Cultural and Economic Significance of Chhau Masks and Dance: A Case Study of Charida Village, West Bengal

Chhau mask and dance, a distinctive form of traditional artistry originating from the Charida village in Purulia, West Bengal, hold profound cultural and economic significance. This study examines the cultural and economic significance of the Chhau Mask and dances in the Charida village of West Bengal. To conduct this study, empirical data were collected through the case study of Charida village. A total of 42 heads of households were interviewed to gather information about the cultural and economic significance of Chhau Mask and dance. Out of the total households interviewed, 31 heads registered to UNESCO’s Geographical Indication Tag. Through an interdisciplinary approach encompassing ethnographic research, economic analysis, and cultural heritage studies, the research examines the historical evolution, symbolic meanings, craftsmanship techniques, and market dynamics of Chhau masks. This study reveals that the households who are involved in Chhau dance and making Chhau Masks, their income has increased nominally after receiving a Geographical Indication Tag. Keywords: Culture; Society; Economy; Chhau Masks, G. I. Tag; West Bengal. Title: Cultural and Economic Significance of Chhau Masks and Dance: A Case Study of Charida Village, West Bengal Author: Moupriya Dutta, Vishwambhar Prasad Sati International Journal of Social Science and Humanities Research ISSN 2348-3156 (Print), ISSN 2348-3164 (online) Vol. 14, Issue 1, January 2026 - March 2026 Page No: 258-271 Research Publish Journals Website: www.researchpublish.com Published Date: 05-March-2026 DOI: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.18875625 Paper Download Link (Source) https://www.researchpublish.com/papers/cultural-and-economic-significance-of-chhau-masks-and-dance-a-case-study-of-charida-village-west-bengal