Worldwide Shipping* | Free returns* | Handpicked artworks

Indian Art-Forms At The Verge Of Extinction

Indian Art-forms at the Verge of Extinction

In this blog, you will read about:

  1. Gond Art

  2. Madhubani Painting

  3. Bhitti Chitra

 

 

Since time immemorial paintings have been the utmost form of art practiced in India and a traditional way to convey feelings and emotions and keep a stable record. Some Stone Age paintings around 10,000 years old were discovered in the caves and it is believed that homo- sapiens back then carved those artifacts. In the medieval era when India practiced self- originated art forms and was distributed into various religions, various groups practiced various artistic activities. All the Indian artistries were recorded in the Literature but not all paintings were found because of the prolonged time period they vanished and some were destroyed in the wars. As time accelerated the primitive art forms were passed on to the descendants and were performed under the rule of successive kings. The original art forms were preserved by passing them to the next generations to keep the art alive. 

Time slipped and so did the originality, there came so many advancements in the paintings, from rocks it moved to clothes, utensils, house walls, and then to canvases, the natural paints which grabbed the uniqueness of the art were shifted by artificial paints and so did the change came in the art style, it was modified to allure the attention of modern eyes. The rarities and originalities started depleting and the valuable treasures were lost in the hustle and bustle of the changing era. 

Let us show you some of those ultimate artistic treasures and how our chosen artists from each unique clan have taken a step towards the conservation of their tribal art forms: their ancestors' identities and how dirums facilitate it for you to buy those preserved paintings.

Bhitti Chitra- 

This art form is also famous with the name of ‘Rajwar Bhitti Chitra’ and was initially practiced in the regions of Chattisgarh and especially by the women’s in three main events like marriage, walls, and in the room where gods and goddesses are kept, these paintings are performed by first making a base of the painting with clay and then decorating it with brightly- lit colors, the paintings are generally inspired by the godly figures, nature and creatures. The colors used are made up of natural household substances such as turmeric, leaves of banana, and bark of Peepal tree.

Even today this art form is practiced in the limited tribe by the artists and walls are decorated with natural colors and the idea of conveying emotions with these paintings is still in impact.

Artist- Pratima Dharwal

Our featured artist portrays the pride of her tribe and represents the beauty of this conservative art form with her skills, natural colors, and its ancient patterns, she belongs to the tribe which was the founder of this extraordinary art form and has seen the live demonstrations of this artwork since her childhood and brings back the roots of the originality. Here is a sample of her painting which depicts the originality of the Bhitti Chitra Art Form.

Gond Art-

This Art form is practiced by India’s one of the largest tribes called ‘Gond’. This tribal art is made with dashes, dots, and lines which provides the sense of mobility to the picture and consumes natural colors to perform the art, Mittis, and flowers like hibiscus are used to make natural colors. These paintings are inspired by the surroundings and have a close connection with nature and creatures. Gond people believed that looking at these pictures carved on the walls of their homes brings them good luck and charm when they do something after seeing it. This art form is 1400 years old and is a connection of humans to nature.

Artist- Ajay Kumar Urveti 

Artist Ajay Kumar Urveti has made several art pieces that flaunt the beauty of his ethenic art. He is so dedicated to his tribal art that his paintings are filled with uniqueness and compiles of his tribal art. Artist uses natural colors, lines, and dashes to performs his art and lives on the belief of the Gonds that Gond art paintings are the depictions of the linkage between humankind and nature and how these paintings were believed to bring luck and were regarded as ‘Lucky Charm’. 

Madhubani Painting- 

Madhubani Art is also called ‘Mithila Art’ which was generally practiced by the women of the Mithila region of India. It was divided into 3 art forms and was practiced by different castes. But today irrespective of caste any art form can be practiced by any artist. This is the oldest art form in Indian history. Lampblacks, ochre, and powdered rice are used as pigmentations to these paintings and were generally demonstrated on mud walls or floors but today are depicted on canvases for preservation purposes. These paintings are made up of various geometrical shapes and patterns and have no free voids in them; every void is filled with any shape. They are generally inspired by nature such as all other tribal arts. Twings, nib pencils, and brushes are used to carry out this art form and have significant connectivity with rituals and festivities. 

Artist- Sujata Kumari

Sujata Kumari is another artist who serves the skill of her tribe which is famous for their paintings from Mithila regions. Artist uses geometric shapes and natural colors and traditional patterns to personify the features in her paintings. Her art is 100% original and no artificial modifications are used. Conservatively and Respectfully she performs her tribal art which is 2500-year-old folk art. This is the branch of the same tribe that once recorded the event of Lord Rama's wedding with Sita in the kingdom of King Janaka.

The painting below is made of pure natural colors and remedies her ancestors left behind and the patterns which they found.

Steps that are taken by the Government-

The Ministry of Tribal Affairs and State Governments have set up researchers and institutes to study the tribal culture and preserve and teach their art forms to pass them to the next generation to live on forever. The government of India has implemented various schemes and awards like the Award for Young Talented Artist to promote more participants and teach them about the culture from an early age. All over India various tribal competitions are held with money and other rewards to motivate people and funding for teachers and ancient art performers to continue their contributions in keeping these art forms alive. And so have dirums chosen some of the artists from various tribes to promote their tribal art and share its uniqueness with the world.



 

 


 

by  

Saloni Sharma

1.230x view

Sign up for our newsletter

Stay up to date with the roadmap progress, announcements and exclusive discounts feel free to sign up with your email.