June 28, 2024
Introduction
Indian folk art, deeply rooted in Indian culture and heritage, has too often been neglected. Luckily, it has been undergoing a resurgence due to its aesthetic and cultural value.
It is a delicate, one-of-a-kind handicraft taught from one generation to the next. It uses specific techniques taught from childhood and employs many who lack other forms of education.
Once mastered, one is entranced by the communicative powers of the folk paintings of India through its simple storytelling.
Typically based on folklore and mythology, the content and context of Indian folk art varies regionally. Each region nurtures its own deep, historical connection with the art form associated- with the stylistic characteristics of the art form. For instance, you may be aware of the popular art forms of Madhubani and Warli! These originate from Bihar and Maharashtra respectively. There are many forms of folk art, including Pichwai, Kalighat and Mysore paintings.
The paintings usually employ natural pigments, making their artwork sustainable. They carry social implications to emphasise:
- World views,
- Collective ethnic identities,
- and Religion
in the context of Indian society.
Immersing ourselves in Indian art has a significant role in our modern lives, helping us create and nurture a richer cultural identity.
Pichwai
Pichwai originates from the Nathdwara temple in Rajasthan- making its first appearance in the 17th century! It’s renowned and a significant part of these artists’ lives because of the generational learning of it, as with any other folk painting.
Pichwai paintings usually depict Shrinathji, a seven-year-old manifestation of Lord Krishna. This deity is known for his time in Vrindavan city. He raises his left hand, alluding to the myth of the Govardhan Hill. Here, Shrinathji protects an entire village from heavy rains and storms by lifting a hill with his hand, providing a roof to all the villagers.
This art form is particular and consists of delicate details. The paint comes from flowers, leaves and semi-precious stones. There are ornate parts that are composed of gold! Other precious metals allow the grandeur of the painting to shine.
Originally, Pichwai had handspun starched cotton fabric as its base, but contemporary Pichwai employed other canvases. A clear distinction between contemporary Pichwai and traditional Pichwai may just be the colours used. Contemporary artists would employ pastel colours, while traditional artists have stuck with rather dramatic pieces (which ones would you prefer?).
Pichwai paintings usually depict Shrinathji, a seven-year-old manifestation of Lord Krishna. This deity is known for his time in Vrindavan city. He raises his left hand, alluding to the myth of the Govardhan Hill. Here, Shrinathji protects an entire village from heavy rains and storms by lifting a hill with his hand, providing a roof to all the villagers.
This art form is particular and consists of delicate details. The paint comes from flowers, leaves and semi-precious stones. There are ornate parts that are composed of gold! Other precious metals allow the grandeur of the painting to shine.
Originally, Pichwai had handspun starched cotton fabric as its base, but contemporary Pichwai employed other canvases. A clear distinction between contemporary Pichwai and traditional Pichwai may just be the colours used. Contemporary artists would employ pastel colours, while traditional artists have stuck with rather dramatic pieces (which ones would you prefer?).
Pattachitra
Pattachitra, literally translated to “canvas picture”, is the traditional artwork of Odisha and West Bengal. It depicts mythological characters, Gods, and folklore (specific to their region). It has been around since the 12th century- can you imagine! The historic significance each brush stroke carries is invaluable.
The most prominent themes in these paintings include;The Badhia representing the Jagannath temple Krishna Lila, where Jagannath takes the form of Lord Krishna to showcase his power Dasabatara Pati, the ten reincarnations of Lord Vishnu And Pancha Mukhi, with a five-headed deity of Lord Ganesh.
The canvas, usually a cloth, is prepared with a coating of chalk and gum (made of tamarind seeds) and rubbed with two stones. Once dried, the magic begins. Some “chitrakars” (artists) even use palm leaves and tussar silk as their “patta” (canvas)!
The style inclines toward the folk side, although having some classical elements. The clothes worn are of a Mughal kind, and their detailed postures aid the picture-perfect aspect of the narration. The paintings use bold and angular lines. The art form is strict but beautiful.
The natural pigments and green design give the piece a unique tone. Pattachitra is on sarees, bags, showpieces and more. The exclusive artworks are a true blessing to the eye and the mind.
Pattachitra artworks don’t just showcase the Ramayana- but also issues of political importance! The Mumbai blasts, the Nandigram case, HIV, climate change, and unemployment are noteworthy depictions.
A single Pattachitra painting can take months to finish!
The most prominent themes in these paintings include;
The style inclines toward the folk side, although having some classical elements. The clothes worn are of a Mughal kind, and their detailed postures aid the picture-perfect aspect of the narration. The paintings use bold and angular lines. The art form is strict but beautiful.
The natural pigments and green design give the piece a unique tone. Pattachitra is on sarees, bags, showpieces and more. The exclusive artworks are a true blessing to the eye and the mind.
Pattachitra artworks don’t just showcase the Ramayana- but also issues of political importance! The Mumbai blasts, the Nandigram case, HIV, climate change, and unemployment are noteworthy depictions.
A single Pattachitra painting can take months to finish!
Kalighat
Kalighat paintings, a new form of Indian folk art, originated in the 19th century in the Bengal regions, primarily Kolkata. British settlers, the Mughal revivalists, theatres and the use of Sanskrit on stage helped shape the art form. The paintings portray the Goddess Kali and stories of her power, or “shakti”.
These paintings were the first of their kind as they showcased people in their daily lives- alongside Gods and Goddesses. There were two disciplines of this form; the Oriental and the Occidental.
Oriental pieces, similar to Pattachitra pieces, depict the Gods and Goddesses (such as Durga ji, Ram and Sita, Lakshmi ji, Radha and Krishna, Shiva and Parvati, and many more) with their admirable tales.
The Occidental paintings, however, depict the day-to-day chores of people and stories of real-life warriors; like the great Rani Laxmi Bai.
