%), greater bank account ownership (71.2% vs. 63.8% and 59.4%), and stronger participation in household decisions (67.4% in healthcare choices). In contrast, Jharkhand shows moderate digital access but lags in sanitation and agency, while Chhattisgarh excels in toilet coverage yet trails in human capital. These findings suggest that cultural skill alone is insufficient for economic empowerment; structural enablers—such as education, financial infrastructure, and collective institutions like SHGs—are critical. The paper argues that Jharkhand can strengthen its Tribal Women Artist Cooperatives (TWACs) by integrating them with livelihood missions, expanding digital literacy, and institutionalizing women’s leadership. By linking cultural heritage to measurable development outcomes, this study offers evidence-based pathways for inclusive policy design in India’s tribal heartland.