Indian Art Forms And How They Can Blend With Your Home Decor.

India is a diverse country which has a wide variety of art practices. The rich blend of various cultures is reflected by the various artforms from different regions. Although Western aesthetics dominate the modern world, there are hundreds of art forms which have originated in South Asia, which have the potential to change the definition of home decor for you. 

There have been recent developments in the field of interior designing in the country which has led to the increase in demand for traditional and ethnic home decor items. Indians are gradually becoming more aware of the historical and cultural importance that these pieces carry. Although the beauty and elegance of Indian art in the form of paintings, fabric art, wall decor, sculptures are reason enough for one to include it in their home decor, there is also an urgent need to support local Indian artists and craftsmen who have successfully retained the age old techniques which are an important part of our cultural and social history.

 Let us look at some of the ethnic art forms that can completely transform your home. 

Fabric Art:

Fabrics are important when it comes to home decor. Starting from the cushions that you place on the sofa, to the curtains you hang and the bedsheets, you can add an ethnic touch to all of it. 

Madhubani Art:

Also known as Mithila painting, Madhubani art emerged from the Mithila region in Bihar. It is one of the most famous Indian art forms which also has a huge foreign market. The main themes of Madhubani art includes that of religion, love and fertility. Madhubani art on bedsheets or other forms of bedding can be a good present to newly married couples as well. With its precise and intricate designs, they make beautiful pieces which will surely catch the eye of a guest. 

Leheriya Curtains:

This form goes back to the 17th Century. Practised in Rajasthan, Leheriya is a tie and dye technique which is used to make various patterns on a piece of cloth. In this particular form, the designs represent the waves of wind and the patterns on sand that appear in the desert. Although dupattas and kurtis in Leheriya designs are famous, the fabric can also be used as a curtain. Use it on the door of your common balcony which remains mostly airy. The designs on the Leheriya will surely blend in with the wind arriving from the balcony and make it even more appealing. 

Katha Stitch Blankets/Quilts -

Originating from Bengal, Kantha stitch is an age-old patchwork technique. It was used by rural women to stitch together pieces of cloth or repair torn parts. Over time, the embroidery style emerged and now the Kantha stitch technique is one of the most beautiful fabric arts that blend in with all sorts of decor. The unique designs which are made with bright-coloured thread requires patience, practice and hard work. In traditional rural Bengal homes, kantha stitch is used to make quilts and blankets. It aids in reusing and upcycling fabric which makes it extremely sustainable. 

Varak Print Cushions:

Varak is a block printing technique which possibly originated as an alternative to expensive gold and silver brocade. These prints are elegant and modern. The usual and the most common kind of Varak print includes gold and silver motifs printed against a solid background. However, other styles are also available. If you have a light-coloured sofa, bright Varak print cushions will blend in perfectly. 

Kashmiri Carpets :

Rugs and carpets are the centre of attraction in a living room. A carpet can easily change the look of a room. A Sufi mystic brought the art of carpet weaving to Kashmir from Persia. Since then, Kashmir has not only been a major supplier to the Indian subcontinent but also to the world. Kashmiri knotted carpets are made with dedication, love and hard work. The skill has been passed on through many generations and has been kept alive till date. Investing in a good quality Kashmiri carpet or a rug will be the best decision you can take. 

Wall Art:

The walls in your home should have decor items which speak of you, your history, and your culture. Wall decor is the first thing that someone notices when they enter a room. Apart from having your personal memories beautifully placed, you can also have a traditional Indian painting which speaks about the artisans of the subcontinent. 

Warli Painting

A famous form of painting hailing from the state of Maharashtra, Warli is a tribal art that continues to be practised till date. The patent designs and elements of Warli paintings include stick figures. Colourful Warli paintings can be a great addition to your collection and at the same time brighten up walls in your house. You can either get an artist to paint a section of the wall or use a set of framed paintings.

Tanjore Painting:

The Deccan region is home to hundreds of forms of paintings. Among them, Tanjore, which originated in Thanjavur (which was the capital of the Chola Empire) in Tamil Nadu, has a global reputation. This classical form of painting generally depicts scenes from the Puranas. However, many unique blends of religions can also be seen in comparatively recent works. There is a dominance of Hindu Gods when it comes to Tanjore painting. Such paintings with Hindu Gods can be suitable in a room especially designed for worshipping. But you can also place such a painting in a room or an adjacent wall to where you practice meditation. 

Santhal Paintings:

Originating in the Santhal tribe of West Bengal, this form of painting inspired the famous Modern artist Jamini Roy’s works. Currently the Santhals reside in parts of West Bengal, Bihar and Jharkhand. Much like many other tribal art forms, the Santhals include elements found in their immediate environments which includes flora, fauna, traditions and ceremonies. Every Santhal painting is unique in its own way. The bright colours and the natural elements make it extremely attractive to the look at. It can surely be the main attraction in your living room or hall. Framed pieces of Santhal art can also be a creative boost if placed in the children’s room or their craft area.

Miniature Paintings - The art of miniature painting was introduced in West India by the Mughals who came from Persia. However, over the years it has transformed and what exists today is known as the Rajasthani miniature painting, a field dominated by the Rajputs. It is one of the well preserved art forms that continue to awe people with its brilliance, vibrance and uniqueness. Artists used several mediums on which they paint miniature but elaborate scenes. Patience and discipline are extremely important elements for creating miniature paintings. These interesting pieces can be great conversation starters for your guests.

Indian art forms and indigenous artists have suffered a great loss during the pandemic. Allover, the demand for their art has reduced with the increased influence of western designs in interior decoration. Each and every form of art has a distinct history which is not only interesting but also insightful in defining our identity as a country. The blend of different religions, traditions and customs in these artforms have the potential to give a much needed upgrade to your home and make it more appealing.