MeMeraki Blog

How to Read a Thangka: A Beginner’s Guide to Symbols, Mudras and Attributes

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Table of Contents Types of Thangka Symbolism in Thangka paintings Mudras or hand gestures Varada Mudra – “Gesture of Generosity“ Dhyana Mudra – “Gesture of Meditation“ Colors used in Thangka...

By Zeel Sundhani

Reimagining Roots: Contemporary Indian Artists of a New Generation

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Table of Contents Sandeep Dhurve - Gond Sai Kiran - Cheriyal Gaurav Shakya - Tarkashi Craft Hasir Chitrakar - Kalighat Ashok Kumar - Tikuli Kamlesh Parmar Kritika Joshi - Phad...

By Zeel Sundhani

Mythical creatures in tribal and folk art of India

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Table of Contents Yali Yakshas and Yakshinis Gana Kinnara and kinnari Gandharvas Makara Navagunjara Kirtimukha Tribal hybrid animals and forest spirits Nagas Garuda Vanaras India’s folk and tribal art traditions...

By Zeel Sundhani

Adivasi Sacred Ecology: How Tribal Art Preserves Environmental Memory

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Table of Contents Art as an Ecological Archive Landscapes as Deities: Cosmology and Environmental Ethics Motifs as Memory Carriers Knowledge Transmission Through Art Cultural Erosion and Ecological Loss Revival and...

By Vanirathi Nathani

Why Some Artforms Thrive While Others Fade — And How Conscious Patronage Shapes Their Future

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Table of Contents Introduction The Myth of the ‘Dying Artform’ Cultural Continuity as a Survival Force Adaptation Without Losing Soul The Power of Market Access Institutional Ecosystems and Policy Support...

By Vanirathi Nathani

Mask Traditions of India

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Table of Contents Introduction Mythology, ritual and symbolism in Indian mask traditions Gomira masks Chhau masks Majuli masks Wooden masks Bhoota Kola Theyyam masks Chaam masks Monpa masks - The...

By Zeel Sundhani

Comparative Analysis of Gond, Muria & Bhil Art with Australian Aboriginal Art

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Table of Contents Introduction Cultural Contexts and Worldviews Myth, storytelling and function Materials, surfaces and techniques Visual Grammar and Iconography Scale and context of viewing Transmission, artists and lineage Contemporary...

By Zeel Sundhani

Comparative Analysis of Prehistoric Indian Art and Tribal Art: From Bhimbetka to Gond & Warli

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Introduction Art in India begins far before written records or established kingdoms, emerging first as quiet gestures on stone. In the rock shelters of Bhimbetka, some of the earliest traces...

By Zeel Sundhani

Difference Between Folk Art and Tribal Art: A Clear Visual Guide

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Table of Contents Folk Art Tribal Art Key differences between folk art and tribal art Community and geography Themes & Narrative Purpose Ritual function Style & Aesthetic Structure Materials &...

By Zeel sundhani

The Traditional Toy-Making Heritage of India: Dolls, Stories and Regional Craftsmanship

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Table of Contents Understanding India’s traditional toy heritage Golu Dolls Nirmal toys Channapatna toys Handpainted stick dolls Leather puppets, dolls and toys Terracotta dolls Kathputli Other toys and dolls from...

By Zeel Sundhani

Machilipatnam Kalamkari: The Timeless Art of Block Printing

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Table of Contents Introduction Two Distinct Styles of Kalamkari in Andhra Pradesh Srikalahasti Style: Machilipatnam Style: Origins and History of Machilipatnam Kalamkari Materials and Process Block Making: The Foundation of...

By Neeyati Rometra

KATHAKALI MASK PAINTING TRADITION

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Originating in Kerala, Kathakali is a traditional dance-drama known for its vibrant, expressive masks and costumes. This art form, dating back to the 17th century, is deeply rooted in Hindu...

By MeMeraki Collaboration