Tribal paintings of Western India are the traditional customs and practices of numerous local tribes of the Western Indian states like Gujarat and Maharashtra. Regional tribes of the western parts of India like the "Padhar", `Rathwas`, `Kokna`, `Kunbi`, `Gamit`, `Warli`, `Bhil` and several others create excellent paintings which are an ancient art. Such paintings utilize various themes, motifs, colours and designs. Religious themes, as well as ideas inspired from regular lives of local residents of these states have also been included in the tribal paintings in this portion of India.
Types of Tribal Paintings of Western India
Following are the different Tribal Paintings of Western India:
Tribal Paintings of Gujrat: `Pithora paintings` are performed by tribal communities in Gujarat, known as `Rathwas`, while celebrating certain festive occasions or invoke the blessings of `Pithora Baba` for eliminating problems like droughts or other natural calamities. Therefore, these paintings are termed as `ritualistic paintings`.
Tribal Paintings of Maharashtra: The `Warli` tribes of Maharashtra perform beautiful paintings, which are quite famous across the nation. The Warli tribesmen have managed to keep their traditions alive by ignoring the influence of modern urbanization on their paintings.
This ancient form of tribal painting used to adorn the walls of the rural houses. Compared to Madhubani paintings, Warli tribal paintings are quite simple. The womenfolk of the Warli tribes are engaged in these paintings. Saura art is also another tribal art from Maharashtra which exhibits the magnificence of nature. Most paintings are based on a central perception known as the `Tree of Life`. Gond Painting is also another popular tribal art from the region. Their art traits and motifs portray their beliefs and rituals and life in the village along with man`s amazing relationship with nature.
Tribal Paintings of Rajasthan: The Bhils are the second largest tribal society of Rajasthan. The Bhils embellish their houses, walls, temples and shrines with paintings and artistic drawings. The mud walls are painted with the exciting red and other natural colours. The figures drawn on them are mainly holy and ritualistic. Garasia Painting of Rajasthan is another tribal art. The Garasias are professional in line and graphic drawing. They paint Gotrej who is the tribe goddesses like Jaru Mata, Alu Mata, Amba Mata, etc. through marriage. Mina Painting is a painting form of the Mina group who are the largest Schedule Tribe of Rajasthan. The Minas have traditional art form (graphic and drawing) by which wall of the houses and floors are decorated. Peacock is the favourite of a Mina Artist. Besides painting of gotrejes, they also draw array of deities. The Minas are specialist in grounding of Mandanas. It means kriya or sanja which is an attractive design with an exact meaning. It is the local folk painting of Rajasthan and its nearby states.
