The versatile national background
When there is no other medium of communication, art speaks. Long before we can even imagine the existence of civilizations, art flourished. Paintings are the greatest evidence of our rich culture and heritage. The traces of the presence, their eating, drinking, clothing, hunting, entertainment and other lifestyle conditions of our forefathers are depicted through art. India is a land of diversity. The twenty-nine states and seven union territories follow distinctive lore. The different types of religions, their traditions, customs, rituals, festivals and forms of social mores generate vivid images in the minds of Indian artists. They are driven by the miscellany of their surroundings. Moreover, the variable climatic conditions from top to bottom of the realm lead to a difference in the atmospheric outlook. This helps the artists to maintain a multifaceted and flexible hand on work. The natural colors, the handmade backdrops, the unadulterated and organic landscapes make the Indian art so unique.
Types of paintings in India:
- Phad paintings
This is a type of folk painting which have its origins in Rajasthan. Phad is painted on long pieces of cloth or scrolls. People carry it as a form of a mobile temple to keep their deities close to them and be able to worship them everywhere. It is painted with the help of vegetable paints. This art is famous for the creativity and innovation involved in it.
- Mithila art
Also commonly known as Madhubani, this art is practiced by illustrious Indian artists from the Mithila region of Bihar. This kind of paintings represents different occasions such as the birth of a child, marriage ceremony, rituals and festivities. It is generally painted by women with the help of fingers, nib-pens, matchsticks and other objects on walls or floors. Mithila paintings have 5 styles, which are, Tantrik, Katchni, Kohbar, Bharni and Godna
- Cheriyal scrolls
It is a famous art form that resembles carving and beading, pertaining to the state of Telangana. It illustrates sagas from Indian mythology and epics. It helps in story-telling and drama portrayal.
- Gond art
This is a type of tribal handicrafts which is not adopted from any other art form. It belongs primarily to /Madhya Pradesh. The history of these paintings dates back to 1400 years. Gond is a tribe which uses this kind of art to decorate its homes, bring fortune and make a living out of it.
- Pattachitra art
This type of art originates from Odisha and West Bengal. “Patta” means cloth and “Chitra” means sketch. This implies painting on cloth pieces. It depicts local Gods and Goddesses. Representations of Lord Ram, Krishna, Vishnu and Jagannath, excerpts from Ramayana and Mahabharata are drawn and colored on the canvas. Different temples of India such as Puri, Bhubaneshwar, Konark and Sonepur have adornments of the Pattachitra art.
- Warli paintings
This is also a type of tribal or ‘Aadivasi’ paintings. It is developed in Palghar district of Maharashtra. These wall paintings are drawn from basic shapes like circles, squares and triangles and signify the elements of nature.
- Kalamkari
It is a method of hand painting or block-printing on cotton. It is used in India and parts of Iran. Only the use of natural dyes is applicable in this art. The name is taken from the Persian word ‘Qalam’ which means pen and ‘Kari’ means craftsmanship.
- Miniature paintings
The small size of these paintings is the reason they are called so. Despite being compact, the minute details and fine brushwork is not missed at all. Natural and handmade colors are used to prepare this type of art.
- Thanjavur paintings
The name emerges from the place it belongs, also called Tanjore. It is believed to be a classic South Indian style of art. It originated in 1600 AD. You can recognize this painting by the gold foil, sparkle and its mesmerizing appearance.
- Kalamezhuthu art
This is a type of powder drawing which initiated in South India. The Mandalas and Rangolis are drawn on the pattern of Kalamezhuthu art. They are basically made to enhance the aesthetic dimension of a place.
With the availability of such a wide variety of options to the Indian artists, the scope of practices widens. If you visit an Indian paintings gallery, you will experience an aura of the discussed elements. The smell of the colors, the raw imprints, demonstration of national events makes these paintings very close to an Indian’s heart.