Mapping India's Folk Arts - MeMeraki.com
Writer's Note: This work is a culmination of an idea we have been working on for quite some time - a start at putting together all of India's rich folk arts in one place on a map. The more time we spent time researching, the more deeply we started thinking how much more there is to do in terms of covering our rich artistic heritage. We've only just scratched the surface!  
                       
                  
[Note: This map is work in progress, please write to us if you have suggestions, additions or contestations regarding the information at yosha@memeraki.com. We have intentionally focused more on folk arts and not folk crafts (although  we could find more crafts rather than arts for states like Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, and Mizoram). Our next attempt will be at mapping traditional crafts, instruments and folk music in India!

                           

Map of Indian Art Forms

There is so much to see and do in India, from ancient temples to vibrant markets, it's easy to get overwhelmed by all of the different things to do. However, one of the most neglected part of Indian culture(s) in modern times is its folk art, also known as tribal art or village crafts depending on the community that practices it.

What is Indian folk art? Indian Folk Art is a body of art form that originated and/or developed in India. Some of the forms are rock paintings, textiles, sculptures and other a diverse range of surface paintings made by various tribal and cultural groups for religious or social reasons. 

 
                            
Folk Art Map of India: MeMeraki
                            

Here's the list of all Folk Art Crafts & Paintings:  

 State/Union Territory Folk Art Forms 
Leh Ladhakh
Sikkim
  • Thangka Paintings
Punjab
  • Sikh School of Art
  • Mudwall Painting or Chowk Poorana
Arunachal Pradesh
  • Thangka
Haryana
  • Rajput school of wall painting found in Haryana, Kalayat and Kaithal
  • Rohtak paintings
Nagaland
  • Nagaland Cloth Paintings
Goa
  • Goa Folk Art
Karnataka
  • Chittara
  • Ganjifa Art
  • Mysore style
  • Samavasaran
Assam
  • Assamese Scroll paintings
  • Assam Folk Paintings
Jammu and Kashmir
  • Paper Mache
  • Basholi
Maharashtra
Tamil Nadu
Uttar Pradesh
Himachal Pradesh
Uttarakhand
  • Garhwal School of Art
  • Aipan
  • Peeth
Kerela
Dadra and Nagar Haveli
  • Warli
Daman and Diu
  • Warli
Lakshadweep
  • Shell Craft from Lakshwadeep
Manipur
  • Manipur Stone Black Pottery
  • Wood Carving from Manipur
Meghalaya
  • Kurt & Bamboo Craft 
Mizoram
  • Cane work from Mizoram
Tripura
  • Bamboo work from Tripura
Sikkim
  • Thangka paintings Sikkim
Puducherry
  • Puducherry Bommai
Andhra Pradesh
  • Kalamkari
  • Leather Puppetry
  • Tirupati School of Painting
  • Adivasi Kolam Painting
Telangana
Odisha
  • Pattachitra
  • Chitrapothi
  • Mural paintings
  • Saura
  • Santhal
Bihar
  • Madhubani
  • Mica
  • Santhal
  • Manjusha Patna Qalam or Patna School of Painting
Chattisgarh
  • Dokra
  • Pithora
  • Godhna
  • Wrought Iron or Loha Shilp
Gujarat
Madhya Pradesh
Bengal
  • Patua
  • Chaksudan
  • Terracotta Plate Work
  • Folk paintings from Midnapore
  • Kalighat paintings
  • Bengal Scroll
  • Chadar Badar
  • Santhal Puppetry
Jharkhand
  • Dhokra Art
  • Paitkar
  • Jadopatia Paintings
  • Sohrai Art
  • Kohver Art
  • Ganju Art
  • Rana, Teli and Prajapati Art
  • Kurmi Art
  • Mundas Art
  • Turi art
  • Birhor and Bhuiya Art
  • Ghatwal art
Rajasthan

 

Indian folk art, with its diverse styles and techniques, reflects the collective history, traditions, and aspirations of communities. It showcases the creative intellect of people and their intelligence in adapting indigenous resources into expressive art forms. These art forms, rooted in the daily lives and rituals of the people, not only preserve cultural narratives but also celebrate the resourcefulness and artistic ingenuity of local communities.

There are art forms that go back thousands of years, and feature belief in gods, goddesses and powerful spirits. The magic and mystic of India comes alive through these crafts, which have been passed down for centuries. If you're interested in ancient folklore, mythology and religion, Indian folk art is the perfect choice for you!

For the first time in India, learn traditional Indian folk art and crafts at MeMeraki from anywhere in the world. Wether you are in India, Japan, France, or the UK, learn step by step how to draw various designs and make unique works of art on your own - all online!

The best way to learn Indian folk art is by taking a masterclass (Click here) taught by generational Indian artists. The art or craft you choose is up to you  there are many options! See —> Live Art Workshops

References

5 comments

  • Bhasmank Mehta: August 27, 2022
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    I know, people who write on any given subject have lot more knowledge than what is on display. Please contact me so we can exchange thoughts. Thank you

  • Arjun: July 12, 2021
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    Can you plz send 1 photo of 1 folk art of every state.

  • Purnima Jain: November 22, 2020
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    Absolutely informative! Great initiative by MeMeraki. I would have appreciated more if the art forms of the union Territories and northeast states of India are elaborated in more detail.

  • Madu: July 28, 2020
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    When I came across this website I was amazed to see different types of Indian Folk Art in one website…feeling elated thanks for this beautiful creation, this website surely useful for all the art lovers…thank you very much

  • Gayathri: August 22, 2018
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    Great compilation

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