A Few Exquisite yet Lesser Known Indian Art Forms

India has a diverse culture as well as religions and languages. They have had an influence on Indian arts. Indian art and culture are interrelated and entwined. Indian arts such as paintings, architecture, folk dances, handicrafts and other forms of art are influenced by Indian culture in some or other way. 

The beauty of Indian art is that these have been passed on from one generation to another and are thriving despite modernisation. People are still interested in indigenous arts. What makes Indian art and culture different from others is that each Indian state has its own legacy of folk arts that are unique and distinct. 

Let us go deeper into the rich heritage of exotic Indian art and culture. Check out some of the lesser known Indian art forms which are practiced in different parts of the country below.

Kauna Bags - The Manipur Miracle

Kauna reed bags and mats are eco-friendly and comfortable while being stylish in looks. The Kauna bags and mats are made out of water reed grass which are cultivated in the marshy and wet lands of Imphal valley, Manipur. Double weaving technique involving multiple knots and joints is applied by the artisans to create intricate bags, baskets, and more.

Thangka Paintings - A Marvel from Sikkim

Thangka paintings depict Buddhist teachings on a cotton canvas that is enclosed in a silk frame. This art form is native to Sikkim. Previously, Thangka paintings were painted only by the priests to spread the message of Buddhism but over the years many other people have learned the skill. In these paintings, the central deity is surrounded by figures in a symmetrical composition. These paintings are traditionally rolled up and mounted on a fabric for support.

Phulkari Dupattas and Sarees - Punjab Craft

Intricate Phulkari dupattas and sarees are an inevitable part of Punjab culture. "Phulkari" is the combination of two words i.e. "Phul" meaning flower and "Kari" meaning craft. So Phulkari literally means flower craft. Phulkari is an exquisite embroidery done using silk threads over dupattas, sarees, shawls, and headscarves in a simple and light design. In certain cases the fabric is covered with dense designs. Phulkari has always been carried out by women at home to give it away in a girl’s wedding trousseau which made this ornate embroidery art confined to the four walls of the house. The art got commercialized when the British opened up the market for it in Europe and America.

Saura Paintings - The Charm of Odisha

Saura Paintings from the state of Odisha is another amazing Indian art that makes use of geometrical figures for conveying their themes. Saura painting are also called as Ikons. This art form uses the fishnet approach where the borders are drawn first followed by filling up the inside. Saura paintings have a more colorful palette where figures in red, blue, white and green are made against a red or yellow background. Often Saura paintings are mistaken to be Warli paintings from Maharashtra but they have many differences like in Warli paintings the differentiation between male and female figures is distinct which is not the case in Saura paintings. Again, while Warli painting depicts themes such as fishing, dancing, trees etc.,  Saura is made for religious reasons to mark new beginnings like childbirth, marriage, harvest etc.

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