The art of Chau mask making started in Charida village during the rule of King Madan Mohan Singh Deo of Baghmundi around 150 years back. In modern days, masks for Chau dance still constitute the main market; the mask makers also make smaller masks for home decor and souvenirs. Chau dance is indigenous to the eastern part of India. It originated as a martial art and involves vigorous movements, skillful acrobatic feats and leaps. In Purulia Chau, the dancers wear large stylized masks. The dance portrays triumph of good over evil. The stories are based on mythological tales that propagate moral and ethical values. Chau dance was inscribed in the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010. The dance is believed to be over a century’s practice, though the specifics of its origin are yet to be ascertained. Besides making masks for Chau dance, the mask makers also make a variety of masks for home decor. There are 387 practicing artists in Charida village of Purulia.