SIGNATURE PATTERNS IN GOND

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By Neeyati Rometra

  • India
  • Storytelling
  • Art
  • Painting

    • Table of Content

    Gond art, while rooted in established artistic conventions, allows each artist to infuse their work with unique individuality. A hallmark of this tribal art form is the use of "signature patterns"—distinctive elements used to "infill" larger forms or shapes on the canvas. These intricate infill elements, ranging from dots, fine lines, and dashes to geometric shapes like circles, ellipses, triangles, and squares, to designs like fish scales, water droplets, and seeds, add remarkable depth, texture, and movement to the artwork.

    These "signature patterns," or infill patterns, are not only unique but also serve as an identifying mark for Gond artists, distinguishing them from other Pradhan Gond artists. This personal touch creates a distinct "signature style" for each painter, making their artwork truly stand apart.

    It is noteworthy that these signature patterns are exclusively attributed to Gond Pardhan artists.

    SIGNATURE PATTERNS OF DIFFERENT GOND ARTISTS: 

    Each Gond artist develops a unique style, identifiable by their distinctive signature patterns. These patterns are created by the intricate repetition of motifs, which are single elements repeated to form larger patterns, thereby creating a unique design. Gond motifs vary in form, shape, and size, drawing heavily from nature, religious beliefs, and the community's culture and traditions. Common motifs include fine lines, tiny dots, diagonals, chains, small circles, and crosses, all meticulously applied to create rich texture and depth. In the present scenario, it has been observed that due to heavy commercialization and market competition, most recognized Gond painters now use an individual, legally registered motif as their distinct artistic identity.

    Life on Tree Gond painting by Venkat Shyam

    In the mid-1980s, under Jangarh Singh Shyam's leadership, Gond painting underwent a significant transformation. This included changes in subject matter, color, painting medium, and motifs. Gond artists began painting on canvas and using acrylic colors. They also started experimenting with contemporary subjects alongside traditional folklore. Additionally, modern motifs and the painters' signature motifs became prominent in their work. Over time, the Gond style evolved into an independent art form, achieving global recognition.

    Lets have a look at the different signature patterns characteristic to the various Gond artist and how can we identify their style:

    Venkat Raman Singh Shyam 

    Signature Pattern of Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, “Lahrdaar” on left  and “Concentric half circles” on right in close view

    Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, a visionary from the Gond community, has created a unique artistic style that's deeply connected to his heritage and spirituality. Born in Sejohra village, Madhya Pradesh, Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, a Gond Pardhan artist, has dedicated 40 years to art. He developed his unique style under the guidance of his late uncle, the renowned Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam. 

    Venkat Raman Singh Shyam's signature motif includes, "lahrdaar," or "choppy waves," features broad diagonal shaded bands separated by narrow, undulating black-and-white stripes and “concentric half circles” (as shown in Figure 2). The Lahrdaar are stripes, generally recognized as "lahr" (waves) and "lahrdaar" (choppy waves), infusing his art with dynamic movement. He also draws inspiration from two powerful symbols: the Concentric half circles, also his signature pattern  and bindu, representing the surrounding half-moon and the supreme god which also symbolizes his village and community. These elements are the cornerstone of his distinctive style, one he believes shares commonalities with the works of renowned artists like Dali and Picasso.

    Saroj Venkat Shyam

    Signature Pattern of Saroj Venkat Shyam, “Naag” in close view

    Born in Patangarh Village, Dindori, Madhya Pradesh, Saroj Venkat Shyam belongs to the Pradhan community. Her artistic journey began in childhood, deeply influenced by the traditional Digna paintings adorning her home during ceremonies and festivals. Since 2002, Saroj has been an acclaimed Pardhan Gond tribal painter, exhibiting her work and participating in numerous tribal art festivals and workshops nationally and internationally.

    Saroj's signature motif is the 'Naag' (as shown in Figure 3), inspired by the form of a snake, which she calls 'Naagvanshi Shyam'. This distinctive pattern forms the foundation of her unique style. Guided and motivated by her husband, Venkat Raman Singh Shyam, she has refined her craft, becoming a recognized name in Gond art. As a tribal artist, her inspiration primarily stems from the tribal way of life, nature, and wild animals, to which she pays profound reverence in her work.

    Kailash Pradhan

    Signature Pattern of Kailash Pradhan left to right: “Cher Chera”, “Khaddar” and “Parsa Paan” in close view.

