Discover the ancient art style of traditional paintings of India that have preserved the rich cultural history from our glorious past most elegantly and colourfully.
Indian art styles have captured the enchanting folk culture and traditions in the most attractive ways. As diverse as the aesthetic and ethnic history of our country is, the painting techniques and styles also differ in each region showcasing the rich customs, religions and ideologies passed from one generation to another. Traditionally found as murals, urbanization has let them be studied and recreated on paper and canvas. The art pieces are to be preserved timelessly to be studied as artistic examples of indigenous lifestyle from the past.
Madhubani Paintings-
Originated in the Mithila region of Bihar, Madhubani painting has won its recognition all over the world. The illustrations that were drawn to decorate the villages were charming yet candid in their own way. The eye-catching characterization and fantastic miniature pattern art used with vibrant colours is something that has peaking demands even today. Some of the distinct popular styles of Madhubani are Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna, and Kohbar.
Warli Paintings-
The 2500-year-old art of drawing simple human figurants dancing around in a village scene is just too beautiful to miss out. Originated in Thane and Nasik areas, Warli depicts the local traditions of people at best. Drawing the images around the doors and windows and keeping a strong contrast between the dark mud walls and white rice paste makes the art even more authentic and graceful.
Kalighat painting-
A style developed in Mid-19th century beside the Kali Temple in Kolkata, a group named Patuas developed the art form, and hence it is also called Kalighat Pata. The scenes from regular life are beautifully portrayed in rich colours. Be it the mythological history or the religious depictions, the drawings were originally made from natural, earthy colours like indigo, vermilion and ochre. The international artist most inspired by this art form is Jamini Roy.
Phad-
Phad is the traditional narrative scroll painting that depicts stories of deities and local people on a horizontal cloth covered in rich colours. Dated thousand years back, the technique still leaves viewers spell-bound by the depictions of battlefield, adventures and romantic legacies.
Kalamkari-
The 3000-year-old technique of hand block printing is still an essential part of traditional printing. The painting was initially developed for making scrolls and panels. The stylized animals, floral motives and mehrab designs have inspired the organic textile industry to adapt rich colours in the printing art of cloth.
