Folk Art Traditions of India

India boasts of a rich culture of arts and crafts. Every corner and region of India possesses its tradition of creative expression. Many of these diverse art forms are a testament to the deep cultural ties the communities have with each other. It is also useful in understanding a community's beliefs, ideals and traditions. 

It is, therefore, worth exploring the many unique traditional styles of art in India. It is important to know the several traditions that make the country one of the most distinctive cultures in the world. 

Here we have curated some of the most remarkable folk arts of India: 

Kalamkari Painting 

Tree of Life : Kalamkari painting by Harinath.N

Kalamkari paintings are one of the most profound styles of paintings from the states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The word Kalamkari comes from two words, namely, ‘Kalam’ meaning a pen and ‘Kari’ meaning the skillful art of creating intricate designs. An art form that has been carried on since the 17th century, it is traditionally done with organic materials. The artists use a bamboo pen (kalam) to draw the figures and other designs. Other natural materials such as cotton cloth, charcoal sticks, milk for the mordant, alum solution, and natural paint in red, indigo and yellow. 

A popular theme in Kalamkari paintings is the ‘Tree of Life’. It is a tree depicting the connection between the Earth, underworld and heaven. It illustrates the connection between mind, spiritual and physical body. With various types of flora and fauna flourishing under its shade, it is understood to be a symbol of nourishment and harmony. Apart from this, various birds and animals are also used as popular themes in these paintings. 

Madhubani Art 

Nature's Concoction: Vibrancy of Madhubani Art, Madhubani Painting by Ambika Devi

Madhubani art is a beautiful style of painting originating from the Mithila region of Bihar. It was traditionally done on the mud walls of the huts. Eventually, the style of paintings has translated onto paper, fabric and much more. 

The art of making Madhubani paintings was also known as Kulin art, or art of the pure castes, as it was women from the Brahimin and Kayasth castes who would create these paintings. 

Scenes of fertility, love, agriculture, nature and deities dominate the paintings using vivid colours. Madhubani paintings are known for their stunning intricate details as they are painted in a fashion where no space is left blank. Every tiny space is filled with flowers, birds, animals, and other traditional designs. 

Assamese manuscript paintings

Ravana Vadha: Assamese Manuscript Painting by Mridu Moucham Bora

Assamese manuscript painting, or Assamese pattachitra (painting on scrolls), is a traditional art form that has been practised by the artisans of Assam since the time of the Ahom empire.

The paintings narrate stories of gods-goddesses and recount tales from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Bhagavad Gita. 

The paintings are typically done on the bark of Agar trees or on Tulapat (wooden plates made of hand-made paper pulp). 

This style of painting was popularised by the famous Vaishnavite reformer Sankardev, to influence the population of the region to become privy to the Hindu epics. The artists skilfully imbibe the emotion of worship and devotion in these captivating paintings. Some of these paintings are also accompanied by descriptions and stories of the scene being depicted. 

Sholapith Art 

Divine Radiance: The Serene Shola Pith of Goddess Durga by Arup Malakar

Sholapith craft is one of the most popular arts of West Bengal. It is a form of craft that is used to make elegant and delicate decorative items from soft paper-like material obtained from the soft white core of the Shola plant (Aeschynomene aspera). 

Apart from creating exquisite decorative items, this craft is also used to make the mukuts (traditional head accessory) of the bride and groom in traditional Bengali weddings. 

Tools such as khat (knife) and scissors are used to shape and add detail to the Shola papers. Flowers and images of various deities are generally made by artists belonging to the Malakar caste. Traditionally it was an activity taken up by the women of the group however, in the present times, both men and women practise this craft. 

Phad painting