Cultures & Art Forms of Bharat

Pattachitra (also spelled Patachitra or Pata Chitra)

Odisha (the most renowned tradition); related forms also exist in West Bengal

Visual Arts / Traditional Folk Painting Painting on treated cloth or palm leaf (talapatra chitra); mythological and religious narrative art

Pattachitra (also spelled Patachitra or Pata Chitra)

Pattachitra is a centuries-old traditional painting style of Odisha, known for intricate detailing, bold lines and vivid natural colours. It depicts ancient incidents of Sanatan, especially Lord Jagannath and Krishna Leela, on specially prepared cloth.

Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand (three distinct styles)

Performing Arts Tribal / Folk martial dance-drama. Seraikella and Purulia use masks; Mayurbhanj is performed without masks.

Chhau Dance (also spelled Chau / Chhou)

Chhau is a vibrant dance-drama from eastern India that blends martial arts, acrobatics and folk movement to narrate episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas, as well as local legends.

Maharashtra

Handicrafts Traditional Craft (Handmade Leather Footwear)

Kolhapuri Chappal

Kolhapuri chappals are handcrafted leather sandals from Kolhapur, Maharashtra, known for their braided straps, sturdy build and natural tan colour. Made by skilled artisans using vegetable-tanned leather, they are a GI-tagged symbol of Maharashtra’s craft heritage.

Karnataka (also practiced in parts of Kerala and Goa)

Performing Arts Traditional Theatre (dance, music, dialogue, and costume)

Yakshagana

Yakshagana is a traditional theatre form of coastal Karnataka that combines dance, music, spoken dialogue, elaborate costumes, and makeup to narrate stories from the Hindu epics and Puranas.

Rajasthan

Visual Arts Painting (Devotional Cloth Painting)

Pichwai Painting

Pichwai painting is a traditional devotional art form from Nathdwara in Rajasthan, in which large, intricately detailed cloth hangings are painted to adorn the backdrop of the deity Shrinathji, a form of Lord Krishna.

Gujarat

Textiles and Handlooms Textile Craft (Double Ikat Weaving)

Patan Patola (Patola Sarees of Patan)

Patan Patola is a rare and luxurious handwoven silk saree from Gujarat, made using the double ikat technique in which both the warp and weft threads are tie-dyed before weaving, producing sharp, reversible patterns in brilliant colors.

Karnataka

Handicrafts Craft (Wood Turning and Lacquer Work)

Channapatna Toys and Dolls

Channapatna toys are brightly colored, lacquered wooden toys and dolls made by hand-turning wood and finishing it with vegetable-based dyes, known for their smooth, rounded shapes and child-safe finish.

Thanjavur Painting (also spelled Tanjore Painting)

Tamil Nadu

Visual Arts Painting (Devotional / Temple Art)

Thanjavur Painting (also spelled Tanjore Painting)

Thanjavur painting is a classical South Indian art form known for its rich colors, glittering gold foil, inlaid glass beads or gems, and devotional themes, mainly depicting Hindu gods and goddesses.

Kerala

Handicrafts / Traditional Crafts Metal Craft, a handmade metal-alloy mirror

Aranmula Kannadi (Aranmula Valkannadi)

Aranmula Kannadi is a handcrafted metal mirror from Aranmula, Kerala. Unlike ordinary glass mirrors, it is made from a secret alloy of copper and tin and polished by hand to produce a flawless, front-surface reflection.