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Shekhawati Painting

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India is a land of so many diverse cultures that its art forms seem to be countless in number. This article, for example, is dedicated to Shekhawati paintings - a form of mural painting that adorned the walls of many buildings in Shekhawati, a semi-desert region in north Rajasthan situated entirely in the triangle between Delhi-Bikaner-Jaipur. These paintings were characterised by pictures  drawn and colored piecemeal on the dry plaster surface of walls. Subjects ranged from religious and mythological themes to everyday environments and erotica. The paintings of Shekhawati have been an important part of Rajasthan’s - and by extension India’s - cultural heritage. History of the Art The first Shekhawati paintings can be traced as far back as the 17th century. The local styles were influenced by the then-Mughal work in Agra and Fatehpur Sikri. The earliest works even included the "Jaipur fresco" work, wherein thick pigments were applied and worked onto a wet plaster surface. The...

Nathadwara Painting

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Nathadwara painting is a style of painting which has originated from the Nathadwara town in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan. This painting is associated with the religious beliefs and traditions of  Vallabha Sampradaya  of the followers of  Vaishnavism  and  Pushti Marg . This art form has different sub-styles like  Pichhvai  painting,  Haveli  painting, etc. This art form is mostly associated with the cloth or textile painting or wall hangings of  Srinathji  and his various forms and incarnations. History and Origin of the Art The primary cause of the development of Nathadwara painting style was to protect the Hindu religious practices of worshipping from the oppressions of the Mughal emperor Aurangazeb, who had destroyed many temples and idols of Gods and Goddesses. As a part of this programme, an image of  Srinathji , a child manifestation of Sri Krishna, was installed in the Nathadwara city in 1670 by the  Goswami  ...

Meenakari Art

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India is the land of enriched culture and heritage. Music, applied arts, paintings, and colors of India have been popular for many years. From Kashmir to Kanyakumari, a variety of art styles flourished in this country at different times. People of India even celebrate their festivals by using vibrant colors and eminent artworks. These practices are treated as an integral part of our enriched cultures. Meenakari is one of the most popular as well as vibrant artworks that generally belong to the land of Rajasthan . By using different precious metals and stones , artists developed a piece of Meenakari art. Spectacular patterns, designs, themes, and motifs make this artwork special. Meenakari art's relationship with Rajputana is close and longstanding. Many Rajput rulers support this artwork many times. Still, many foreign visitors and art enthusiasts travel to Rajasthan to observe the excitement of making Meenakari art and collect some masterpieces as a memorandum.  Exclusive backgro...

Pithora Paintings- The Form of Worshipping through Art

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Gujarat is one of the richest states in our country. Apart from being famous for its temples, wildlife sanctuaries, ports, and the Rann of Kutch, Gujarat is also famous for its diverse cultural heritage. In this article, we are going to take a peek into their culture and re-discover one of the most fascinating art forms known as  Pithora Paintings . History and Origin of Pithora Paintings In the land of temples and numerous deities,  Pithora (Baba Pithora)  is the deity who was worshipped for marriages and functions, similar to the Greek Goddess  Hera.  The tribes such as the Rathwas and the Bhilalas from a village in central Gujarat worshipped Baba Pithora. The paintings were made on their walls or on the walls of caves to worship Baba Pithora.  Pithora paintings were made to seek blessings from the deity, or thank/ask them for a boon. Hence, it is more like a ritual than an art form. Whenever someone has a desire or problem, they narrate it to their head ...

Jain Painting of Rajasthan

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Rajasthan is very rich in cultural heritage. The amalgamation of art, architecture, and culture has enriched this state. Rajasthan is full of diversity and rich in art and culture. A variety of art forms exist here and Jain art is one of the ancient art forms of India. This religion is mainly based on three pillars: AHIMSA (non-violence), APARIGRAHA (non-attachment), and ANEKANTAVADA (non-absolutism). The works involved with Jainism are referred to as ‘JAIN ART’.  HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF JAIN ART: Jainism originated around the 6th century BCE in the Indian subcontinent.  The religion always believes in non-violence. It has made an immense contribution to the fields of art, architecture, painting, and sculpture. Many Jain monuments and temples were constructed during this time. The illustrated manuscripts began to appear around the 11th century and became popular in the western region of India in Rajasthan and Gujarat. In the 13th century, the themes from Kalpasutras and the...

Kinnala Art

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Deccan always surprises you in different ways. It has its natural beauty with greens and blues, outstanding rock-cut temples, exciting handcrafts and beautiful cultural heritage. Many art enthusiasts visit the southern parts of India every year to explore the beauty of civilisations and enriched cultures. Like Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, and Kathakali dance, various crafts and painting styles are also famous in South India. Kinnala is one of the most famous crafts in the  Deccan land . Kinnala is a relatively unique ancient Indian art which dates back to the 15th to  16th century CE . This uncommon art form came from the village of Kinhal in the Koppal district, Karnataka. If you want to explore different types of Indian art as well as handcrafts, then Kinnala must be on your list. Natural raw materials and unique methods make the craft interesting for art enthusiasts. Kinnala craft can give you the  essence of the Vijayanagar Emperor  and the idea of an artistic lineag...

Art and Craft of Meghalaya

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The north-eastern state of Meghalaya is home to a variety of beautiful handicrafts; major ones being weaving (carpets, textiles, baskets, ornaments) and woodcarving. An important aspect of both Meghalaya’s culture and the tourism sector, it is done by the three tribal communities in Meghalaya - Garo, Khasi and Jaintia - all of whom have their own style and kind of craft-making. Cane mats, winnowing fans, umbrellas, caps, stools and baskets are some of the things that the craftspeople in Meghalaya produce. History The Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia communities are believed to have migrated to Meghalaya from southeast Asia. Owing to the abundance of bamboo in the region, these crafts emerged one by one. Wood crafts are not used for trade; they are a motif of artistic, decorative, and ceremonial value. The craftwork is intricately made and is very beautiful to look at, and as such has received recognition in both India and abroad. Making products from cane and bamboo has become the prime occupa...