Indian Art Forms That Are Slowly Disappearing

One of the most common examples of extinction is represented by animals. Whether these are Chimpanzees, Asian elephants, parrots, or whales, we absolutely don’t know who nature will choose next! These extinctions are not just nature’s loss; they also take away a piece of us, humanity. But a disturbing fact is that we cannot control nature’s chosen ones. Not yet!

However, there's another kind of extinction happening, one humans have a say in – our traditional art forms. And as diverse as India will always be, some art forms are on the verge of extinction if not preserved! Yes, you heard that right!

When we take pride in declaring our roots in India and claim our deep love for it, it raises a serious question: What have we given back in return? In a world where cultural dominance is often the battle cry, few will readily admit that it is the blend of all cultures that is keeping India united in the big picture.

So, what are these art forms, which part of the country do they belong to, and what are the possibilities of preservation? Let's find them!

Manjusha Painting

Imagine going back in time to the 7th century in Bhagalpur, Bihar. That's when Manjusha Painting began. This art is a colourful time machine. This art form mostly used bright colours, with the primary focus on pink, green, and yellow. However, what's really cool about this art form is that it is the only art that is displayed in a series. People mostly draw it on scrolls in simple line patterns, each picture carrying a story in itself. What makes it a truly captivating narrative aspect that has given us a very useful sequence pattern of story-telling through visual art? Amazing, right?

Manjusha art is a folk painting style portraying the life of the local deity, Manjusha Devi. Originally, it was being practised by the local community, but it rose to prominence during the Bishahari festival, where it was dedicated to the snake god. Further, with the arrival of the British in India, this art form gained more attention from the locals and the foreigners. However, the art form started to fade by the 20th century, and now, it is on the verge of becoming a thing of the past if not preserved!

So, if you are ever in Bhagalpur, remember to check out Manjusha Painting. It is not just art; it is a piece of the past, a colourful glimpse into Bihar's culture.

Patta Chitra

Patta Chitra is another vibrant art form that uses colourful imagery for the narratives. It is an ancient artwork of Orissa (present Odisha) and is also a part of the history of Bengal. The name is derived from Sanskrit: "Patta" means cloth, and "Chitra" means painting, so it is basically painting on the clothes. But there’s a thing about this art form; it is very sacred! These paintings have been an integral part of religious rituals and temple ceremonies.

Patta Chitras are mostly based on Hindu Mythology and are inspired by the Jagannath and Vaishnava communities. Lord Jagannath, a divine incarnation of Lord Krishna, has always been the guiding star, and these enchanting artworks mostly came from myths, religious narratives and age-old folk stories. Moreover, Odia painting predominantly features depictions of Lord Jagannath and Radha-Krishna, along with various "Vesas" or costumes worn by Shri Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra. These artworks highlight temple activities and portray the ten incarnations of Vishnu, influenced by Jayadev's 'Gita Govinda.' Additionally, they also represent Kama Kujara Navagunjara, episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and individual deities. This art form serves as a visual testament to the rich cultural and religious heritage of Odisha. Another thing that makes me fall in love with this art form is its intricate designs, creative motifs, and vibrant colour application.

While it was one of the most patronage ancient art forms, present-day artists are unable to make a living with it, which sadly makes this art vanish. Although reports suggest that the government of Odisha is taking steps to conserve this art form, let’s hope for the best!

Rogan Painting

Have you ever heard of the Rogan painting of Gujarat? While there is no denying that this art form originally came from Persia, the ultimate home of this art was built in Kutch. This painting is performed on clothes, much like others. But some amazing facts about the painting are its colours, which are prepared using completely natural ingredients such as vegetable pigments, castor oil, etc. The art is done using a slender wooden stick or metal rod, usually around 6 inches tall.

Rogan painting, or the oil-based painting, began among the Muslims of Gujarat. This artwork was practised by the women of lower castes of that time to decorate wedding items. Thus, this art was performed during the wedding season. However, with the rise of cheaper machine-printed fabric by the 20th century, Rogan painting was comparatively more expensive, which led people to avoid it. The artist of the rogan painting also began to divert to other professions, which created a completely hollow space for this art form to continue.

