Curated by Vashishth Academy | Best IAS, PCS, SSC, NDA, CDS Institute in Ludhiana
📰 Why in News?
A group of renowned artists participating in the Artists in Residence Programme recently met the President of India at Rashtrapati Bhavan, showcasing traditional Indian folk art forms like Gond and Madhubani paintings.
This interaction brings India’s rich and diverse cultural heritage into the spotlight, especially for aspirants preparing for UPSC Prelims, Mains (GS I – Indian Culture), and other competitive exams.
🌳 Gond Painting: The Tribal Expression of Central India
📍 Region of Origin:
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Practiced by the Gond tribal communities in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Andhra Pradesh.
🎨 Artistic Themes:
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Deeply inspired by nature, mythology, and tribal folklore.
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Common motifs include:
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Forests, trees, animals, sun, moon
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Mythological figures: Bhima, Parvati
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Folk creatures: Shachi bird
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🖌️ Style and Techniques:
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Natural tools: Twigs, leaves, and bamboo sticks
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Mediums: Mud walls, cloth, paper
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Materials used: Charcoal, colored soil, plant sap
✨ Signature Patterns:
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Dots
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Fine and curved lines
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Dashes
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Fish-scale textures
These are intricately woven into visually stunning storyboards, turning tribal beliefs into timeless art.
🌸 Madhubani Painting: The Mithila Masterpiece
📍 Region of Origin:
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Rooted in the Mithila region of Bihar.
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Traditionally painted by women of the village during auspicious occasions.
🌟 Themes and Significance:
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Primarily focuses on:
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Hindu deities: Krishna, Durga, Saraswati
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Epics: Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata
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Festivals & rituals: Holi, weddings, Tussar celebrations
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Symbolism: Fertility, harmony, good fortune, and divine blessings
🖌️ Techniques & Tools:
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Mediums: Originally done on mud walls, now widely on paper, canvas, textiles
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Colors: Natural pigments like turmeric, indigo, lamp black, cow dung
🧵 Artistic Characteristics:
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Double outlines
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Fine linear detailing
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Intricate geometric & floral patterns
📚 Relevance for Competitive Exams
These traditional art forms are frequently featured in:
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UPSC Prelims & Mains (Art & Culture)
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State PCS (Punjab PCS, BPSC, MPPSC, etc.)
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SSC CGL/CHSL
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CDS/NDA CAPF (General Awareness)
Key Takeaways for MCQs:
| Art Form | Origin | Key Motifs/Deities | Materials Used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gond | MP, Maha, Chhattisgarh | Nature, Bhima, Parvati | Soil, charcoal, twigs |
| Madhubani | Bihar (Mithila) | Krishna, Durga, Holi scenes | Cow dung, lamp black, turmeric |
🎯 Why This Matters
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🌍 Promotes cultural preservation
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🧑🎨 Recognizes tribal & rural women artists
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📜 Revives indigenous knowledge systems
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🇮🇳 Aligns with NEP 2020’s focus on cultural learning
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