As varied is the natural beauty of Madhya Pradesh so is its art and culture. Madhya Pradesh is a cauldron of diverse cultures as it has been home to Hindus, Jains, Buddhists, Muslims and various tribes. Virtually all races and phases have left an indelible mark in the form of temples, stupas, palaces etc. all over the
state.
Nature’s artistry is strikingly palpable in the topography of Madhya Pradesh, the geographical heartland of India that gave birth to the likes of Kalidasa, the celebrated Sanskrit poet- dramatist, and Tansen, the legendary musician of Akbar’s court. Though the modern state of Madhya Pradesh came into being
only in 1956, its heritage and chequered history date back to the third century BC when Emperor Ashoka laid the foundation of the Great Stupa at Sanchi. Art and culture received further patronage under the Guptas during the period 300–510 CE. Subsequent rulers left their indelible imprints on the sands of time in the plethora of forts, palaces, temples, mosques, and monuments, many of which survive with their tales of courage, treason, romance, heroism, and glory.
Visiting Madhya Pradesh to explore its vivid culture? It is significant to include some of the tribal villages to discover the unique tribal tradition and craft. Let us discover some of the local heritage and culture at its best in the heart of India.
Tribal Paintings – Beautifying the present with ancient art
It’s a pleasant surprise that in a state that has around 20 cities shortlisted in the government’s ‘Smart City’ plan, there still is immense respect for ages old tribal art. More importantly, it is still preserved and practised.
The Gondwana region of Madhya Pradesh, which includes Mandla, Balaghat, Chhindwara, Seoni and Shadol, has held the status of being a cultural hub for years. It is from this region that the matchless and popular Gond art originates. For an art this unique, the role of the canvas is often played by walls and doors. Artists use geru for walls, over which they use yellow and black clay for patterns. These patterns are a signature identity of the Gond art.
Co-existing with this is another ancient and popular art form – the Pithora paintings. Pithora paintings with their bright colours and animated figures often reflect the joyful sentiments of the tribe and the artists. Undoubtedly then, these mark the beginning of an auspicious occasion like a wedding, festivals and childbirth. This tradition started long back when artists used to display their elation for harvesting and fertility. The uniqueness of Pithora art lies in the fact that the artists use horses to represent Gods and Goddesses.
Both these art forms can be sighted prominently across the landscape of Madhya Pradesh. But there’s one more art form, which, together with Gond and Pithora art, makes the state a treasure of tribal art. It is Chitera; a gift from the Bundelkhand region which comprises of Gwalior, Datia, Tikamgarh, Chhatarpur,
Jabalpur, Sagar, Damoh and adjoining areas.
These various art forms might be having their roots in ancient tribal beliefs and traditions, but today, these are one of the most sought after in the commercial market.
Dhokra – An embodiment of tribal beliefs
The state speaks volume about its cultural diversity through its rich art & craft. From delicate weaves to a good range of exquisite artefacts, the heart of Incredible India is blessed with many distinguished crafts and talented craftsmen who give their soul and heart to create countless masterpieces. Dhokra is one such attractive art form which is quite popular in the state. It is widely practised in the Betul district by the local tribal community. It is a non- ferrous (other than iron or steel) metal moulding craft, created using the lost-wax casting technique.
The tribal influence in Dhokra
The Bharewas community of Betul, a sub-tribe of Gonds is still putting all their efforts to improve and enrich this craft in nearby villages namely Amla, Tigaria, Barkhed, Chunahazuri and Kamleshara. Intertwined with their culture, the artists traditionally made ceremonial items like the dagger worn by the
groom, oil lamps gifted to the bride by her parents and accessories for the tribal gods. The most popular ritual associated with craft among the tribal community is enshrining of the deity in the house of newly married to give blessings for their new journey. With simple to intricate, today artisans have found many
new ways to make the craft look more eye-catching with innovative designs and motifs. Each piece tells a story, usually inspired by nature and tribal beliefs. Hence, every piece of Dhokra is precious, graceful and unique!
The process
Dhokra work involves a mixture of beeswax (natural wax) and saras (gum), which is boiled to a thick paste and pressed through a strainer, to get fine threads. The unique property of natural beeswax allows flexibility and helps to twist the treads in tiny shapes easily.
To start the final process, artists take a mixture of mud and cow dung to make a shape out of it, then in the next step, the wax thread is coiled around it. Now, another layer of mud coating is done and the piece is left to dry down completely. It is then placed in the furnace to bake for a while. Lastly, the outer clay is removed, and unveiled the masterpiece of Dhokra.
Attracting many art lovers…
The craftsmanship has been driving many art & craft lovers from all over the world and making a mark not only in local markets but also in the global market. It has found places in many exhibitions and gracing many high street stores abroad. When in Madhya Pradesh, you cannot leave the state without
picking-up some pretty souvenirs. The brass metal figurines such as a lamp, bell, photo frames, animal figures, and bullock carts can make for ideal souvenirs and sit beautifully on tables as a showpiece to keep a reminder of this beautiful state.
