Tribal Art of Madhya Pradesh

Gond Art

The word ‘Gond’ comes from the Dravidian expression ‘Kond’ which means ‘green mountain’. Gond painting is a famous folk art of the Gond tribal community of central India. It is a form of painting from folk and tribal art that is practiced by one of the largest tribes in India – the Gond – who are predominantly from Madhya Pradesh, but can also be found in pockets of Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha. The history of the Gond people spans nearly 1400 years, and their art is characterized by its mystical motifs, intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and touches of humor, reflecting a contemporary sensibility in their creations

Bhil Art

The Bhil people, one of the biggest indigenous groups in India, practices Bhil art, a colorful and culturally rich kind of tribal art. Bhil art, which is mostly found in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Maharashtra, is renowned for its vibrant, folk-style paintings that portray the Bhil people’s everyday lives, mythology, and spiritual beliefs.
Trees, animals, birds, and gods are common motifs that often appear in a stylized and symbolic way. The community’s close-knit social structure and healthy interaction with the environment are seen in Bhil art, which also often includes mythological stories, harvest scenes, festivals, and communal rites.

Kol Art

The Kol tribe of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Uttar Pradesh is the primary artist of Kol Art, also known as Kolam or Kol Chitra.
It is often displayed on walls, floors, or paper using natural colors and includes geometric designs, animals, nature symbols, and ordinary life.
Bold lines, earthy hues, and stories are characteristics of Kol Art, a colorful tribal painting style. It is a reflection of the Kol community’s customs, culture, and connection to nature.

Baiga Art

The Baiga tribe of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh is the creator of this traditional tribal art form. It is known for its flowing lines, patterns inspired by nature, and deep spiritual meaning. The Baiga community’s art reflects their belief that nature is alive.
Bold strokes of paint, white outlines, and motifs of animals, forests, spirits, and rituals are characteristics of the distinctive tribal painting style known as “Baiga Art.” Every piece of art conveys the Baiga tribe’s tradition and strong connections to nature.

Korku Art

The Korku tribe, which is mainly located in Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra, is known for its traditional art form. Bold natural motifs, rhythmic patterns, and symbolic stories inspired by forests, animals, and social interactions are highlights of their paintings.
Korku art, which shows woods, wildlife, and tribal customs in vivid, flowing forms, honors the balance between humans and nature.
The spirit of the Korku people and its deeply rooted cultural identity are captured in each painting.