: Ranchi Womans Clay Sawdust Dolls Command Prices of Upto Rs 15000 Each #IndiaNEWS #Jharkhand Ranchi-based Saroj Khalko swelled with pride when she first saw a doll mirroring Jharkhand’s traditional

Ranchi Womans Clay Sawdust Dolls Command Prices of Upto Rs 15000 Each #IndiaNEWS #Jharkhand
Ranchi-based Saroj Khalko swelled with pride when she first saw a doll mirroring Jharkhand’s traditional attire, Panchi (lower garment) and Parhan (upper garment). The body of the doll had been made with clay and stuffed with cotton, and its hands and legs adorned with gajras and anklets respectively. The skin tone and facial features of the doll also matched those of Saroj and her tribal community. She saw no unrealistic beauty standards, set to make children believe that F-cup breasts and thin limbs were the way to go.

The resplendent attire and indigenous jewellery convinced her that this was the right job for her. She joined Srijan Handicrafts in 2009 with the sole purpose of earning money, but in the process, poured her heart and genuine efforts into crafting beautiful dolls.
“I was forced to look for jobs due to an unforeseen financial emergency, but not having a degree limited my options. That’s when someone suggested I approach Srijan. I learnt sewing and embroidery here. I expected a monthly income of Rs 1,000, but with the right skills, I started earning up to Rs 30,000. I recently purchased a new bike as well,??? 38-year-old Saroj tells The Better India.
Similarly, Suman Careketta (38) had also joined Srijan ten years ago to solve her financial crisis. Once a daily wage labourer, Suman now makes around Rs 35,000 every month.
Srijan is a Make-in-India brand that specialises in hand-made dolls made using clay, cloth and sawdust. It was founded by Shobha Kumari (48), a homemaker, in 1993. Today, the carefully crafted dolls are priced anywhere between Rs 899 to Rs 15,000.

Srijan captures the true essence of ‘Vocal for Local’ as it creates jobs and financially empowers women from marginalised sections, while crafting indigenous dolls that popularise Jharkhand’s culture. The venture received an honorary mention in a recent episode of Mann Ki Baat.
That being said, Srijan is not just any local brand. Even in the pre-internet era, it created a high-end image of itself without spending a hefty amount on marketing, a feat that may seem impossible to many millennial startups.
Shobha talks about how she used skills and strategies to gain prominence in the domestic and international market over the years, the challenges she faced, and why Srijan is more than just a business.
Giving wings to childhood dreams

Shobha was born in 1973, an era when a male child was celebrated, but a girl was considered a burden. Across India, every mother groomed her daughter to be an ideal wife. Manners, ethics and culinary skills were things that most daughters would inherit.
Shobha’s house was no exception.