Indian folk painting styles –

1. Madhubani Paintings

Untitled by Baua Devi

One of the most celebrated styles of Indian art is, Madhubani which
originated in the Mithila region of Bihar as a form of wall art.This spectacular
folk art style was unknown to the outside world until discovered by the
British colonial William G. Archer in 1934 while inspecting the damage after
the massive Bihar earthquake. Archer was amazed by the beautiful
illustrations on the exposed interior walls of the houses…The beauty of
Madhubani lies in its simple and evocative portrayal of culture and traditions.

The designs are characterised by eye-catching geometrical patterns,

symbolic images, and scenes from mythology. The balance between the
vibrancy of colors and simplicity in its patterns make Madhubani different
from other painting styles. Bharni, Katchni, Tantrik, Godna, and Kohbar are
the five distinct styles of Madhubani painting.

2. Warli Paintings

Warli Art

This ancient Indian art is 2500-year-old tradition. Warli paintings of the Thane
and Nasik areas of Maharashtra are closely linked with nature and social
rituals of the tribe. Warli paintings showcase daily activities of the local
people of that community like farming, dancing, hunting, praying etc.
Traditionally, women used twigs to draw lively designs with rice paste on
mud walls of tribal houses to mark celebrations of harvests or weddings.
Simple geometrical patterns in white against a red or yellow surface are used
to depict everyday life scenes. Warli art with its linear and monochromatic
hues resembles the execution of pre-historic cave paintings.

3. Kalighat Painting or Bengal Pat

 Kalighat Painting

The Kalighat painting style was developed around Mid-19th century in the
neighbourhood of Kali Temple in Calcutta. These drawings on paper were
done by a group known as “patuas” hence the name Kalighata Pata. They
depicted scenes of everyday life and mythological deities in a simple yet
captivating manner and developed into the popular kalighat style of painting.
Kalighat painters predominantly use earthy Indian colours like indigo, ochre,
Indian red, grey, blue and white. The swift, seamless, free-flowing outline is a
distinguished characteristic of Kalighat style of paintings. This painting style
has inspired many artists, the most famous being Jamini Roy, one of the
celebrated artist in Indian art.

4. Phad
Pabuji Ki Phad by Bhavana Saxena

Phad is the narrative scroll painting tradition from Rajasthan, dating back to
a thousand years. Stories of local deities and heroes are painted on
horizontal cloth scrolls in hues of red, yellow and orange The Phad scrolls
show depictions of battlefields, adventure stories, legendary romances and
the richness of the Indian princely states. The Phad painting style leaves one
spellbound at how the folk artists accommodate multiple stories in a single
composition, yet maintain the aesthetics of artistic expression.

5. Kalamkari
Kalamkari Painting

This 3000-year-old organic art of hand and block printing was traditionally
used for making narrative scrolls and panels. This exquisite folk art has a
strong connect with Persian motifs. Kalamkari derives its name from kalam or
pen and is a legacy that has been handed down from generation to
generation in Andhra Pradesh. The stylised animal forms, floral motifs and
mehrab designs predominant in Kalamkari paintings have also found a place
in Kalamkari textiles. Kalamkari art primarily involves earthy colours like
indigo, green, rust, black and mustard.

6. Miniature Painting
Miniature
The Miniature painting style came to India with the Mughals in the
16th century and is identified as an important milestone in the history of
Indian art. It developed into a distinct style with a combination of Islamic,
Persian and Indian elements. The painting is done using natural stone colors
on a paper-based “wasli”. Mineral colors, precious stones, conch shells, gold
and silver are used in the miniatures. Fine brushwork, intricacy, detailing and
stylization are the unique attributes of miniature painting. Across India, the
miniature painting style has developed into distinct schools of miniature
paintings like Kangra, Rajasthan, Malwa, Pahadi, Mughal, Deccan etc. to
name a few.

7. Gond Painting

Gond Painting by Manoj Kumar Tekam

These vibrant paintings created with a series of intricately arranged dots and
dashes were developed by the Gondi tribe of central India. The tribals
recreate mythological tales and oral histories to traditional songs, natural
surroundings, important events and rituals in with great intricacy, rich
detailing, and bright colors. Traditionally, colors were derived from natural
resources like cow dung, plant sap, charcoal, coloured soil, mud, flowers,
leaves etc. Gond artists now use commercial water-based colors to paint on
paper and canvas. In today’s times, Gond art has moved beyond being a
tribal art style with nameless artists to having internationally acclaimed
artists like Jangarh Singh Shyam, Venkat Shyam, Bhajju Shyam, Durga Bai
Vyam to name a few.

8. Kerala Murals
Sithyanam by Retheesh T S
The vibrant Kerala mural paintings are one of the world’s most famous
frescos and have deep spiritual roots depicting themes of Hindu mythology,
epics, the classic frolics of Krishna as well as the mystic forms of Siva and
Shakti. They also recount some legendary heroes of the bygone era. This
traditional art style dates to the seventh and eighth century AD and is
characterised by vivacious imagery, bold strokes, and vivid colours. Ochre-
red, yellow- ochre, bluish- green, white and pure colors are predominantly
used in Kerala mural painting.

9. Patachitra

Orissa Pattachitra

Patachitra is the cloth scroll painting tradition from Odisha, dedicated to

mythological and religious themes in Indian art. Bold, strong outlines, vibrant
colors like white, red yellow and black with decorative borders are some of
the characteristics of patachitra painting style, that is admired by art lovers
across the world.

10. Pichhwai
 Pichwai
Painting

The Indian art of Pichwai originated as wall hangings behind the main deity
in Krishna temples in Nathdwara. They narrate stories related to Lord
Krishna. Gradually with commercialisation secular themes are also
incorporated in the Picchwai style of painting. Picchwais are colourful and
intricate works of art with concealed symbolism in the artistic motifs. This
distinct devotional art practice has passed from one generation to another
and a fine example of spirituality in art.