The paintings are made on mill paper (from vegetable fibres, not straying away from its sustainable foundations) and have brushwork of homemade dyes. These were said to emerge from the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata.
These graceful, bold and lucid paintings were often souvenir items for pilgrims and travellers. Kalighat is seen on sarees, bedspreads and decorative items. The art form severely impacted the cultural movement of introducing new thought processes through its elegance.
These paintings were the first of their kind as they showcased people in their daily lives- alongside Gods and Goddesses. There were two disciplines of this form; the Oriental and the Occidental.
Oriental pieces, similar to Pattachitra pieces, depict the Gods and Goddesses (such as Durga ji, Ram and Sita, Lakshmi ji, Radha and Krishna, Shiva and Parvati, and many more) with their admirable tales.
The Occidental paintings, however, depict the day-to-day chores of people and stories of real-life warriors; like the great Rani Laxmi Bai.
The paintings are made on mill paper (from vegetable fibres, not straying away from its sustainable foundations) and have brushwork of homemade dyes. These were said to emerge from the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata.
These graceful, bold and lucid paintings were often souvenir items for pilgrims and travellers. Kalighat is seen on sarees, bedspreads and decorative items. The art form severely impacted the cultural movement of introducing new thought processes through its elegance.
Mysore Paintings
Having explored North Indian folk art, we now have arrived at the rich wisdom of Karnataka. Mysore paintings are known for their intricacy, vibrant colours and the use of a gold leaf! They are mainly about religious and mythological figures- especially Hindu deities like Krishna, Shiva, Vishnu, Durga and Lakshmi! Scenes from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata are also a common theme.
Natural pigment and mineral dyes give the artwork a vivid colour scheme. Delicate brushwork gives it that final, polished feel! The gold leaf or foil adds those glamorous touches- making Mysore paintings distinctive. The attention to detail here is immaculate; these artists closely use their brushwork to create every detail possible- from posture to patterns!
Creating the canvas is quite a thorough process. It is covered with limestone and tamarind seed paste for a smooth surface. The drawing is sketched on with charcoal and then painted with colours. Once coated with varnish, the Mysore painting is only then complete.
Their rich historical significance with the Wodeyar kings and Mysore families helped nurture this art form. They are displayed in temples, museums and galleries internationally due to this! To this day, Mysore paintings remain an authentic celebration of the Kingdom of Mysore.
The British Museum showcases 1000 South Indian paintings- dating back to the 17th century.
Natural pigment and mineral dyes give the artwork a vivid colour scheme. Delicate brushwork gives it that final, polished feel! The gold leaf or foil adds those glamorous touches- making Mysore paintings distinctive. The attention to detail here is immaculate; these artists closely use their brushwork to create every detail possible- from posture to patterns!
Creating the canvas is quite a thorough process. It is covered with limestone and tamarind seed paste for a smooth surface. The drawing is sketched on with charcoal and then painted with colours. Once coated with varnish, the Mysore painting is only then complete.
Their rich historical significance with the Wodeyar kings and Mysore families helped nurture this art form. They are displayed in temples, museums and galleries internationally due to this! To this day, Mysore paintings remain an authentic celebration of the Kingdom of Mysore.
The British Museum showcases 1000 South Indian paintings- dating back to the 17th century.
Tanjore
Some Mysore paintings are sometimes confused with Tanjore or Thanjavur paintings. However, they are still very distinct because of their dense composition. They originate from Tamil Nadu, which influences the style of painting. Like Mysore paintings, Tanjore uses a rich colour palette and gold foil embellishments to depict religious deities. Gods and goddesses like Krishna, Rama, Saraswati, Shiva, Lakshmi and Durga are seen with symbolic elements around them.
Undeniably, the defining factor of Tanjore is its Gesso work. It is a wonderfully advanced technique for its time since the paintings are given a three-dimensional look because of it! It’s fascinating how this came to be. It uses a paste (made from chalk powder and gum) to be carved and creates depth to appeal to its viewers (yes, that’s you).
Alongside gold foil, Tanjore uses semi-precious stones and pearls. They are used for decorating the Gods and Goddesses- an enrapturing embellishment. It almost makes the painting feel real yet so divine and opulent!
The intricate paintings are an ode to the remarkable craftsmanship of these artists. The expressive eyes and elaborate costumes- all come together to create this masterpiece of South Indian culture.
Tanjore paintings use a wooden base! The cloth is placed on top of the wood, with the limestone and binding agent. Patronised by the Vijayanagara Empire and the Maratha kings- Tanjore paintings are an invaluable reflection of the richness of the culture of Tamil Nadu.
Tanjore paintings don’t just depict Hindu Gods- Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity and other religions are also painted.
Undeniably, the defining factor of Tanjore is its Gesso work. It is a wonderfully advanced technique for its time since the paintings are given a three-dimensional look because of it! It’s fascinating how this came to be. It uses a paste (made from chalk powder and gum) to be carved and creates depth to appeal to its viewers (yes, that’s you).
Alongside gold foil, Tanjore uses semi-precious stones and pearls. They are used for decorating the Gods and Goddesses- an enrapturing embellishment. It almost makes the painting feel real yet so divine and opulent!
The intricate paintings are an ode to the remarkable craftsmanship of these artists. The expressive eyes and elaborate costumes- all come together to create this masterpiece of South Indian culture.
Tanjore paintings use a wooden base! The cloth is placed on top of the wood, with the limestone and binding agent. Patronised by the Vijayanagara Empire and the Maratha kings- Tanjore paintings are an invaluable reflection of the richness of the culture of Tamil Nadu.
Tanjore paintings don’t just depict Hindu Gods- Islam, Sikhism, Jainism, Christianity and other religions are also painted.
