MeMeraki Blog

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

THEYYAM MASK PAINTING

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Hailing from the heart of Kerala, the Theyyam dance captivates with its most mesmerising element, the elaborate masks worn during performances, each embodying its own narrative. This dance form serves...

By MEMERAKI COLLABORATION

MONPA MASKS

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The Monpa, a prominent tribe in Arunachal Pradesh, particularly the Tawang Monpas with roots in Changrelung, have a unique history of migration. Revered as the only nomadic tribe in Northeast...

By MEMERAKI COLLABORATION

Kokna Tribe Masks

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The Kokna, an Adivasi tribal community, inhabit the Sahyadri-Satpura Ranges in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Referred to as Kokna, Kokni, and Kukna, this community remains largely unexplored from both physical and...

By Memeraki collaboration

Majuli Mask Painting

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Table of Contents Introduction to Majuli Masks Samaguri Satra: Mask-Making Hub The Crafting Process Types of Majuli Masks Symbolism of Colors in Masks Performative Purpose and Rituals Challenges and Preservation...

By Memeraki collaboration

From Cave Walls to Palm Leaves: How Miniature Paintings Transformed Indian Art Before the 11th Century

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Table of Contents The Roots of Early Indian Expression The Transition from Mural to Miniature Palm Leaf Manuscripts: The First Portable Canvases The Rise of Jain Miniature Paintings Medieval Indian...

By Anushka Roy Bardhan

Surpur Art: Reconstructing a Forgotten Aesthetic Legacy

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Table of Contents Introduction Historical Context: The Political Ecosystem That Shaped the Style Aesthetic Language: How Surpur Painters Built Their Visual Vocabulary Devotional Themes: Where Spirituality Drives the Visual Narrative...

By Vanirathi Nathani

Sujani: The Quiet Archive of Bihar’s Women

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Table of Contents Introduction THE CRAFT AND ITS MEMORY-RICH MATERIALS NARRATIVES HIDDEN IN THE MOTIFS THE ROLE OF ORAL HISTORIES EMBROIDERY AS TESTIMONY THE CONTEMPORARY MOMENT Introduction Sujani embroidery from...

By Vanirathi Nathani

Faith Folded in Fabric: Mata Ni Pachedi as a theology of displacement and devotion

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Table of Contents Introduction Origins of Faith: The Vaghari (Devipujak) Community and the Birth of a Painted Temple The Cloth as Cosmos Sacredness Without Architecture The Maternal Divine in Motion...

By Anushka Roy Bardhan

The Currency of Craft: How Handicrafts Survive Capitalism

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Table of Contents The Price of the Handmade Warli: Circles of Survival Pattachitra: From Palm Leaves to Pixels Madhubani: Walls That Found Wings Kalamkari: The Script of Dye and Devotion...

By Vanirathi Nathani

Under Cosmic Skies: Celestial Symbols in Indian Art

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Table of Contents The Sun The Moon Stars and planets Celestial bodies and their connection to human life Indian art is heavily inspired by nature, with the artists using their...

By Zeel Sundhani