HANDMADE PAPERMAKING IN MAHARASHTRA: TRADITION, HISTORICAL DEVELOPMENT, TECHNIQUES, ENVIRONMENTAL SUSTAINABILITY AND USE IN CONTEMPORARY ART

Abstract [English]

In India, the practice of drawing on tree barks began in historical times. Subsequently, during the time of the sages, the tradition of writing on palm leaves using Boru began.
The history of papermaking in India, which began with handcrafts during the British period, has evolved into a major industry with the development of mechanization and private industry after independence, playing a significant role in the country's economy.
In ancient times, the art of papermaking first came to India from China. Large-scale papermaking first began in Kashmir, Bengal, and Maharashtra. During the Mughal era, it was made from scraps of cloth and sugarcane fibers. During the Swadeshi movement of the Indian independence movement, paper began to be made from various materials.
Producing handmade paper is an ancient, cultural, and environmentally friendly tradition of Maharashtra. Cotton and sugarcane straw, the materials required for handmade paper production, are readily available due to Maharashtra's agricultural resources. Institutions like the "Pune Handmade Khadi Village Industries" were established in Maharashtra in the post-independence period.
Handmade paper has been used historically for administration, religious literature, and artistic expression. The use of handmade paper is very important in the fine arts. Handmade paper is used extensively in drawings, manuscripts, paintings, sculptures, coinage, miniature paintings, printing, newspapers, magazines, education, books, diaries, and experimental art. Handmade paper art is of major importance in contemporary fine arts.
The primary objective of this research paper is to examine the historical development of traditional handmade paper art in Maharashtra, its spatial mechanisms, the natural literature used, and its environmental role; the history of renowned institutions like the "Pune Handmade Khadi Village Industries"; and, most importantly, the special artistic and cultural uses and significance of paper in the fine arts field, its development, and contemporary changes. This research paper focuses on environmental sustainability and contemporary art education. And it will be important from the point of view of promotion of paper in traditional handicrafts.