India is a country of diversity rich in art and culture. The combination of traditions and rich culture make India unique in its own way. The unique art forms have allowed this country to stand apart when it comes to cultural heritage. 

Godna Art is one of the most ancient art forms of India mainly practiced by the tribe ORAON of CHHATTISGARH state. This unique art form is mainly done on the bodies of the women with TATTOOS called “GODNA” to adorn their bodies. It is basically permanent ornamentation of the body. They paint three-lined tattoos on their forehead. In this art form agility, patience and charming effect are essential. Currently, this primitive art form is widely done by the women of the Jamgala village in Lakhanpur Block of SARGUJA of CHHATTISGARH district and also in RAIGARH. An affluent culture of Godna paintingcan also be observed in the BASTAR region of CHHATTISGARH.

This form of tattooing or GODNA art can also be traced in the state of MADHYA PRADESH among the BAIGA TRIBE. It is an integral part of the BAIGA CULTURE mainly for women. It embodies a feeling of pride among the women. They feel incomplete without these extensive tattoos on their bodies. The main feature of the tattoos of BAIGA TRIBE is a ‘V'-shaped mark on the forehead exactly between the eyebrows. There is a belief among this tribe that there is a possibility to carry this tattoo ornament with them after their death also. Tribal men too used to draw this ornament on their bodies. 

HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF GODNA PAINTING:

According to history, it is believed that the GODNA PAINTING has been derived from NATTINS, the tattoo makers, who were actually the women gypsy tribe. They used to move from one village to another drawing different patterns of Godna on the bodies of the villagers. The lower caste women could not afford to buy ornaments hence they would prefer drawing different Godna motifs on their bodies made by NATTINS. 

Again, DALIT women who had to face lots of discrimination used to create this Godna painting. To some extent, it was a symbol of protest, hope, and objection against the upper caste system for a better future to be independent and self-supportive. Dalit women were not allowed to adorn themselves with ornaments. It was mainly conserved for upper-class women. Hence the Dalit women started to beautify themselves with these beautiful tattoos.

OBJECTIVE OF GODNA PAINTING:

The main objective of Godna painting is not just ornamentation. There are some other concepts behind this painting. This art form is believed to have some HEALING POWERS too. This art is highly appreciated for its healing powers and ritualistic importance. The tribals believe that the Godna inked on their bodies will keep them fit. 

The reason can be the medicinal herbs that help in curing the wounds that are used to prepare the ink for Godna. This is used on the wounded area or cuts and sometimes also used for the treatment of cough and pain. Some historians are of the opinion that it began as an acupuncture practice. It was believed to be used for passing messages with secret codes. But most accept the fact that the main purpose of Godna art is the beautification of the body with inked ornaments for an everlasting effect and also to symbolize an individual to which tribe it belonged.

TECHNIQUE USED IN GODNA PAINTING:

The tattoo is mainly done on the skin with the tip of the needle. Then vegetable juices like beans or datura are merged with soot and oil is released. In other cultures, tattoo artists also use bamboo sticks or thorns as needles. The ink that is used in this tattoo art is combined with herbs, cow bile, soot, and pig fat. Sometimes the grape seeds are crushed and burnt to make the ink. Nowadays this art form can be seen on canvases. 

The colour is derived from natural sources like leaves, flowers, seeds, bark trees, and plants. Cow dung and clay are also used for making colours. At present various types of brushes are used too. Bamboo twigs are often used to draw intricate details. Small pieces of cotton cloth are used to draw on canvas sheets. For more precise results they use various types of brushes and holder pens. 

The most common and popular patterns of Godna painting are various types of animals like horses, peacocks, elephants with riders, and scorpions. Floral and geometric motifs as well as tribal myths can also be seen. 

RENOWNED ARTISTS OF GODNA PAINTING:

SANTHI BATTI deserves a special mention as one of the renowned Godna artists of India. She is from the DINDORI district of MADHYA PRADESH and has made an incredible mark in one of the art forms of GODNA which is BADI GODNA. Another famous artist is UMADEVI. She belongs to the RAJNANDGAON district of CHHATTISGARH. She is a noted GODNA ARTIST and has specialized in DEVAR form. Again, DALIT couple CHANO DEVI and her husband RODI PASWAN are well-known GODNA ARTISTS who are encouraging and popularizing this form of art by providing training to several artists.

CURRENT SCENARIO:

These days the popularity of GODNA TATTOO on the body among tribals has declined. Due to MODERNISATION and UNIQUE FASHION STATEMENTS, this traditional art form has shifted the focus from the body to CANVAS, FABRICS, SILK, and PAPERS. This form of art can also be seen on household products like BEDSHEETS, WALLS, DOORS, CUSHION COVERS, BRASS, TERRACOTTA ITEMS, and GLASS.

Nowadays women are trying to revive this exquisite art form by painting and improvising the traditional tattoo designs on textiles. They are also including contemporary motifs and patterns and also using various acrylic paints on fabrics. The women of SARGUJA DISTRICT of CHHATTISGARH have started designing SAREES, TABLE CLOTHES, DUPATTAS, and many more. This has become a good source of income for these women. Currently, it has got recognition both nationally and internationally. The products are sold in the local markets as well as exported to different parts of the world. Many exhibitions, workshops, and fairs are arranged to encourage the artists. Even several online websites are promoting this type of traditional art form through their platforms. Online platforms like ARTSofINDIA.in host various types of products and encourage these types of artists of India through their website. Such platforms compliment and promote this traditional art form, giving them recognition across the world.


Picture Source: Sahapedia