Top 8 Traditional Indian Painting Styles That Reflect India’s Culture and History

These days, Ghibli-style art is very popular on the internet. Because of this trend, many people in India now talk about their old painting styles. India has many different types of traditional art, each special. These paintings show stories about gods, nature, animals, and daily life. They are more than just art—they show the culture and life of the people. In this article, we will learn about some of the most famous and beautiful painting styles from different parts of India.

1. Madhubani Paintings

• Origin of this painting: Mithila region in Bihar (India) and parts of Nepal.
• Special Features: Done mostly by women using fingers, twigs, and natural dyes.
  
• What It Shows: Hindu gods like Krishna, Shiva, and Durga, along with nature, weddings, and rituals.
  
• Recognition: Got a GI (Geographical Indication) tag in 2007.
  

2. Patachitra Paintings

• Origin of this painting: Odisha.
  
• Special Features: Painted on cloth scrolls with natural colours like red, blue, and white.
  
• What It Shows: Stories from mythology and local folklore.

3. Pithora Paintings

• Origin of this painting: Rathwa tribal areas in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
  
• Special Features: Made using natural paints mixed with milk and mahua liquor. Tools include bamboo sticks and stencils.
  
• What It Shows: Everyday village life, festivals, animals like horses and elephants.
  
• Interesting Fact: Usually done on walls, with seven horses representing nearby hills.

4. Warli Paintings

• Origin of this painting: Warli tribe of Maharashtra.
  
• Unique Characteristic: These are crafted from white rice paste, and then it is applied to mud walls.
• What It Shows: Village scenes, farming, dancing—not usually gods or religious stories.
  
• Recognition: GI tag awarded in 2014.

5. Kalamkari Paintings

• Origin of this painting: Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
  
• Special Features: Made using a pen (kalam), with black, red, and yellow colours.
  
• What It Shows: Religious stories, the Tree of Life, scenes from the Ramayana, and the Mahabharata.
  

6. Thanjavur (Tanjore) Paintings

• Origin of this painting: Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu.
  
• Special Features: Bright colours, detailed design, and gold foil that shines.
  
• What It Shows: Hindu gods, saints, and scenes from mythology.
  
• Recognition: Got a GI tag in 2007.
  

7. Gond Paintings

• Origin of this painting: The Gond tribe in Madhya Pradesh.
  
• Special Features: Uses fine lines, dots, and bright colours to create patterns.
  
• What It Shows: Nature, animals, folk tales, and tribal legends.
  
• Recognition: Received a GI tag in 2023.
  

8. Kangra Paintings

• Origin of this painting: Kangra in Himachal Pradesh.
  
• Special Features: Soft colours, detailed brushwork, and emotional storytelling.
  
• What It Shows: Scenes from nature, love stories, and spiritual life.
  
• Recognition: GI tag given in 2014.

In India, traditional arts and painting are rich in culture and history. Each painting in India has a unique style, and all paintings reflect the nature of life and the beliefs of people.