Bhil Tribe Woman Grinding Rice on Stone Slab for Bhitti Chitra

15-May-2026

This image from Sagwara village in Dungarpur district of Rajasthan shows a woman from the Bhil tribe grinding rice on a traditional stone slab (silbatta). This step follows the pounding of paddy, where the cleaned rice is further ground into a fine texture using rhythmic hand movement and pressure.

The fineness of the ground rice is crucial for preparing the white pigment used in Bhitti Chitra art. A smoother and finer texture results in a more consistent paste, which helps in creating clear, balanced, and precise motifs on the wall surface. Thus, this step directly influences the quality and visual clarity of the final artwork.

Beyond its functional aspect, this process reflects traditional knowledge and lived experience. Women play a central role in preserving and passing down this practice across generations. Grinding rice on a silbatta symbolizes patience, skill, and continuity—key elements that sustain the cultural and artistic heritage of the Bhil community.