Lakshadweep
Shell crafts in Lakshadweep is an ancient art form utilizing the abundant marine shells found on its pristine islands. This craft is a blend of art and sustainability. The artist collects shells, then cleans and polishes them to remove impurities. The shells are cut, shaped, and drilled depending on the design requirements. Small pieces are […]
Kerala
Kalamezhuthu is a ritualistic art form of Kerala, primarily practiced in temples and sacred spaces. It dates back several centuries and is closely linked to religious ceremonies dedicated to deities like Kali and Ayyappa. Kalamezhuthu is an intricate, temporary floor art created by using natural powders to depict deities during religious ceremonies. The artist outlines […]
Andhra Pradesh
Kalamkari, meaning pen work, originated in the ancient villages of Machilipatnam and Srikalahasti in Andhra Pradesh. The art dates back to over 3,000 years and flourished under Mughal and Golconda patronage. Kalamkari is a traditional hand-painted or block-printed textile art form featuring mythological scenes, epics (Ramayana, Mahabharata), and floral designs. The two types of Kalmkari […]
Tamil Nadu
Tanjore painting is a classical South Indian painting style, originating in the 16th century under the patronage of the Nayak and Maratha rulers of Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu. This royal art form combines painting, embossing, and embellishment, depicting Hindu gods, saints, and mythological stories using gold foil, gems, and bright colors. The artist prepares a wooden […]
Telangana
Cheriyal painting, rooted in the Nakashi art form, dates back to the 15th century. They were created to narrate stories of folklore and epics in rural Telangana. Cheriyal painting is a form of vertical scroll painting illustrating episodes from Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Puranas, as well as village life and social themes. A Khadi cloth is […]
Chhattisgarh
Godna, a traditional tattoo art form, originated among the Gond and Baiga tribes of Chhattisgarh. It is a form of tribal body art that transitioned into decorative paintings on walls and fabrics, featuring repetitive patterns of dots, lines, and motifs symbolizing nature, spirituality, and community identity. The artist prepares the walls or fabrics with a […]
Odisha
Pattachitra, meaning “cloth painting,” is a 12th-century traditional art form from Puri, Odisha, associated with the Jagannath temple and Vaishnavite traditions. The painting is known for its intricate details, vibrant colours and depictions of mythological stories, temple rituals, and episodes from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata. The artist treats a cotton cloth with with a […]
Jharkhand
Sohrai and Khovar paintings are tribal art forms practiced by the Munda, Oraon, and Santhal communities of Jharkhand. They are traditionally created during harvest (Sohrai) and marriage (Khovar) seasons. While Sohrai painting celebrates fertility, harvest, and cattle worship with vibrant murals, Khovar painting features black-and-white patterns symbolizing marriage and prosperity. The artist coats the wall […]
West Bengal
Kalighat painting is a form of folk painting featuring bold, two-dimensional imagery, often depicting deities, mythological stories, and satirical social scenes. Originating in the 19th century near the Kalighat temple in Kolkata, Kalighat paintings were created by patuas (scroll painters) to depict religious themes for temple visitors. Artists use handmade paper or cloth as the […]
Tripura
Bamboo craft is an ancient art form in Tripura, deeply rooted in the lifestyle of its tribal communities like the Reang, Chakma, and Tripuri. It involves crafting household items, decorative pieces, mats, furniture, and even art forms like murals and idols using bamboo. Mature bamboo stalks are cut, cleaned, and treated to prevent decay. The […]
