10 Forms of Indian Art That Have Survived Generations

What Is India's Traditional Art?

India, a land of vibrant cultures and rich heritage, boasts a treasure trove of traditional art forms that have transcended generations. From the intricate Madhubani paintings of Bihar to the majestic Tanjore paintings of Tamil Nadu, each art form carries its own unique history, reflecting the diversity and creativity inherent in Indian artistry.

Some of India's art forms have evolved, adapting to new materials and paint colours, while others have been untouched by modernisation.

10 Traditional Indian Art Forms

Each form of art is unique and admirable. Traditionally, these art forms existed only in wall paintings or murals. But today, they are also found in canvas, paper, cloth, etc.

In this exploration of India's traditional art, we delve into ten remarkable art forms that have stood the test of time, preserving centuries-old techniques and narratives. Here is a list of different Indian art forms; some are still in practice, and others are not.

1. Madhubani Painting

This art is also known as Mithila art, and it originated in the kingdom of Janak in Nepal and in present-day Bihar. This art form was unknown to the rest of the world until the 1930s when it was discovered after an earthquake.

Mostly practiced by women, these paintings or wall murals depict gods, fauna and flora. Characterised by geometric patterns, this art form is greatly admired for its evocative portrayal of traditions and cultures.

2. Warli Painting

This form of art dates back to 2500 BCE, and it was practiced by the Warli tribes from Thane and Nasik in Maharashtra. These paintings mostly illustrate the tribe's nature and social rituals. They portray daily activities like farming, praying, dancing and hunting.

Geometrical patterns in white against a yellow or red background are some of the main themes. Warli paintings were usually made by married women to celebrate a wedding, and they were also used to decorate huts of the Warli tribes.

3. Miniature Painting

The miniature paintings illustrate a combination of Indian, Islamic and Persian art styles. This art form dates back to the 16th century and the themes are usually centered on battles, court scenes, portraits, wildlife, receptions, hunting scenes and legendary stories.

Natural stone colours are used in a paper-based “wasli” for the creation of these paintings. The miniature paintings have developed into several distinct schools of miniature like Mughal, Rajasthan, Deccan, Kangra, Malwa, Pahadi, etc.

4. Kalamkari

Having a strong connection to Persian motifs, this art has been in practice for more than 3000 years. Kalamkari derives its name from kalam or pen, and it means ‘drawings with a pen.’

This organic art of hand and block printing has survived generations in Andhra Pradesh. Kalamkari art involves earthy colours like green, rust, indigo, mustard and black. Today, this art is used in ethnic clothing and depicts anything from fauna and flora to epics such as Mahabharata or Ramayana.

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5. Tanjore Painting

This painting, first painted in the 16th century under the Chola regime, originated in the Thanjavur district in Tamil Nadu. It is known for its magnificent embellishments, vibrant colours and rich surfaces. The themes are mainly centred on the Hindu gods and goddesses.

These paintings are made on wooden planks, and the main subjects are always painted in the centre. The styles of this painting are similar to that of the Deccani and Maratha art, as well as to the European styles.

6. Pattachitra

Pattachitra art forms date back to the 5th century and originated in Odisha and West Bengal. These cloth-based scroll paintings are heavily influenced by the Mughal era. Admired by art lovers, the Pattachitra paintings are dedicated to religious and mythological themes.

In this type of painting, the painters mainly use bright colours like red, black, indigo, yellow and white. This art form has gained recognition and is practiced even today, from palm leaves to silks.

7. Gond Painting

A native art form of Madhya Pradesh, Gond paintings are mostly themed on animals and birds. Practised by the Gond tribes, this art form is believed to be 1400 years old. Natural colours derived from plant sap, charcoal, coloured soil, cow dung, leaves, etc. are used to make this type of painting. This simple art form created with dots and lines was made as an offering to Mother Nature in earlier days.

8. Kalighat Painting

This form of painting originated in the 19th century in Bengal. These paintings were made on cloth or patas and often depicted images of gods, goddesses and scenes from epics. This simple yet captivating form of art became popular due to its way of capturing everyday lives beautifully. The seamless, free-flowing outline is a unique feature of the Kalighat paintings. This style of painting has been an inspiration to many artists since its creation.

9. Phad

Dating back thousands of years, Phad is a narrative scroll painting tradition which originated in Rajasthan. Red, yellow and orange colours are mostly used in this type of art to paint stories of local deities and heroes. The depictions usually include battlefield scenes, adventure stories, legendary romances, etc. The beauty of these paintings lies in the fact that many stories are accommodated in a single composition.

10. Cheriyal Scrolls

This form of art originated in present-day Telangana and has been practised by the Nakashi family through generations. The Kalamkari art influenced the creation of the Cheriyal scrolls. The scrolls are generally 40 to 45 feet in length, and the themes are mainly centred on Indian mythology and folk traditions. These types of paintings are made with bright hues, with red as a dominating background. The colours are extracted from natural sources by the artists, and the brushes are made with squirrel hair.

Takeaway

In conclusion, India's traditional art forms serve as timeless reflections of the country's rich cultural heritage. From the intricate Madhubani paintings to the vibrant Tanjore masterpieces, each art form encapsulates centuries of tradition and narrative, offering a glimpse into the diverse and vibrant tapestry of Indian society.

As these ancient crafts continue to evolve and adapt, they remind us of the enduring power of creativity to transcend time and connect generations, ensuring that the legacy of India's artistic heritage remains alive and vibrant in the modern world.

More Art History on Owlcation

• Medieval Art and Architecture: Ancient Art Forms of the Middle Ages
• Cave Art: When Prehistoric Man Started Creating Art
• Ancient Greek Art History: 2000 BC to 30 BC

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 Ankita B

Comments

Ankita B (author) on September 07, 2020:

Thank you FlourishAnyway for your lovely comments. I am glad you found this article informative and enjoyed reading it.

Elaina Baker from USA on September 07, 2020:

I enjoyed learning about and viewing this art. I had seen some of these styles previously but didn’t know anything about it.

Ankita B (author) on September 07, 2020:

I appreciate your kind comments Vandna. Thank you very much for reading and commenting.

thoughtsprocess from Navsari (India) on September 06, 2020:

Hi Ankita,

This is informative and interesting article. Thank you so much for sharing.

Ankita B (author) on September 06, 2020:

Thank you very much Linda for your lovely comments which are always appreciated. I am delighted that you loved reading this.

Linda Crampton from British Columbia, Canada on September 06, 2020:

The art is lovely. Thank you for sharing the interesting information about the different art forms, Ankita.

Ankita B (author) on September 06, 2020:

I appreciate your kind comments Prithviraj. Thank you very much for reading and commenting.

Ankita B (author) on September 06, 2020:

Thank you so much Danny for your generous comments. Yes I have heard of the Batik art too. I am glad that you enjoyed reading this.

Prithviraj Shirole from India on September 06, 2020:

I was unaware of so many amazing art forms. Ankita, thanks for sharing beautiful paintings and their information.

Danny from India on September 06, 2020:

Ankita fantastic research. One more art that caught my attention was the Batik art. This art form is prevalent in Indonesia and India too. it's a delicate and detailed art form that requires utmost precision.

Overall I liked your article. You have been very thorough.

Ankita B (author) on September 06, 2020:

Thank you James for your kind comments. I appreciate your comments and your visit.

Ankita B (author) on September 06, 2020:

I truly appreciate your generous comments Eric. Thank you very much for reading and commenting.