Hidden Gems: Indian Underrated Arts You Should Know.

Indian Underrated Art

Sankesha Borde

India’s art scene is a dazzling mosaic, where countless regional art forms come together to create a vibrant tapestry. Each form boasts its own unique style, stories, and traditions, passed down through generations. Today, we embark on a captivating journey to discover some of India’s hidden artistic gems. From intricate paintings to captivating sculptures, these art forms offer a glimpse into the soul of India’s diverse culture and heritage. So, join us as we delve into the artistic treasures waiting to be unearthed across various Indian states!

West Bengal: Kalighat Pattachitra

West Bengal is home to the Kalighat Pattachitra, a distinct art style that originated around the 19th century near the Kalighat temple in Kolkata. These paintings were originally created on patas (scrolls made from palm leaves) and later on canvas. The vibrant artwork features portraits of Hindu deities, mythological characters, and scenes from everyday life.

Madhya Pradesh: Bhil Art

Madhya Pradesh boasts the fascinating Bhil art, an indigenous tribal art form practiced by the Bhil community. Their paintings, traditionally done on mud walls and now also on canvas, depict their folklore, mythology, and reverence for nature. Bhil art is characterized by bold lines, geometric patterns, and a vibrant color palette.

Odisha: Pattachitra

Odisha’s Pattachitra is a captivating art form known for its intricate portrayal of Hindu gods and goddesses, particularly those from the Jagannath cult. These colorful paintings are done on cloth or specially prepared canvas using natural dyes and minerals. Pattachitra narratives encompass themes from epics like the Mahabharata and Ramayana.

Maharashtra: Warli Art

Maharashtra’s Warli art is an ancient tribal art form practiced by the Warli people. Their minimal yet expressive paintings use white-on-red backgrounds to depict scenes from daily life, hunting rituals, and their deep connection with nature. Warli art is known for its simplicity and inherent rhythm.

Tamil Nadu: Tanjore Painting

Tamil Nadu’s Tanjore paintings are a luxurious art form characterized by rich colors, intricate gold leafwork, and precious gemstones. These paintings typically depict Hindu deities, particularly those from the South Indian pantheon. Tanjore paintings flourished under the patronage of the Chola and Maratha empires.

Himachal Pradesh: Thangka Paintings

These Tibetan Buddhist paintings depict deities, mandalas (sacred diagrams), and scenes from Buddhist scriptures. Traditionally made on cloth, Thangka paintings are known for their vibrant colors and intricate details.

Uttar Pradesh Chikan Embroidery –

This delicate embroidery style from Lucknow involves intricate white-on-white threadwork on fabrics like muslin. Chikan embroidery adorns clothing, scarves, and home furnishings.

Assam: Manipur Sattriya Art

This encompasses various art forms like Vaishnava paintings, sculptures, and metalwork. The paintings depict stories from the life of Krishna and are known for their elegance and use of natural dyes.

Chhattisgarh: Dhokra Metal Casting

– This ancient art form uses the lost-wax technique to create intricate figurines and sculptures from brass, bronze, or bell metal. Dhokra art typically depicts tribal deities, animals, and scenes from daily life.

Gujarat: Maru-Gurjara Paintings –

This vibrant style originated in Gujarat and Rajasthan. Maru-Gurjara paintings depict Hindu mythology, historical events, and royal court scenes. They are characterized by bold lines, flat perspectives, and a rich color palette.

Rajasthan: Phad Paintings

These large narrative scrolls, traditionally used by wandering bards, showcase stories from Hindu epics and local folklore. Phad paintings are known for their bold colors, dramatic compositions, and simple,

Kerala: Aranmula Kannadi (Metal Mirror) –

This unique craft involves creating highly polished metal mirrors using a secret technique passed down through generations. Aranmula Kannadi mirrors are known for their flawless finish and ability to reflect a wide field of view.

Karnataka: Mysore Sandalwood Carving –

The fragrant sandalwood from Karnataka is used to create intricate carvings of deities, mythological figures, and everyday objects. Mysore sandalwood carvings are prized for their delicate craftsmanship and beautiful aroma.

These are just a few examples, and there’s so much more to discover! Remember, this is just a starting point to spark your curiosity. You can delve deeper into any of these art forms or explore hidden gems from other Indian states to learn more about the country’s incredibly rich artistic heritage.

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