Today, however, Rogan painting is a crucial part of the culture of Gujarat and reserves a very special place in Gujarat tourism. Many artists have also won national awards for their intricate Rogan paintings. Plus, it is truly a natural form of painting that is needed in both art, design, and fashion. Another amazing factor for the hope of its survival is Abdul Gafoor Khatri (who belongs to the Rogan artist family), who, along with his family, is keeping alive the 300-year-old legacy of this art.

Mithila (Madhubani) Art

Madhubani art is practised in the Mithila regions of India and Nepal. This form of art uses natural and vegetable colours and is done on clothes, papers and other suitable surfaces. This painting is a form of folk painting, which women of all castes or communities practise. It is the art of Madhubani, Bihar, which is the place of origin. The art mainly has geometric patterns and is dominated by warm colour tones. However, all forms of colours can be used depending on the design. Women used various mediums, such as twigs, matchsticks, brushes, pen nibs, etc., to create this art.

The sacred land of Mithila is the very birthplace of the Hindu goddess Sita. The story behind this painting is related to the goddess Sita. When Sita, destined to wed Prince Rama, found her father, King Janak, ordered a painting to capture that auspicious moment. It was here that the rich tradition of Madhubani painting began. Now, this art is practised in only one or two places, and that’s why it is counted as one of the dying art forms of India.

Puppetry Art

Puppetry is storytelling through the use of miniature characters known as Kathputli. It is a form of art where puppets, often made of wood and decorated with traditional cloth of the place and even strings, come to life in the hands of puppeteers. The origins of puppetry go back to ancient times, with some saying it began in India around 3000 years ago. This art form was widely used in all regions of India, giving a boost to this traditional art form by blending it with their cultures and traditions.

Puppetry was incredibly popular during various periods in different parts of the world. In Europe, for instance, it enjoyed immense popularity during the 17th and 18th centuries. People would flock to theatres to watch puppet shows, much like we attend movie theatres today.

But why is this beautiful art form facing decline? Well, several reasons contribute to this sadly, the first (for me) is modern technology. It has brought a range of entertainment options to our lives that overshadow traditional forms like puppetry. Secondly, there is very limited support for puppetry in terms of funding and exposure. At the same time, the younger generation, engrossed in the digital world, might have different interests in learning and preserving this ancient craft.

Chhau Dance

Chhau Dance is a colourful story told through graceful movements. It comes from the eastern parts of India, especially in the states of Odisha, Jharkhand and West Bengal. What makes the Chhau Dance special is the use of masks and vibrant costumes. Dancers often wear masks depicting various characters, such as gods, demons, or animals, bringing these stories to life in a unique way.

The dance itself is a conversation with the audience, telling tales from Indian epics and folklore. It is performed during festivals and special occasions, captivating the audience with its energy and storytelling. Chhau Dance, with its blend of culture and creativity, is a cherished part of India's rich heritage, and it's a delight to watch for those who appreciate the beauty of dance and storytelling.

This art form is fading even after the government’s measures to preserve it. The main factors contributing to the fading art form are people's interest and the lack of attachment to this cultural dance.

Burra Katha

The history of Burra Katha is quite intriguing. It was most popular during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Imagine storytellers, known as "Burra Katha artists," captivating audiences with their tales accompanied by music and expressive gestures.

However, like the setting sun, Burra Katha started to decline over time. There are a few reasons for this decline, including the lack of support and resources for Burra Katha artists. Younger generations are also less interested in learning this art, as it requires a lot of dedication and practice.

Toda Embroidery

Toda Embroidery is a tapestry of tradition that comes from the Nilgiri Hills of Tamil Nadu, India. This unique art form has been woven into the culture of the Toda tribe for generations. The history of Toda Embroidery is deeply rooted in the lifestyle and customs of the Toda community. It is an art form that has been practised by Toda women for centuries, with features such as geometric patterns in distinctive red and black colours.

