There are many examples of traditional art that have been handed down from generation to generation. These examples are plentiful. With values, cultural practices, and belief systems embedded in these art forms, they often form a common language through which the different communities that fabricate society can be engaged.

India’s Long History Of Folk Art: How It Started?

Folk art has a long history in India. It was first developed there. Starting from the prehistoric cave paintings in the rock shelters of Bhimbetka to the intricate wall art of Madhubani from the times of Ramayana, on to the elaborate frescoes in the rock-cut artificial caves at Ajanta and Ellora, extending as late as the 10th–12th century, every region of the country has had its own artistic traditions. 

Strongly influenced by the symbology of the divine gods, the elements of the universe, and the religious and ethnic practises of the time, these traditional art forms changed canvases from walls of caves, homes, and temples to palm leaves and later handmade paper. Folk painting has developed over the course of history, resulting in the creation of innovative tools and processes that take advantage of newly discovered information while maintaining the integrity of the aesthetic’s fundamental principles.

Indian Paintings: A Close Look At The Artwork

Indian culture has been kept alive in large part by paintings made in the traditional style. Folk art in this multiethnic country serves as an important pillar of the nation’s lengthy history and is an integral component of the identity of its people. India is home to a large number of distinct cultures, and its folk art reflects many of these traditions. It highlights how each town has its own history and culture, which makes it distinct from the others. As a consequence of this, they play a significant part in contributing to the fortification of the nation’s sense of individuality and cultural identity. Indian traditional paintings provide a focal point to which its people can always return to — to explore their roots or simply to develop a deeper connection with the communities. 

A Glossary Of Indian Painting Styles

Utilizing traditional painting and art styles from India is a fantastic method for elucidating India’s illustrious past and rich cultural heritage. Passed down from generation to generation, they evolved over the years, with many still untouched by modernization and practising in their pristine form, while many others have adapted to new paints, colors, techniques, and materials. In the end, each one is special and admirable in its own special way, and they all pass on our history and culture to the next generation in their own unique way.

The earliest examples of traditional Indian folk art painting, such as Gond paintings, date back to a time before the Aryans. These pieces of art depict a variety of natural settings, including rivers, mountains, hills, streams, and woodlands. Both their way of life and their culture were shaped by the traditions of the Gond tribes.

Made with a series of dots and dashes beautifully arranged into patterns and delicate compositions, traditionally these paintings were made on the walls, ceilings, and floors of homes during traditional customs and festivals. Though initially confined to decorating the homes of the locals and unknown to outsiders, four decades later, Gond is recognised globally for its vibrancy and is exhibited in prestigious galleries worldwide.

Bengal’s Symbolic Folk Art Proves That Tradition Always Grows

The stories, customs, and traditions prevalent in the Bengal region get adapted into symbolic Santhal Paintings and Pattachitra to the Kalighat paintings, characterised by bright-colored and bold outlines that were influenced by the European art school after the advent of the British in India. 

Last but not least, traditional Indian arts have an effect not only on individuals but also on nations and the economy of the entire world. As global cities are distinguished not just by their state of economies but also by their cultural diversity and vibrancy, traditional arts are an important facet that helps to establish the distinctive identity of the country encompassing the different cultures practised here.