Shekhawati is a form of mural painting that originated in the region of Shekhawati in Rajasthan. It was most active in the period between the 17th century and the first half of the 20th century. The painting style is characterised by pictures drawn and coloured piecemeal on dry plaster surfaces of walls.
Nathadwara painting is a style of painting which has originated from the Nathadwara town in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. This painting is associated with the religious beliefs and traditions of Vallabha Sampradaya of the followers of Vaishnavism and Pushti Marg. This art form has different sub-styles like Pichhvai painting, Haveli painting, etc.
Modern artists have put a lot of effort into modernising the art according to the want of the present times. Its use is also no longer confined to devotional purposes and is made into beautiful wall hangings and room decorations.
Meenakari is the unique art and process of designing on metallic surfaces. Embellishing various kinds of precious metals such as gold, silver, copper or bronze makes the art attractive. Usually, this artwork is done with various vibrant colours in spectacular themes, patterns, and designs of animals, birds, fishes, leaves, flowers, and some other living objects.
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.
The stronghold of art and creativity makes the state of West Bengal the cultural capital of India. Among the art, handicrafts, and paintings of Bengal, dokra, terracotta, jute products, hill crafts, cane and bamboo products, chhau masks, Patachitra and Chalchitra paintings play a major role in upholding the rich culture and heritage.
Tribal paintings, also known as tribal art, are a kind of visual arts and the material culture of various indigenous people. They are also called primitive art or ethnographic art or non-Western art. They are often religious or ceremonial. They refer to the craftsmanship and the subject of the artifacts from different tribal cultures.
Jamini Roy was an Indian painter (11th April 1887-24th April 1972) whose contribution to Indian art is unfathomable. Although he was taught the traditional Western art methods, soon he looked for new inspiration in Indian traditional folk art and created his own originality. He became best known for blending traditional Indian art and Western art for creating unique and complex works.
Owing to the presence of a rich and cultural heritage of design inspiration, exquisitely skillful craftsmen, and plenty of raw materials, Indian artisans, despite the industrial and technological revolutions, hold their position in today’s competitive world. Indian crafts acquire connoisseurs from around the world and preserve and promote the Indian handicraft industry across the globe.
Mata Ni Pachedi is a Gujarati tribal art form originated within the Vaghari tribe who were denied entry to temples. The people of this tribe then started painting the images of the Mother Goddess on cloth with natural colours and bamboo brushes and used to worship that cloth. This practice later developed into an art form.
Kumartuli, the potters’ paradise, gives birth to magnificently artistic Durga idols. Wooden walls and tin roofs of the studios shelter the deities and form a traditional home for the artists for centuries. The smell of wet Ganga clay and paints is associated with every Bengalee’s emotions.