Toda Embroidery reached its zenith of popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when British colonisers and, later, tourists discovered the exquisite beauty of Toda craftsmanship. However, as times changed and modernisation seeped into their world, the tradition of Toda Embroidery started to fade. Today, Toda Embroidery stands as a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the Toda tribe. While it may not be as prominent as it once was, efforts are being made to preserve this unique art form.

Parsi Embroidery

Parsi Embroidery is a thread-based treasure that originates from the Parsi community, a small but culturally rich group in India. This art form finds its roots in the intricate world of Persian culture, brought to India by the Parsi community when they migrated from Persia (modern-day Iran) to India many centuries ago. Without a doubt, the history of Parsi Embroidery is as fascinating as the stitches themselves! It gained popularity during the late 19th and early 20th centuries when Parsi women transformed plain fabrics into works of art with their skilled hands. These embroidered pieces were often used to adorn Parsi clothing, known for its elegance and sophistication.

However, the popularity of Parsi Embroidery started to go down. The intricate nature of this embroidery requires great patience and skill, which sadly makes it a challenge to pass down to future generations.

Patola Saree

Patola sarees are a vibrant tapestry of craftsmanship and tradition that comes from the western Indian state of Gujarat. Patola sarees were at the height of their popularity during the heydays of the Solanki Rajputs in Gujarat, around the 11th and 12th centuries. They were considered royal and were the perfect fit for queens and aristocrats. Even today, they are a symbol of luxury and tradition, often worn during special occasions and ceremonies. Further, the history of these sarees spans centuries. The word "Patola" itself signifies the intricate technique used in their creation. These sarees are known for their exquisite double ikat weave, which means both the warp and weft threads are painstakingly dyed before weaving.

Despite their enduring appeal, the art of creating Patola sarees is slowly fading. The intricate and time-consuming process of making them, along with the challenge of finding skilled artisans, has contributed to their decline. However, Patola sarees continue to hold a special place in the hearts of those who appreciate the beauty of tradition and the skill of artisans. On the other hand, many fashion designers in India also consider this art form for their work. Thus, efforts are being made to preserve it, ensuring that the colourful threads of Patola sarees continue to weave stories of Gujarat's rich cultural heritage.

Naga Handicrafts

Naga handicrafts are a reflection of the rich and diverse cultures of the Naga tribes. These have always been an integral part of the daily lives of the Naga people, serving both functional and decorative purposes. They have often been used in ceremonies and traditional rituals and as symbols of identity.

The history of Naga handicrafts dates back generations, as these skilled artisans have passed down their craft from one to another. These crafts include exquisite handwoven textiles, intricate jewellery, vibrant basketry, and impressive woodwork. However, similar to many traditional crafts, Naga handicrafts face challenges in the modern world. The traditional knowledge of these crafts is at risk of being lost. Organisations and individuals are working to ensure that these exquisite pieces continue to be valued for their cultural significance and craftsmanship.

Dokra (Dhokra) Handicraft

Dokra is a metalwork masterpiece that originates from the heart of India, particularly in the states of Chhattisgarh and West Bengal. This ancient art form, like whispers from the past, is believed to date back over 4,000 years. Its name comes from the Dhokra Damar tribes, who have been the custodians of this craft for generations.

What's truly fascinating about Dokra is its unique technique. Artisans create intricate metal sculptures using the "lost-wax casting" method. It's like crafting magic, where an intricate wax model is encased in clay and then melted away, leaving behind a hollow mould. Molten metal is poured into this mould, creating exquisite metal sculptures, jewellery and artefacts.

Dokra handicrafts are not just beautiful; they also carry cultural significance. They often depict tribal life, nature, and mythology and are used in ceremonies and rituals. However, here's the silver lining: efforts are being made to preserve Dokra craftsmanship. Artisans and organisations are working tirelessly to ensure that this age-old art continues to shine.