Cheriyal Scroll

Cheriyal scrolls, resembling a living narrative akin to cinematic reels or comic strips, intricately weave tales sourced from the tapestry of Indian mythology. Painted in vibrant, predominantly primary hues, with fiery red backgrounds dominating, these artworks exude the unrestricted creative spirit of local artisans, unfettered by the shackles of formal academia. Spanning over four centuries, the cherished tradition of Cheriyal scroll painting is intrinsically woven into the storytelling legacy of its region.

These narratives find their roots in the familiarity of ancient literary, mythological, and folk traditions. Unlike scroll paintings in other parts of Asia, which adorned the courts and noble abodes, India's scrolls were the province of wandering bards and village artists, deeply embedded in the rural fabric of life. Though once a prominent artistic expression across Andhra and neighboring regions, each infused with its unique flavors and local customs, Cheriyal scrolls have sought refuge in Cheriyal town, Telangana. Here, they stand as the last bastion, as the waves of modernity, in the form of television, cinema, and computers, steadily encircle this captivating tradition.