Lost Ages Ago, Resurrected Ages Hence : Art Forms

 

The art forms of India can be seen as just a mere work of colors, yet, captivating enough to catch eyes, descriptive enough to project an entire story, and alluring enough to win one's heart. However, these art forms are been ignored today, and their rare appearance is one of the greatest proofs of the decline in their practice by people. The youth have been widely interested in western and modern art, and they are not to be blamed, as it is India's own citizens, who have degraded and buried their 'Once Celebrated' art forms, with the promotion of western art forms. As they say, "Hope is being patient with the lamp lit.”, not many people have turned to the west, but have had one strong aim, resurrecting these ineffable art forms, which are destined to be truly eternal. 

These paintings are a symbol of the diverse, yet united nature of India, allowing it to die, can be considered no less than a sin. It shows how our country has been diverse through time. Moreover, these paintings are not made with the intention to compete, but to exchange and share ideas not only domestically, but also in the expanding global world. Some of the most important of these are: 

• Bamboo Art:

This form of art consists of making useful and sturdy objects, which are used daily in rural areas to improve the efficiency of chores there. However, they can be used anywhere for convenience, and decoration. The art sees its origin in the wonderful state of Assam. It is not only to make such things, but also toys, and even musical instruments!

· Manjusha Paintings:

The art form has developed during the colonial period in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar. It has been intended to signify the Bishari Puja, which is dedicated to the snake god. The meaning of the word 'Manjusha' is a box of jewels, or a treasure, hence I would like to put the origin of the name in such a way that the characters and stories drawn in the box, are no less than jewels, and treasured folklore of Bihula-Bishari.

· Cheriyal Scroll Painting: 

This fine form of art is widely practiced in the Cheriyal Village in Warngal District of Telangana, and hence the name is so. The form usually contains vivid hues, and is directed to be narrative, and depict mythological stories and epics. One of the major reasons of concern is that only three families remain, to carry forward the legacy of this art form. Today, the Cheriyar Scroll paintings are also used to transmit social messages, and I am sure that the youth of our country would bring this art back on track.

• Terracotta Art:

This is one of the first proofs of creativity in the human mind. The art is dated to be originated in many years ago, and is practiced in many Asian countries, including India. These are known to be excavated from the earliest civilizations of the Indus Valley, Harappa, Birhana, and Mohenjo-Daro. Terracotta figurines are made from dried clay, which is heated up to 1000°C. One cannot disagree it to be an integral part of not only Indian, but Human History and Culture. 

• Dhokra Handicraft:

Dhokra Art consists of constructing structures of brass. This was widely practiced by the artisans of India. In India, it is known to be originated In Bengal. The art has been estimated to exist for more than 4000 years. The art is used to show a three - dimensional structure of various things, such as animals, humans, trees, and also various activities like dancing. The art is admired in global markets too.

These were just some of the arts which are buried with the artisans/painters, who made them.
Today, we need to teach the children of India about these buried beauties, and contribute towards resurrecting them. 

A majority of artists are trying to revive these art forms with innovative methods. It's like they are establishing nexus beteen 'Tradition and Technology'. Viewing the growing interest of Digital Art, we can use it to help the lost and dying arts reach more and more people. The art is reaching out to many with the medium of embroidery and bottle painting. I hope that not only these, but all forms of art stay alive, always!

-Tanish Askulkar