Monthly Archives: September 2022

Kinnala is one of the most famous crafts in the Deccan land. Kinnala is a relatively unique ancient Indian art which is dating back to the 15th to 16th century CE. This uncommon art form came from the village of Kinhal in the Kopal district, Karnataka. If you want to explore different types of Indian art as well as handcrafts, then Kinnala must be on your list. Natural raw materials and unique methods make the craft interesting for art enthusiasts. Kinnala craft can give you the essence of the Vijayanagar Emperor and the idea of an artistic lineage of the Deccan people. 

The north-eastern state of Meghalaya houses a variety of beautiful handicrafts. Some of the things produced are winnowing fans, cane mats, stools, caps etc.The three tribal communities of Meghalaya - Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia - together produce these crafts, each a little different in style and product. Artistic baskets known as meghum khoks are made in the Garo Hills. Wood crafts, however, are not used for trade - they are a motif of decorative and artistic value. 

The various kinds of baskets made are open weave carrying, closed weave carrying, small storage, large storage etc. Other products are also made such as rain shield, headgear, mud shovel, bamboo combs, bamboo pipes etc. These crafts are integral to the tourism sector and heritage of Meghalaya and continue to be made to this day.

Masan painting is a primordial artform that is found to be practiced mainly in northern West Bengal and northern Bangladesh including some parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, and eastern Nepal. The word Masan is derived from the word “Shashan” which is the Bengali of the Hindu cremation ground. Masan art, also known as Masan chitrakala, is mainly practiced by the Rajbangshi (Rajbonshi) tribe in Bengal and it has high cultural and religious importance in the lives of the Rajbangshi community.