9 Best Indian Art Forms That Survived

Many different art forms have been practiced in India, and some have survived the passage of time. India, being culturally diverse and distinct, has a wide range of art forms practiced in various parts of the country. Some have evolved over time, adapting to new materials and paint colors, while others have remained unaffected by modernization.

Posted On July 5th, 2021

Madhubani Painting

This art, also known as Mithila art, originated in Nepal's Janak kingdom and is now found in Bihar. This art form was unknown to the rest of the world until it was discovered after an earthquake in the 1930s. These paintings or wall murals, which are mostly done by women, depict gods, fauna, and flora. This art form, distinguished by geometric patterns, is highly regarded for its evocative power.

Pattachitra

Pattachitra art forms originated in Odisha and West Bengal in the fifth century. The Mughal era has a strong influence on these cloth-based scroll paintings. The Pattachitra paintings, which are highly regarded by art connoisseurs, are devoted to religious and mythological themes. In this type of painting, the painters primarily use bright colors such as red, black, indigo, yellow, and white.

Mysore Painting

Mysore painting is a type of classical South Indian painting that originated in and around the town of Mysore in Karnataka and was encouraged and nurtured by the Mysore rulers. Painting has a long and illustrious history in Karnataka, dating back to the Ajanta period.

Tanjore Painting

This painting was created in the Thanjavur district of Tamil Nadu in the 16th century during the Chola regime. It is well-known for its magnificent embellishments, vibrant colors, and luxurious surfaces. The themes are primarily focused on Hindu gods and goddesses. The main subjects are always painted in the center of these paintings, which are done on wooden planks.

Kalamkari

This art has been practiced for over 3000 years and has a strong connection to Persian motifs. Kalamkari derives its name from the word Kalam, which means "drawings with a pen." This organic art of hand and block printing has been passed down through generations in Andhra Pradesh. Earthy colors such as green, rust, indigo, mustard, and black are used in Kalamkari art.

Kalighat Painting

This style of painting first appeared in Bengal in the nineteenth century. These paintings were created on cloth or patas and frequently depicted images of gods, goddesses, and epic scenes. This simple yet captivating form of art gained popularity due to its ability to beautifully capture everyday life. The Kalighat paintings are distinguished by their seamless, free-flowing outline.

Pahari Painting

Pahari painting is an umbrella term for a type of Indian painting that originated in the Himalayan hill kingdoms of North India during the 17th and 19th centuries, most notably Basohli, Mankot, Nurpur, Chamba, Kangra, Guler, Mandi, and Garhwal. Nainsukh was a well-known master of the mid-eighteenth century, and his family workshop continued for another two generations.

Gond Painting

Gond paintings, a native art form of Madhya Pradesh, are mostly animal and bird-themed. This art form, practiced by the Gond tribes, is thought to be 1400 years old. This type of painting employs natural colors derived from plant sap, charcoal, colored soil, cow dung, leaves, and so on. In the past, this simple art form made with dots and lines was made as an offering to Mother Nature.

Warli Painting

This form of art was practiced by the Warli tribes of Thane and Nasik in Maharashtra as early as 2500 BCE. These paintings primarily depict the tribe's natural and social rituals. It depicts daily activities such as farming, praying, dancing, hunting, and so on. Some of the main themes are geometrical patterns in white against a yellow or red background.