Indian Art Forms That Are Shouting Out Loud For Our Attention
Known to be a land comprising of different
traditions and cultures, India is a nation that has a plethora of talent. Spreading
from Kashmir to Kanyakumari and, the art forms here have their own significance.
But amid the noise of many there are certain masterpieces of craft that are
losing ground and heading towards extinction. So, let’s take a look at this
treasure of ancient traditional artistry from the Kitty of Incredible India.
Art
of Puppetry
Holding roots for more than 3000 years,
puppetry is an ancient art form of India. Various forms of puppetry like shadow
puppetry from Kerala, Kathaputli from Rajasthan and Kundhei from Orissa etc.,
are present since ancient times that is hardly known to anyone in the country.
And seeing the neglect they have been receiving, the day is not far when this
art form won’t exist in India.
Manjusha
paintings
Holding the reputation of being the only art
form in India that is displayed in series, each representing a story within it,
Manjusha paintings is an artistic treasure of India. Having originated in Anga
Pradesh, which is the modern day Bihar, this art form prospered during the
British rule. But, amid the 20th century, this art aesthetic started
witnessing a downfall. Fortunately, the Bihar government is trying to revive
this craft and patent it as Bhagalpur folk art.
Toda
embroidery
Coming from the Toda tribe, which comprises
of a bunch of 2000 people residing in the Nilgiri Hills, Toda embroidery is
another art form that’s shouting out loud for our attention. This embroidery is
one of its kind because it is done on cloth with square-shaped deceptions that
are unique. Be it on wallets, bed sheets, stoles or cell phone pouches, you
will find that embroidery done on them is one of its kinds.
Naga
handicraft
The Nagas are famous for their deep-rooted
culture, which is depicted through their art forms and craft. The tribe is known
for making interesting handicraft items made from wood, cane and other readily
available material from the nearby forest. Their handicrafts comprise of baskets,
bowls, and decors, carved benches, shawls scarves and bags. Though, the tribe promotes
their craft in expos yet their products are far from the reach of the major
population of the country and can soon be lost in the crowd of many advanced
ones.
Roghan
painting
Roghan painting is another ancient treasure
of India. For seven generations now, the Khatri family living in the Kutch area
of Rajasthan has been the practitioners of this art. But, today with only seven
surviving people in India doing this painting, the historic family fears that
this ancient art of theirs would fade away seeing the impatience of the future
generation. This unconventional form of art is executed on fabric with castor
oil, paints and a 6-inch thin metal rod. The paintings are expensive and hence
are generally purchased by foreigners.
Patola
saris
Patola saris, that have part ikat work, are
considered to be one of the most expensive saris in the world. Each classic
Patola sari can survive for about 300 years while retaining its color. It
requires about four to six months to make a sari, with more than 70 days required
for the coloring of the silk threads, and about 25 days are essential for its
weaving. About 12people work for two years on the material that forms about 27
Patola saris. Also the costliest sari is priced at a whopping Rs. 7 lakh. Currently
only four Gujarati families pursue this complex and time consuming work of art and
fear that this tradition won’t last for long.
Mithila
painting
Indian Art Forms That Are Shouting Out Loud For Our Attention
Having the niche of being is one of the
living creative activities of the women of Bihar, Mithila painting is a form of
folk painting, which is done on paper, cloth, readymade garments and movable
objects. Originally done by the women of all castes and communities of Mithila
village with the help of vegetable colors, currently it is done by only few
women from the village. Due to the lack of women practicing this art, Mithila
painting is one of the paintings that is on the verge of extinction from the
country.
Dhokhra
handicraft
Dhokhra handicraft is a wax casting
technique practiced by tribes belonging to the Bastar region, a district in Chhattisgarh.
This ancient art holds its roots India for being more than 4,000 years old. One
of the earliest known dhokra artifacts is the dancing girl of Mohenjo-daro.
Though having a great demand in domestic and foreign markets owing to their
primitive simplicity, enchanting folk motifs and forceful form, yet a fear of
lack of advanced technology and people alarm the fate of this fine art of
India.
Parsi
embroidery
Parsi embroidery has been a part of India’s
diverse textile heritage.. The saris that depict Parsi embroidery are known as
Parsi Gara Saris and require a period of 9 months in order to complete. But in
current times you will find less of this classic embroidery in the market due
to the declining Parsi community and mass production of readily available
garments.
