We have all heard of Madhubani or Mithila art which is said to have developed in the ancient city of Mithila, the birthplace of Sita, daughter of King Janak. It is said that the Mithila paintings were commissioned by the king to commemorate the marriage of his daughter to Lord Rama of Ayodhya. It was recognised as kulin art, or art of the pure castes.
Traditionally, these paintings were done by Brahmin and Kayastha women. Ganga Devi, a Kayastha, and Sita Devi, a Brahmin were the two pioneers of Mithila paintings on paper. While Ganga excelled at kanchi or line paintings, Sita Devi developed the bharni style or "filled" associated with the Brahmin community.
However, there exists an alternate art form by marginalised communities that seldom comes into limelight. Much like the upper caste tradition of Kachni and Bharni Mithila paintings, the Dalits have for decades been decorating the walls of their homes, which looks similar to Alpana (floor) paintings, but are different in motifs used, which is stylistically typical to the Dalits, namely the Dusadh community in the village of Jitwarpur in Bihar.
Much like the upper caste tradition of Kachni and Bharni Mithila paintings, the Dusadhs castes have, for decades, been decorating the walls of their homes for rituals. However, because of their lower caste status, they were not allowed to showcase the divine in
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Gone too soon
The passing of A. Ramachandran and Gogi Saroj Pal has created a void that can never be filled.
TRANSCENDING BOUNDARIES
Display of 60 artworks by neurodiverse artists at National Museum in New Delhi
Symbols of NATURE
Ramchandra Pokale's solo show in Jehangir was different traditional scenic depictions.
BETWEEN DREAMS AND ILLUSIONS
Poonam Bhatnagar's debut solo show featured several series, including Mythos and Vriksha
FINAL SHOW OF THE CHAOS TRILOGY III
The group show, Out of Here, That's My Goal, is currently on display at The Guild in Mumbai
ALIGNING Paths of Eight Artists
Ashtkala, an ode to liberated expression and imaginative vitality, showcased artworks with vivid hues.
Celebrating Subtlety
Sudhir V. Phadnes unveiled his solo show, VISION, at Jehangir Gallery in Mumbai.
ENGINEERING THE ARTISTIC VISION
Parvathi Nayar's latest art installation at Dakshinachitra Museum in Chennai seamlessly blends nature with technology.
LINES, LANDSCAPES AND LUCID TOUCH
Vivek Nimbolkar's art effortlessly mingles geometry and nature creating a sharp focus
CASTING PHAD IN NEW MOULD
Veering from tradition to carve his own style, Pradip Mukherjee, one of the most famous Phad artists, has won accolades and awards in India and abroad. Subhra Mazumdar celves into the life and art of the acclaimed artist.