India is known for its rich art and cultural heritage. For centuries, Indian artists have given to the world masterpieces. Owing to cultural diversity, India developed a distinct form of folk art, which reflects the abundance and uniqueness of the country.
Folk art has been untouched by modernization. It still exists, in its purity, boastful of untainted beauty. Yes, folk art has been adopted in modern forms and are frequently used by contemporary artists, but the true art still exists. From depicting gods to religions, flora to fauna, daily life activities to random patterns, Indian folk art is a mesmerizing collection of exclusivity.
With art galleries in Delhi adding more of the folk versions to their collection, here has been summarized five folk art paintings that exist still today in all its glory. Keep reading to find out more.
Madhubani
The existence of Madhubani paintings can be traced back to the Indian epic of Ramayana. Also known as Mithila art, for it seems to have originated in the kingdom with the same name (present-day Bihar), Madhubani is one of the most popular folk art forms in India. It is believed that Madhubani was practiced by women who wanted to be closer to God. The delicate geometric patterns mostly depict Indian deities, flora, and fauna. The existence of the art form was not known to the world until the 1930s when an earthquake revealed houses consisting of the paintings. It was discovered by British officers, who found extreme similarities between Madhubani art form and Picasso’s work. This art form is extremely popular and is often amalgamated with modern art forms.
Kalamkari
Kalamkari literally means “drawing with a pen” and has existed for years. The Kalamkari art form is divided into two types- Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti. Both these forms originate from the state of Andhra Pradesh, however, from two different districts, Machilipatnam and Chitoor respectively. While Machilipatnam showcases a block-print form of art, Srikalahasti is highlighted by the free strokes and movements of a pen. There is no limit to the concept when it comes to Kalamkari. From depicting Indian epics to flora and fauna, this form of art includes a wide range of topics. In the modern landscape of art, Kalamkari is mostly used on ethnic clothing.
Miniature Painting
This art form is often mistaken for its size, but it is the magnificence of the paintings that allow these to stand out. The intricate details on the paintings capture accurate expressions, making these look real. The miniature painting originated during the Mughal era, under the rule of Akbar. Later, it was cherished and upheld by Shah Jahan. The Persian influence on the painting is visible highly. The women have big eyes, a pointed nose, and a slim waist, which are typical features of Persian paintings. The men in these paintings are also seen wearing turbans. The art form was later adopted by the Rajputs and is highly popular in modern Rajasthan.
Gond
Created by the Gondi tribe in Madhya Pradesh, Gond is a folk art that is characterized by its closeness to nature. This folk art is best characterized by its bold and vibrant paintings that depict the best of flora and fauna. It is the use of bright colors that make the Gond paintings stand out. The colors used to make the early Gond paintings were made of cow dung, charcoal, colored soil, and leaves. Lines and dots were inherently used to complete the paintings. The art form has existed for a long time, however, its entry to mainstream art happened during the 1960s by Jangarh Singh Shyam. The modern versions of Gond paintings are made using acrylic colors.
Warli
Originated in the Western Ghats during 2500 BCE, Warli is one of the oldest art forms to exist in the country. The Warli tribe used geometric patterns like circles, squares, and triangles along with other forms to depict daily activities like hunting, fishing, dancing, celebrating festivals and many more. The human figures in Warli art form are showcased using a circle and two triangles, which adds to its uniqueness. Another aspect that makes Warli different is the representation of the figures and shapes in white over a white background. The art form has existed for so long and has still retained its significance in the modern world.
To Conclude
India has a gorgeous and magnificent collection of folk art, some of which has existed for hundreds of years. The folk art forms not only give us a glance into the life of the ancient people but also reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country.
Folk art has been untouched by modernization. It still exists, in its purity, boastful of untainted beauty. Yes, folk art has been adopted in modern forms and are frequently used by contemporary artists, but the true art still exists. From depicting gods to religions, flora to fauna, daily life activities to random patterns, Indian folk art is a mesmerizing collection of exclusivity.
With art galleries in Delhi adding more of the folk versions to their collection, here has been summarized five folk art paintings that exist still today in all its glory. Keep reading to find out more.
Madhubani
The existence of Madhubani paintings can be traced back to the Indian epic of Ramayana. Also known as Mithila art, for it seems to have originated in the kingdom with the same name (present-day Bihar), Madhubani is one of the most popular folk art forms in India. It is believed that Madhubani was practiced by women who wanted to be closer to God. The delicate geometric patterns mostly depict Indian deities, flora, and fauna. The existence of the art form was not known to the world until the 1930s when an earthquake revealed houses consisting of the paintings. It was discovered by British officers, who found extreme similarities between Madhubani art form and Picasso’s work. This art form is extremely popular and is often amalgamated with modern art forms.
Kalamkari
Kalamkari literally means “drawing with a pen” and has existed for years. The Kalamkari art form is divided into two types- Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti. Both these forms originate from the state of Andhra Pradesh, however, from two different districts, Machilipatnam and Chitoor respectively. While Machilipatnam showcases a block-print form of art, Srikalahasti is highlighted by the free strokes and movements of a pen. There is no limit to the concept when it comes to Kalamkari. From depicting Indian epics to flora and fauna, this form of art includes a wide range of topics. In the modern landscape of art, Kalamkari is mostly used on ethnic clothing.
Miniature Painting
This art form is often mistaken for its size, but it is the magnificence of the paintings that allow these to stand out. The intricate details on the paintings capture accurate expressions, making these look real. The miniature painting originated during the Mughal era, under the rule of Akbar. Later, it was cherished and upheld by Shah Jahan. The Persian influence on the painting is visible highly. The women have big eyes, a pointed nose, and a slim waist, which are typical features of Persian paintings. The men in these paintings are also seen wearing turbans. The art form was later adopted by the Rajputs and is highly popular in modern Rajasthan.
Gond
Created by the Gondi tribe in Madhya Pradesh, Gond is a folk art that is characterized by its closeness to nature. This folk art is best characterized by its bold and vibrant paintings that depict the best of flora and fauna. It is the use of bright colors that make the Gond paintings stand out. The colors used to make the early Gond paintings were made of cow dung, charcoal, colored soil, and leaves. Lines and dots were inherently used to complete the paintings. The art form has existed for a long time, however, its entry to mainstream art happened during the 1960s by Jangarh Singh Shyam. The modern versions of Gond paintings are made using acrylic colors.
Warli
Originated in the Western Ghats during 2500 BCE, Warli is one of the oldest art forms to exist in the country. The Warli tribe used geometric patterns like circles, squares, and triangles along with other forms to depict daily activities like hunting, fishing, dancing, celebrating festivals and many more. The human figures in Warli art form are showcased using a circle and two triangles, which adds to its uniqueness. Another aspect that makes Warli different is the representation of the figures and shapes in white over a white background. The art form has existed for so long and has still retained its significance in the modern world.
To Conclude
India has a gorgeous and magnificent collection of folk art, some of which has existed for hundreds of years. The folk art forms not only give us a glance into the life of the ancient people but also reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country.