    Kailash Pradhan, a devoted Gond artist with 15 years of experience, learned his craft from his uncle. His distinctive "Cher Chera" pattern is a signature motif, inspired by the Gond community's Cherchera festival, is like a star or asterisk in shape which reflects his deep cultural roots. In addition to "Cher Chera," Pradhan is also recognized for his “Parsa Paan” and “Khaddar” patterns. Parsa Paan resembles betel leaves, which are offered as a symbol of respect at significant events like weddings and social gatherings, and are also used in traditional medicine for digestion and respiratory issues amidst the Gond tribe. The Khaddar pattern, on the other hand, draws inspiration from the fibres of Khadi cotton cloth.

     Kailash finds deep inspiration in nature and animals, frequently portraying vibrant elephants, birds, trees, jungles, and other wildlife in his art, showcasing his profound connection to the natural world.

    Sukhiram Maravi

    Signature Pattern of Sukhiram Maravi, “Datari” on left and “Torana” of right  in close view

    Hailing from India, Sukhiram Maravi, born in 1991, embraced Gond art in 2010, a skill imparted by his wife. This artistic pursuit became his primary focus, even after studying nursing. Actively showcasing his work in exhibitions across states like Hyderabad and Delhi, he holds numerous participation certificates. Sukhiram's artistic expressions flourish on diverse mediums, including canvas and murals. 

    Sukhiram Maravi's distinct artistic style is effortlessly showcased through his signature patterns: Datari and Torana (as shown in Figure 5). Datari features a continuous top line enclosing a series of small vertical strokes, all neatly finished with a row of dots along the bottom. The Torana pattern, reminiscent of traditional Indian garlands or hangings, forms graceful semi-circular bands of geometric designs, primarily composed of alternating triangles and, in some variations, interspersed dots. His core inspiration lies in the intricate beauty of nature and the rich narratives of tribal life, often weaving together historical and contemporary perspectives. With his wife's steadfast support, he overcame initial hurdles in accessing art materials. His dedication reflects a profound commitment to both his artistic vision and his cultural roots.

    Gareeba Singh Tekam

        Signature Pattern of Gareeba Singh Tekam, “Maya Jaal” on the left  and “Trishul” on the right in close view

    Born in Dindhori, Madhya Pradesh on 18th June 1980, Gareeba Singh Tekam is a dedicated Gond artist based in Bhopal. Inspired by Jangadh Singh Shyam, he and his family passionately practice this vibrant tribal art. Despite limited formal education, his art has achieved national and some international recognition, exhibited in places like Bhopal's Bharat Bhawan. 

    Gareeba Singh Tekam is renowned for two signature patterns: Maya Jaal and Trishul. Maya Jaal (as shown in Figure 6), meaning "illusion," features continuously repeated elliptical motifs that resemble intricate bird feathers, creating a sense of visual depth and complexity. The Trishul, meaning "trident," is equally vital in his art. This sacred weapon of Lord Shiva and the powerful feminine force of Shakti is depicted through three consecutive lines, forming its distinct blades, thereby imbuing his work with profound spiritual and cultural meaning. Gareeba's nature-centric artistic expression, rooted in his forest upbringing, features recurring themes of birds, trees, and animals. He skillfully adapts to various mediums, including canvas, paper, walls, and cloth, highlighted by his collaboration with KAASH and a significant painting for Dastakar Haat at the Taj Hotel. 

    Manoj Kumar Tekam

    Signature patterns of Manoj Kumar Tekam in close view from left to right: Sarson ke daane, Beni (braid) and Gehu ke Baal.

    Manoj Kumar Tekam is a Gond artist hailing from the district of Dindori, Madhya Pradesh. Dedicated to the artistic tradition of Gond art since 2011, he has honed his skills under the tutelage of his brother, Bhajju Singh Shyam, a celebrated Padma Shree awardee in the field. Despite his formal education concluding after the 10th grade, Manoj's profound passion for Gond art has led him to achieve significant recognition, including the Rajya Award in Madhya Pradesh and the Kala Rupankar Award in Bhopal.

    Manoj Kumar Tekam's signature patterns, Sarson ke daane (mustard seeds), Gehu ke baal (wheat spikes), and Beni (braid) (as shown in Figure 7) , are deeply inspired by nature and the daily life of the Gond tribe. Sarson ke daane, also known as Rai, symbolizes the agricultural importance and the use of mustard seeds in the tribe's food and medicine. Gehu ke baal represents the significance of wheat in their farming practices and diet. Lastly, Beni, resembling an intertwined hair braid, reflects the patterns found in the everyday customs and aesthetics of the Gond community.

