Category: North India
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Chamba Rumals: Embroidered Narratives of Himachal Pradesh
Hey folks! Welcome to another piece of real folk art stories! Step into the colorfully vibrant world of Chamba Rumal embroidery, where each stitch speaks louder than words can! Located deep in the stunning valleys of Himachal Pradesh, this beautifully exquisite form of Himachal embroidery has silently narrated love, devotion, and tradition from the centuries…
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The Legacy of Bani Thani: Kishangarh’s Miniature Art
Hey, art lovers! Ever imagined the mystical miniature world of Kishangarh? So, let’s explore the history of Bani Thani, who is known as the “Mona Lisa of India.” This beautiful form of art has been popularly used since the 18th century, with an incredible level of detail and color usage. Not many know that Kishangarh…
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Stepwells in Gujarat and Rajasthan: The Loss of an Architectural Heritage.
Did you know that the famous Chand Baori in Rajasthan, India is one of the largest stepwells in the world? It is featured in several Bollywood movies, including Bhool Bhulaiyya, and Paheli. I bet you were unaware of this and many other significant aspects of step-wells. Don’t worry, because in this blog we will be…
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Puppetry Arts and Dance: Combining Art Forms to Tell Stories
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What is Traditional Indian Puppetry? Puppetry arts, or Kathputli Kala, is a traditional Indian folk art form. Traditionally, it was a form of entertainment where the puppeteer (Sutradhara—’Sutra’ meaning ‘string’ and ‘dhara‘ meaning ‘holder’) manipulated puppets to narrate a beautiful story that would inspire and entertain the audience. The puppets were colorful human-like figures who…
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The Craft of Pashmina: Weaving Luxury from Nature
Welcome to the fascinating world of Pashmina Craft, where tradition and luxury blend together with every thread. Nicknamed the “Soft Gold” of the Himalayas, Pashmina is more than mere fabric-it is a masterpiece of weaving nature’s finest fibers into it. The craft starts way up in the mountains, where the soft undercoat of the Himalayan…
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Exploring the Timeless Puppetry Art of India: A Living Tradition
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What is Puppetry Art Puppetry art in India is an excellent blend of culture, art, and oral history. This sacred tradition of puppetry art connects different ages and generations through history, works of fiction, and sociopolitical issues concerning the nation. Although there are challenges today, it is still flourishing, revealing its timeless beauty and moving…
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The Art of Block Printing: A Timeless Indian Craft
Introduction: A journey into the world of block printing The Indian craft is the epitome of creativity and the Indian cultural resemblance. Block printing, an age-old Indian form of textile art is a perfect combination of artistry and tradition. A journey that speaks of the dedication, effort and innovation of skilled artisans who maintain the…
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Discover the Symbolism in Rajput Paintings
Introduction to Rajput Miniature Paintings Rajputana, meaning “The lands of the Rajputs”, was a region in the state of Rajasthan in today’s India. Known for its history of bravery, courage and fearlessness, the kings were highly regarded. They were ferocious warriors and the Indian history books are filled with their virtuousness. Ever wondered what would…
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The Spiritual Significance of Thangka Paintings in Meditation
What is Thangka art? This art is a traditional Tibetan scroll painting created on cotton or silk canvas. It dates back to the 7th century. These paintings commonly depict Buddhist deities. They also depict mandalas and scenes from religious scriptures. A standard painting measures around 75×50 cm. Some can be much larger depending on their…
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The Ancient Indian art of Phulkari: The captivating Embroidery of Punjab
Introduction Brief overview of this ancient Indian art In the gread northern lands of India lies the state of Punjab. Phulkari is a traditional art form of embroidery which originates from the Punjab. It is known for it’s vibrant colors and complex design pattern. The word “Phulkari” is originated from the Punjabi language which translates…