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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...

Masan Painting

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Masan painting is a primordial artform that is found to be practiced mainly in northern West Bengal and northern Bangladesh including some parts of Assam, Meghalaya, Bihar, and eastern Nepal. The word Masan is derived from the word  “ Shashan ”  which is the Bengali of the Hindu cremation ground. Masan art, also known as  Masan chitrakala , is mainly practiced by the  Rajbangshi  (Rajbonshi) tribe in Bengal and it has high cultural and religious importance in the lives of the Rajbangshi community.  History and Development of Masan Painting The practice of Masan artform is linked to worship of  Masan Devta,  the roots of which can be traced back to the spread of the ancient  Bon  religion of Tibet in North Bengal and North Eastern India. It was a branch of  Tantrik   Buddhism  where the deities were to be worshipped near a crematorium.  In the earlier days, due to the absence of modern technologies and education among ...

Chitrakathi Painting- A Dream to Paint, A Paint to Dream

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The culture, traditions, and history of  INDIA  are extremely fascinating. India has earned huge respect and appreciation from all over the world for its unique art forms.  CHITRAKATHI PAINTING is one  of the richest, traditional and special art forms of  MAHARASHTRA.  Practiced by the  Thakar   tribal community  this art form is almost extinct in Maharashtra. At present few families in the Pinguli village near Kudal practice this art form which is located in the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra. A group of migrating storytellers, CHITRAKATHI artists are found in  MAHARASHTRA  and in some parts of  KARNATAKA AND ANDHRA PRADESH. ART  and  STORYTELLING  combine to form  CHITRAKATHI.  HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF CHITRAKATHI PAINTING : CHITRAKATHI PAINTING is believed  to have evolved around the 17-18th century.  CHITRAKATHI  is divided into two parts  CHITRA  meaning  ‘PICTURE’...