The Valuable Traditional Art Forms of India

India is known for its rich culture and traditional art form that have kept its culture alive in the ever transforming modern world.  There are several traditional art forms that project the country’s heritage. Antique Pichwai paintings, Warli paintings and Tanjore paintings are amongst the oldest and the most exquisite style of paintings that have been a treasure to the nation.

The Art of Tanjore

Originating from the South Indian city of Thanjavur, Tanjore is the intricate art of hand-painting canvases made of wood and cloth. Additionally, paintings were also done on walls, glass, paper and ivory. Tanjore paintings often depict scenes from puranas and emphasize iconic moments from the lives of Hindu gods and goddesses such as Saraswati, Lakshmi, Durga, Ganesha and Krishna. Each painting is adorned with precious and semi-precious stones, glass beads, glossy colors and a glow emanating from 22-carat gold foils that are used to emboss the artwork. This unique treatment ensures that the artwork remains intact for generations within the family.

Art form of Warli

Named after the largest tribe found in Maharashtra, Warli is an art form expressed on walls and paintings. The tribal art depicts instances of their social life and day-to-day activities such as hunting, dancing, singing, sowing and harvesting. Warli has a unique style that represents humans and animals living in harmony with nature. Although the tribe lives in close proximity to the metropolitan city of Mumbai, they have shunned modern influences in their folk art.

Dhokra

Tribes from Chhattisgar have been among the earliest people known to use the method of non-ferrous metal casting in India. This 4000-year-old art form called Dhokra is still being used in remote parts of the nation such as West Bengal, Kerala and Odisha. Inspired by animals of the forest, religion and their own culture, metal ornaments and artifacts are created with wax castings. The dancing girl of Mohenjo-daro is a prime example of dhokra’s timeless sense of style. Its simplicity in design is the driving factor behind the great demand for dhokra products in national and international markets.

Pichwai

Originating from the town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan, Antique Pichwai paintings are 400 years old. Made on cloth, the Pichwai paintings of Udaipur are one of the most famous kinds of paintings amongst the art lovers. style of painting made on cloth. The term comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Pich’, meaning back, and ‘Wai’, meaning to hang. You can catch a glimpse of the folk art behind the deity at the Shrinath temple in Nathdwara, hung to celebrate Indian festivals such as Govardhan puja, Diwali and Janmasthami.

Traditional pichwais often depict momentous instances from the life of Sri Krishna. The paintings include depictions of Radha, gopikas, cows and lotuses, along with Sri Krishna. Each pichwai takes several months to complete and is hand-painted by many artists working together. The fine detailing makes it impossible to retouch after completion, making it irresistible to art connoisseurs.

India is home to all of these traditional arts and more. Unfortunately, the appeal of modern art and technology is overwhelming and is quite capable of overshadowing years of practice and perfection, attained by local artisans. Be conscious of our rich culture and do your part to preserve and revive these Indian art forms before its too late.