3. Art Forms and Textiles of India

Art has always been a part of India’s culture and heritage. It helps tell stories, celebrate festivals, and remember traditions. Many art forms have been passed down from parents to children for hundreds of years, keeping India’s history alive. Here are some beautiful art forms of India: 

1. Madhubani:

Madhubani, also known as Mithila art, comes from the state of Bihar. It involves intricate designs and bright colours. This art often depicts scenes from nature, such as animals, birds, and trees. It is created using natural dyes and special brushes.1 

Vid: 3.1 Madhubani - Art from a Sacred Land2

2. Warli: 

Warli is a tribal art form from the state of Maharashtra. It uses simple shapes such as circles, triangles, and lines to create intricate scenes depicting daily life, nature, and rituals. It is usually done with white paint on a brown background.1 

Vid: 3.2: Warli tribe: 'We are India's soul, don't kill us3

3. Miniature Paintings 

Miniature painting is a traditional style of intricate painting with fine details. As the name suggests, miniature paintings are usually quite small in size. They are created on a small canvas, paper, or other surfaces. 

4. Tanjore 

Tanjore art is a traditional form of art that originated in the southern part of Tamil Nadu, India. The paintings often include decorative elements like gold foil, semi-precious stones, and pearls, giving them a three-dimensional and luxurious appearance.1 

Vid: 3.3: The Tanjore Story 

India is famous for its beautiful fabrics. Textiles, like cotton and silk, have been made in India for thousands of years. Each region in India has its own special way of weaving and designing fabrics. These textiles are used for clothing, decorations, and even in festivals.5 

Textiles in India are crucial to its rich heritage, blending culture, history, and art. The variety of fabrics and weaving styles across regions showcase India's diverse culture. These textiles have played key roles in history, serving as art and supporting the economy. Come, let’s explore some textiles! 

1. Khadi 

Khadi in India is a fabric made from natural fibres that are spun and woven by hand. Mahatma Gandhi  encouraged the use of Khadi to help rural communities become self-sufficient and to reduce their dependence on British-made textiles. The fibres are turned into yarn using a spinning wheel called charkha. Khadi has a lot of uses, keeping you cool during hot summers and warm in cold winters.8 

To know more about Khadi, watch this video: 

Vid 3.5: The Khadi Story 

2. Banarasi Silk - Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Banarasi silk is famous for its shiny gold and silver threads called brocade or zari and its smooth, luxurious texture. The designs are inspired by Mughal art, featuring flowers, leaves, and detailed patterns. The sarees often include intricate (detailed) embroidery known as meenakari work.8 

To see how a Banarasi Saree is made, click below: 

Vid 3.6: Making of a Banarasi Saree

3. Chikankari - Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh

Chikankari is a special embroidery done on plain cotton or lightweight fabrics. The word 'Chikan' comes from a Persian word that means 'chic', which was used for the delicate 'Jali' work done on materials like marble or wood. Chikankari involves a stitching method called long running or darning stitch.8 

Vid 3.7: The History of Chikankari 

4. Kanjivaram - Tamil Nadu

Kanjivaram sarees are made from mulberry silk threads with three strands twisted together. The sarees are known for their thick zari borders, which create stunning gold or silver patterns.8 

See the history of Kanjivaram also known as Kanchipuram here: 

Vid 3.8: The Kanjivaram Weave 

5. Patola - Patan, Gujarat

Patola is a special type of fabric made from silk, known for its clear and precise designs. It is called the "Queen of Silks." What makes it unique is that it is a double ikat woven fabric, where both the warp and weft threads are dyed before weaving. Because it requires a lot of work, each Patola sari can take anywhere from six months to a whole year to be made. This is why they are quite expensive.8 

Watch this video to learn more about the history of Patan Patola - 

Vid 3.9: The Patola Story 

6. The Faces Behind Indian Textiles

Now that you know the fascinating world of Indian textiles, do you know who creates these wonderful fabrics? 

The skilled artisans known as ‘karigars’, play a vital role in crafting these textiles. Karigars are incredibly talented craftsmen and craftswomen who bring a touch of magic to each piece of fabric they work on. These artisans specialise in various intricate techniques, such as embroidery, block printing, weaving, and dyeing. 

Their careful hands and creative minds transform plain fabrics into masterpieces that reflect the rich culture and heritage of India.10

So, the next time you see a beautiful saree or textile, remember the incredible karigars who made it.

Vid 3.10: Hidden Faces behind Indian Textiles

Indian textiles are not just clothes; they were woven with the history, culture, and dreams of the land. Indians drape elegant sarees and comfortable dhotis, and they wear stylish kurtas and colourful dupattas. These fabrics also find their way into home décor, adorning beds, cushions, and walls with their beauty8.