10 Indian Evergreen Folk Art Forms
India as a country belongs to a timeless civilisation which can be dated back to a thousand years ago. It is quite evident that such a civilisation would have given birth to several recreational activities in the form of music, art and dance. These recreational activities have in the various dance forms, art and music, which vary greatly from place to place owing to the diverse geographical nature of the country. But in some way or other, these art forms or what we call the Folk Arts are all linked to each other as some way or other and they are inspired by one other. These folk arts have now become the cultural heritage of the place and created a new identity for the residents in the neighbouring areas.
There are several of these art forms present which are not only getting the proper attention they deserved but also have become the source of livelihood of that region by providing the nearby people newer income opportunities.
Today, we bring to you a list of ten evergreen Indian folk arts.
- TANJORE FOLK ART
Tanjore paintings originated in the south Indian city of Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu during the Chola reign in the 16th century. These paintings are generally made on a solid wood plank, and that is why they are often mentioned as 'Palagai Padam’ in the local language. It is one of the most popular forms of classical South Indian art forms. Generally, these paintings depict several stories involving the Hindu Gods and Goddesses and also about various saints of the Hindu mythology.
These paintings possess the use of vibrant colours and explicit techniques which are not found anywhere else. There is also the presence of precious stones, glass pieces and pearls, which makes it unique. They have a huge demand outside India for their rich historical significance and the expertise required to make them.
- MADHUBANI FOLK ART
Madhubani paintings are one of India’s most ancient art form which is still in existence. Its origin could be traced back to 2500 years ago, and legends say that its origin was in the Epic Ramayana when Raja Janaka said to his artists to capture the moment of his daughter’s wedding to Lord Rama in the form of paintings.
These paintings are generally made on house walls with exquisite and fine design. These paintings got the international fame for the first time in the 1930s when a British officer found some really extraordinary paintings drawn on the wall of Madhubani district while he was analysing the devastation caused by an earthquake. These paintings are made using either fingers or twigs with the use of bright colours which are made of natural dyes.
These paintings have created huge interest among European and American art lovers for their unique methodology and exquisite design. These painting’s designs have also found their way into the modern crockery, mugs and bags.
- WARLI FOLK ART
Warli is the largest tribe which is still in existence found in the northern outskirts of Mumbai. Though there are no true shreds of evidence for the date of its origin local sources consider it to be in existence since 10th century A.D. These paintings depict the social life of ordinary people, unlike other forms which depict the stories of kings and Gods.
These paintings are generally made on the walls of the houses made of mud and are they are quite simple in its design, unlike Madhubani paintings which require artistic expertise to make. These paintings are also made on the street walls for decoration purposes.
These paintings are also now made on clothes due to its growing popularity across the country.
- PATTACHITRA
Pattachitra is one of the most ancient art forms of the country which originated in the village of Raghurajpur near Puri in Odisha. The term Pattachitra means paintings on the canvas. They are especially known for their intricate design and fine detailing. They usually depict the stories of ancient folktales and Gods. Some of the most popular Pattachitra involve the stories of Lord Jagannath and Ganesha.
These paintings require a high level of craft skill and concentration as some of the paintings could take days to complete.
These paintings have huge demand all over the world for their fine design and detailing.
- KALAMEZHUTHU
Kalamezhuthu is an art form especially found in the state of Kerala. The art form is hugely popular all across the southern sub-continent. These paintings generally depict the ritualistic offerings to various deities like Maa Mahakali and Bhagwan Ayyapa which are the primary deities of the place of its origin.
These paintings could be made on floors and walls without the use of any brushes, and that is why these paintings are made using the fingers only. This art form is particularly famous for its fine detailing and fancy designs.
These paintings enjoy huge popularity across the country and abroad.
- CHITTARA
Chittara paintings have their origin in the Western Ghats, in the Shimoga district in Karnataka. These paintings are generally done by the Deewaru tribe who have the expertise of this art form. These paintings are generally done on the walls and portray the natural habits along with exploring the social life of the residents. The paintings generally depict a wedding or farmer sowing the seeds or of birds and animals etc. They are made of natural colour without any use of synthetic dyes.
Today, many young men and women of the Deewaru tribe possess the expertise of their folk art, and in order to monetise it, they make their paintings on hand-made rice paper which are sold not only in the country but also abroad.
These paintings have constantly attracted art lovers attention and have found a good market.
- PATUA
Patua is an art form's origin could be dated back to the 13th century Bengal. These were done mainly by those who painted various folktales in their scrolls and moved around various villages performing the folktales in return for money.
These people are mainly concentrated around the Midnapore district of West Bengal but also can be abundantly seen in the neighbouring states. They consist of both Hindus and Muslims.
Previously, they used to portray various folktales, but at present, they are focussing their art on contemporary issues like politics, women empowerment etc.
- PHAD
Phad is folk art has its origin from Rajasthan. These paintings are generally made on a piece of canvas or sometimes on the walls. They depict the stories of gods and kings and are often accompanied by music and dance to be performed in a village. These paintings have all their spaces covered with the exquisite design making it quite complex yet intriguing.
One of the most important aspects of these paintings is that all characters in the painting face each other rather than facing the viewers. The colours used in these paintings are made of natural colours without any use of artificial colour. These paintings, in recent times, have earned a lot of praise from the international audience for its unique style and fancy designs.
These paintings have earned quite a lot of demand from the international market for which they are quite expensive.
- PITHORA
The Pithora paintings have their origins in the central Gujarat region and are a thousand-year-old heritage of the region. It is not merely a painting but an integral part of the ritual of their local deity. The ritual and paintings are generally made as an offering to God by the locals, and in this way, the people ask for the well-being of the family. These paintings are made on the walls with the use of lustrous colours made from the natural components.
These paintings have become the identity of the local people who are not only giving them prestige but also adequate job opportunities. The locals have begun to expand the market capacity of the art, which has huge demand both in the domestic and international market.
- KALIGHAT
Kalighat paintings or the Kalighat Pat is thought to be originated in West Bengal at around 19th century A.D. These paintings are generally made on hand-made papers or machine-made papers in the worship of Maa Kali of Kalighat temple and other Gods and Goddesses. The place also hosts a painting school set up during British India for the development of art. The exquisite use of artistic skills has made the Kalighat paintings world famous.
They have become a significant heritage of the place and are sold worldwide.
With the advent of modern society, the ancient folk arts have gained more popularity and appreciation because of the use of traditional techniques to make them. They have given a unique identity to the local people and have provided them with newer income opportunities.
The Indian folk arts have got distinguished fame in the international markets and receive adequate support from the government for their development. These folk art forms require more attention so that our huge culture and diversity stays with us forever. We have to keep these art forms safe for future generations.
