It is also known as Mithila Paintings. This painting is done using natural dyes with the twigs, grass and fingers used as brushes. Usually bright colours are used in these paintings. The frame work is done with an outline made of rice paste. Charcoal and soot is used for black, turmeric for yellow, red from…

Sikki grass is a gold tinted grass commonly found in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orrisa and parts of middle-eastern India. It is also called the Golden Grass. In Bihar, this grass is considered auspicious. The artists have been weaving them into ornaments, baskets, bags and murals for hundreds of years. To prepare, the Sikki grass is…

The patronage of kings and dynasties for several centuries led to a unique synthesis of various cultures, which is clearly visible in the development of unique arts and crafts tradition in the state of Telangana. Bidri craft is the pride of the Telangana. This art was developed in the 14th century C.E in Bidar, Karnataka…

Pithora is a highly ritualistic painting done on the walls by several tribes such as the Rathwas and Bhilals who live in the central Gujarat. These paintings have significance in their lives and executing the Pithora paintings in their homes brings peace, prosperity and happiness. There is never an attempt to imitate nature. A horse…

Kantha is one of the oldest forms of embroidery that originated in India. Its origins can be traced back to the ancient pre Vedic ages. Kantha embroidery as we know it today was found in Krishnadas Kaviraj’s 500 year old book, Chaitanya Charitamrita. The traditional form of Kantha embroidery was done with soft dhotis and…

Rangoli, Kolam are common in India. It is part of the domestic routine in many Hindu households. It is considered auspicious to draw certain patterns at the doorstep and courtyard to welcome a deity into the house. This art form is a harmonious blend of Aryan, Dravidian and Tribal traditions. Kalam (Kalamezhuthu) is a unique…

Bandhini is the art of tying small dots on fabric with a continuous thread and dyeing it. The result is a vibrant and irregular mix of vermillion and saffron, emerald and sapphire or aqua and yellow. Interestingly, the art of tying involves the use of a long finger nail, which is used to pick that…

Sari! One of the most popular traditional garments of the Indian Sub continent. It consists of a drape varying from five to nine yards (4.5 mtrs to 8 mtrs). It is typically worn around the waist with one end draped around the shoulder. There are various styles of sari draping, the most common being the…

These beautiful handmade paintings are small in size with a lot of intricate details. The colours used for this painting is made from minerals, precious stones, conch shells, pure gold and silver. The preparation of the colours was a lengthy process, sometimes taking weeks. The brushes used were extremely fine. The artist was required to…