The district of Panchmahal in eastern Gujarat bordering the neighboring state of Rajasthan with Godhra as the district capital is a land of bamboo and cane forests and agricultural farm land. Dense forests towards the South of the district are a part of the Jambughoda wild life sanctuary home to rare species of bear and panther.
The resident predominant tribal population comprising Bhils and Rathwas subsists mainly on agriculture and forest produce. Cane and bamboo are design elements woven into a wide range of products both traditional and modern. Jewelry of this region is unique and caters to the distinctive needs of its tribal population which considers silver as a magical element. Wooden totems or paliyas stand like sentinels announcing Rathwa dwellings. Wooden mask making for ritual purposes is also a practiced craft form. The Rathwa community also excels in the folk art of mural wall paintings dedicated to Pithora, their tribal deity of grain and plenty. Pithora paintings are renowned for their distinctive style and tribal ethos.