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 20^th 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.