Sabai সাবাই

Sabai work is made from the leaves of the sabai grass plant, which is native to the Indian subcontinent. The leaves are collected, dried and woven, or twisted into sabai grass rope, which is flexible and strong (National Portal of India, Sabai grass-based handicraft). The grass is Eulaliopsis binata, and it is called sabai or babui locally (Down To Earth, Catch by the roots).

Where it grows

Sabai is a perennial grass that grows in dense clumps in the red lateritic uplands of western West Bengal, on rain-fed land where most crops struggle (Down To Earth, Catch by the roots). It is usually cultivated on less fertile highland and needs less water than other crops (West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board, Sabai grass processing, Jhargram).

The craft is found mostly in the north of Jhargram district (National Portal of India, Sabai grass-based handicraft). Four of Jhargram's blocks, Nayagram, Gopiballavpur-I, Binpur-II and Jhargram, account for 85 per cent of the sabai grown in West Bengal (Down To Earth, Catch by the roots). The West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board also records sabai rope weaving as a traditional craft in parts of Bankura and Purulia (West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board, Sabai grass weaving).

What is made from it

The rope is the base of most sabai work. Mats, foot mats, serving trays, flower vase holders, bowls, baskets, boxes and other pieces for use and for decoration are made from it (National Portal of India, Sabai grass-based handicraft). The grass is also processed into carpets, sofa sets and wall hangings (West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board, Sabai grass processing, Jhargram).

Today the grass's most important use is rope for the household. Where thatched houses are common, sabai rope ties roofs, walls and fences, and it is used to make cots and ropes for bullock carts. The Board's account is that the British found the fibre strong and durable enough for military use during their rule, and that rope making from sabai became an occupation for some people in and around Calcutta. Grass once used only for rope now also goes into bags, table accessories, floor coverings and furniture (West Bengal Khadi and Village Industries Board, Sabai grass weaving).

Sources

• Sabai grass-based handicraft, One District One Product, National Portal of India, read on 10 October 2026.