
Folk and tribal art forms a part of Indian art as a whole. It has undergone transformation since a long time. They have evolved along with classical art. Tribal and folk art belong to the section of people who belong to different social groups and it has a native flavor. These are visual arts for example paintings that depict their lifestyle, tradition and culture. They are the ones close to nature and this thing is regional. They have a set of belief system that allows them to interpret things in their own native ways and this influence them in their art even. Puranic gods and legends are often changed into contemporary manner. Tribal and folk art has the inclusion of fairs, festivals, local deities, fantasy in their representation. Indian art cannot do away with this section that has a regional and a mystic aura in it. Nomadic way of life is also an integral part of the tribal and folk art. Pithora paintings of the tribes of Rathwa, Bhilals and Nayka of
Gujarat and
Madhya Pradesh, are another fine example of Indian tribal art. These paintings convey the joy and celebration of the community. Tribal paintings from
Orissa, earlier done as house-hold decoration, but now a commercial art-form done on raw silk fabric have themes of everyday life. Madhubani paintings depict bright, lively deities, most popularly
Krishna and his beloved Radha, and various stories associated with their legend. They are named after the village of their origin. Others like
Phad,
Warli, Pithora, Choittora also fall in this category of Indian art.
(Last Updated on : 16/08/2010)