    Santosh Maravi 

    Lantern Motif of Gond Artist Swapnesh Samaiya in close

    Santosh Maravi's journey into Gond art began with a chance encounter in 2002, when his maternal uncle, the renowned Jangarh Singh Shyam, visited his village. Intrigued, Santosh moved to Bhopal, where he spent three to four years learning the art from Durga Bai, further refining his skills with guidance from Mayank Shyam (Jangarh Singh Shyam’s son). Today, Santosh is recognized as a well known artist of contemporary Gond art, driven by a love for the form that allows him to explore new places and connect with diverse people. His art is a testament to curiosity transforming into a lifelong passion.

    Signature Pattern: Santosh Maravi’s signature pattern is inspired from the form of a lantern

    Suresh Kumar Dhurve

    Suresh Kumar Dhurve, a native of Dindori, Madhya Pradesh, masterfully blends traditional Gond art with his unique artistic vision. His career received a significant boost from Jangarh Singh Shyam's early encouragement, culminating in his debut solo exhibition at Bharat Bhawan, Bhopal, in 2007. Dhurve is renowned for his vibrant bird and fish motifs, and his elegant renditions of folklore and mythological tales, all brought to life with the distinctive vibrant colors characteristic of Gond art. Notably, Dhurve's signature pattern features intricate fish scales and drops of water.

    Other Notable Gond Artist

    Durga Bai’s Paddy Seed Signature Pattern   Figure 8.2. Sunita Shyam’s Half Moon Signature Pattern

    Beyond those mentioned, other prolific Gond artists include Durga Bai, whose signature pattern draws inspiration from her tribe's jewelry—specifically, an amulet adorned with paddy seed patterns. This motif beautifully reflects the agricultural essence and cultural adornment of her community.

    Sunita Shyam's signature pattern is distinctively inspired by the traditional practice of applying fresh cow dung in a half-moon shape to house walls, a common sight in her village. This simple, everyday act is transformed into a meaningful artistic element. 

    Braj Booshan Dhurwey’s Signature pattern “Half Juda” and “Macchli ka Jaal” in close view.

    Braj Bhooshan Dhurwey, a notable Gond artist, draws inspiration from nature and daily life for his signature patterns: Rassi Ka Dhera, Machhli ka Jala, and Half Juda (as shown in Figure 10). The signature pattern, Machhli ka Jala, meaning "fish net," is a striking geometric pattern that evokes the fishing practices of the Gond tribe. Similarly, Rassi ka Dhera (a coil of rope) and Half Juda (a half hair bun) are intricately rendered patterns that are hallmarks of Dhurwey's distinctive artistry.

    Meanwhile, Narmada Prasad Tekam is known for his colorful paintings characterized by extremely fine lines. This intricate linework sets his art apart from other Gond styles, showcasing a meticulous attention to detail that defines his unique aesthetic.

    Thus, Gond art serves as a vital conduit for the Gond people, primarily used to transmit their stories and beliefs across generations. The very creation of these artworks also mirrors the artists' individual histories and experiences. Beyond mere aesthetics, Gond paintings are believed to fulfill a higher purpose: they bridge the past and the present, connect the people with their surrounding nature, and interweave the spiritual and physical worlds. It's a living tradition that embodies their heritage and worldview.

    Conclusion

    Gond art is fundamentally defined by its vibrant storytelling and the unique individuality each artist infuses into their work. A hallmark of this tradition is the concept of "signature patterns"—intricate infill designs composed of repeated motifs (single elements like dots, lines, or geometric shapes). These patterns are not just decorative; they serve as a distinct identifying mark for each Gond Pardhan artist, forming their unique "signature style."

    References

    • Goswami, Manash, and Priya Yadav. "Dots and Lines: Semiotics of the Motifs in Gond Painting." 2020.3: 35-50.
    • https://museum.tribal.gov.in/. “Gond Paintings,” 2023. Accessed June 17, 2025.   https://museum.tribal.gov.in/art-culture.html. 
    • Samaiya, Swapnesh and National Institute of Design. “Painted Songs and Stories of Pardhan Gond Tribe.” Book. GOND CHITRAKATHA. NID, 2017.  https://samaiya.in/assets/projects/chitrakatha/craftdoc_compressed.pdf. 
    • https://museum.tribal.gov.in/. “Tribes of Madhya Pradesh.” Uploaded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India and Tribal Affairs Department Government of Madhya Pradesh, 2023. Accessed June 20, 2025. https://museum.tribal.gov.in/tribes-of-mp.html. 
    • Wolf, Gita, Bhajju Shyam, and Jonathan Yamakami. Signature: Patterns in Gond Art, 2010.


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