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5 beautiful lesser-known artworks of India
India is a nation with a wide variety of cultures, and this diversity is embodied in the many indigenous folk arts and handicrafts. Check out some beautiful lesser-known artworks of India.
India is a multicultural nation, and the variety of its indigenous folk arts and handicrafts is a manifestation of this. Embroideries, paintings, handicrafts, and other traditional Indian arts are among them. These lovely art forms have been handed down through the years, are still alive and well despite the modernist movement, and continue to pique people's interest in the local arts. Every state in India has its own particular folk art tradition that sets it apart from the others. We are truly fortunate to have received such a rich legacy of diverse art and culture. However, although certain art forms are well-known worldwide, others are restricted to a given region. Here are five incredible artworks of India that you should know about. (Also read: 6 Incredible tribal and folk art forms of India you should know about )
1. Naga handicraft
The Nagas are well known for their deeply ingrained culture, which is very evident in their artwork and handicrafts. The tribe is renowned for producing unique handicrafts using wood, cane, and other easily accessible forest raw materials. This tribe, which is based in Nagaland, produces absolutely stunning handicrafts like baskets, bowls, décor, carved seats, shawls, scarves, and bags.
2. Rogan painting
This craft is a form of surface embellishment and practised for over a hundred years but now there are only a few Roghan painters left in India today. In this art, a unique castor-based paste is utilised. With the help of the fingers of the left hand, the kalam, an iron rod that is flat on both ends, is used to paint half of the design. The opposite side of the material is then imprinted with it by pressing the two parts together.
3. Dhokra handicraft
Tribes that specialise in Dhokra crafts can be found in the Bastar region, a district in Chhattisgarh. India has been using the wax casting technique for more than 4,000 years. The dancing girl of Mohenjo-Daro is one of the earliest dhokra artefacts that is now known. These products are in high demand both domestically and abroad due to their rustic simplicity, alluring folk motifs, and robust forms.
4. Kauna art
Kauna reed purses and mats are not only super stylish and cosy but also environmentally responsible. Kauna bags are made from water reed grass grown in the marshy and wet plains of Imphal valley in Manipur. Craftsmen use a special double-weaving method that involves numerous joints and knots to produce elaborate baskets, wine racks, furniture, etc.
5. Meenakari art
Meenakari is a centuries-old art form that uses colourful enamel to decorate metal. It is renowned for its superb patterns and exquisite colour schemes. "Meenakars" are the name given to the artisans who practise this technique. The art form mostly entails creating vibrant jewellery. This artwork creates handicrafts by enamelling metal surfaces with gold or silver and embellishing them with stones.