Bead Jewellery – An Appealing Art
The history of Madhya Pradesh has been glorious and so is its art & crafts. With each growing year, the craftsmanship in the state is redefining in its own.
Travelling through the villages of Jhabua and Alirajpur districts in Madhya Pradesh, one can witness a colourful pastiche of tribal culture and lifestyle in the creative work. The tribal communities like Bhil and Bhilala who practise bead work, skilfully express their notions in the designs of bead necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. It highlights the traditional occupations emphasising rich art and aesthetics from rural Madhya Pradesh. You can grab your hands on these colourful ensembles made with glass and plastic beads at the tribal haats organised during the weekends or festivals.
The fusion of bright colour schemes and contemporary designs make this jewellery an inspiration for many including the travellers and designers. Hence, the local bodies are helping local communities and artisans to arrange regional and national level exhibitions to provide the rural handicrafts a much-needed
exposure.
Weaving stories for centuries now in Madhya Pradesh
In the little lanes of Madhya Pradesh, weavers, tailors and seamstresses have come together to weave their own stories.
The Chanderi, one of the oldest fabrics, has a fabulous tale to tell. Its advent can be traced to Ala-ud-din-Khilji in the year 1305 AD. Once a favourite amongst royalty, it has now earned the affection of the masses too. The charm of a Chanderi saree lies in its colours that are reflective of nature – fruits, flowers, birds and leaves. Once available only in a natural off-white, today it’s the striking pastel shades that add to its beauty.
The DABU is a style still waiting to be discovered by all. The craftsmen of Indore and Jawad use dyes from the very lap of nature to create a distinct look. The motifs and dyes are representative of the craftsmen’s deep respect for nature. The delicate floral patterns are simply exquisite. No wonder, this
hand-crafted process has earned a special place amongst fabric connoisseurs across India and world markets.
And then from the 16th century the state bring an exquisite Tussar silk. Also known generically as ‘Kota silk‘, it is valued for its texture and natural gold, which is unusually rich and deep. While historically, Tussar silk has been produced across various states, in Madhya Pradesh, the Devangans have been crafting the silk for generations now. Other silks such as Eri, Mukta and Mulberry are used to provide different textures to add to the aesthetics. Today, Tussar silk is one of the finest fabrics one can
own.
The Bagh print has truly stood the test of time, given that the Bagh printers migrated from Pakistan some 1000 years ago. The process of Bagh painting is tedious. The fabric is treated by a
special method known as “Khara.” It is soaked in natural solutions before it is laid out to dry three times in succession. The distinctive red colour can be attributed to Chiya seeds, Imli and Phitkari. The black colour is prepared using iron fillings and jaggery. And finally, the printing is done using wooden blocks.
The cloth is then dried for fifteen days and washed before you get the final product. And yet, when you stare down at the final product, one cannot imagine the effort taken to produce it.
And last but not the least the state is known for Maheshwari fabric. Apart from the use of Zari and its distinguished patterning, it is known for its use of mercerized cotton, which gives itslustrous quality. In the 19th century, the use of two distinct types of silks in the weave gave birth to the silk sari, a phenomenon of the 80’s. When you buy a Maheshwari, make sure it is woven in handloom, for a hand-crafted beauty that is guaranteed to become one of your most prized possessions.
The Marble Art of Bhedaghat
The mighty marble rocks by the Narmada River giving new meanings to the lives of Bhedghat and Jabalpur!
The marble artistry of Bhedaghat
The quaint town of Bhedaghat in Jabalpur district is popular with tourists for its misty Dhuandhar fall and colossal marble rocks.Another thing that equally attracts the tourists from all over the world is the incredible craft of marble sculpting that this place has to offer. Marble and stone moulding is a great art. The sculptors shape the astonishing white marble into intricate deities and other quirky sculptures. Stones found in the bed of Narmada provide occupation to many carvers and their families. If you are on a visit to Jabalpur, do not forget to visit the Bhadaghat’s dhuandhar fall, marble rocks and shop marble
handicrafts here.
Mandana Art – (The term Mandana is derived from the word ‘mandan’ which means decoration and in the regional language, ‘Mandana’ denotes ‘drawing’) The vibrant tribal art form of Madhya Pradesh
Mandana is one such art form of folk painting created by one of the oldest tribal communities of Madhya Pradesh called ‘Meena’.
The art is created on walls and floors of houses and usually done by women. This artistic form of illustration is considered a representation of good luck and a method to ward off evil spirits. The painting marks the beginning of auspicious occasions such as marriages, festivals and childbirth.
The focal theme of Mandana revolves around religious and wildlife elements which include gods, goddesses, flowers, plants, animals and birds.
