Tribal Arts

This paper-cutting technique - dating back to the 16th century - might seem basic at first, but in the hands of an artisan, Sanjhi can bring about true masterpieces. It originates from Krishna’s birthplace, Mathura, and has been used as stencils for rangolis, lampshade patterns, and many other craft projects. It can range from simple designs to fine filigree, and can even depict old tales of Radha and Krishna. The details can be seen by placing these against solid backgrounds.

Often linked with stories, folk art has been used to depict myths and legends of heroes and Gods alike. Thanjavur paintings, now known as Tanjore paintings, originated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, under the rule of the Chola empire in the 16th century. These paintings combine religion and royalty and can be identified by their gold leaf work and stunning colour schemes. Though precious gemstones such as diamonds and rubies were used in the past, artists use semi-precious stones nowadays.

Characterized by line drawings with bright colours and patterns, Madhubani painting was traditionally done by the women of Bihar about 2,500 years ago. Though they used to be painted on freshly plastered or mud walls with mineral pigments (such as soot, sandalwood, rice powder, and turmeric), the artists have switched to canvases, cloth, and paper in order to become a source of non-agricultural income for these farming communities.

Known for its Warli folk paintings that can be traced back to the 10th century A.D. (1,200 years ago), Maharashtra is home to the largest tribe found on Mumbai’s northern outskirts. Despite their proximity to one of the largest Indian cities, these tribesmen have no interest in modernization, and choose to showcase their social events and daily life through this wall art. Depictions of people hunting, dancing, and harvesting are quite common, and their stylistic distinction are the white brush strokes on the mud-coloured background. Straight lines are eschewed in favour of dots and dashes, and though still traditional in style, modern Warli artists have begun incorporating motifs like bicycles, and use paper and cloth as mediums as well.

One of the oldest and most popular art forms of Odisha originating about 2,000 years ago, Pattachitra is distinguished by rich colorful application, creative motifs and designs, and a portrayal of simple themes, mostly mythological in depiction. The name itself has evolved from the Sanskrit words patta meaning canvas, and chitra meaning picture.

The creation of the Pattachitra paintings is a disciplined art form, and the artists must be rigid in their use of colors and patterns, restricting the colors to a single tone. Despite their limitations, they come up with remarkable paintings depicting stark emotional expressions, and in fact, it is this display of emotions of the figures expressed in the paintings, which makes the pattachitra paintings so exceptional.

Miniature painting was brought to India by the Mughal ruler Humayun in the sixteenth century. This artwork was inspired by the lives of the Mughals and uses paper, ivory, wood, leather, and even marble for their detailed paintings that comprise of strong lines and bold colors. In order to achieve the level of perfection required, a very fine-haired brush is needed, and even to this date, the most preferred brush is made using squirrel hair.

Saura art, first conceived almost 7,000 years ago, displays the glory of nature, and originates from the so-named jungle tribes found in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Maharashtra. Most paintings are based on a central concept known as the ‘Tree of Life’, whose branches are home to animals and humans, conveying the beautiful relationship between man and environment.

Also called ikons, these paintings often have religious significance and are made as an offering to their deity Idital. Though Saura and Warli art have been mistaken for each other, some differences are evident, such as the more elongated Saura forms.

One of the largest tribes in India, the Bhils’ belong to Indo-Aryans who have been around in 3102 BC, one of whom was Eklavya of Mahabharata, one of the greatest archers in lore. This tribe, hailing from Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra, uses vibrant colors in their art to portray the changing seasons and other such natural phenomena taking place in everyday life.

The Gonds have a recorded history that goes back 1,400 years and can be found in Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Odisha.

This ancient tribe subscribes to the old belief that a good image can bring good luck, and that is what forms the foundation of this art form. Everything is intimately connected to nature, and their art features motifs that depict their beliefs and rituals, life in the village, and man’s remarkable relationship with nature. Renowned for their colourful artwork and imaginative use of lines and dots, these Gond artists use natural colours and acrylic paints, just like their Bhil counterparts.