Indian tribal paintings are quite rich and affluent in their style, theme and execution. They are a rich source of knowing about rich cultural heritage of India. The traditional tribal art of Maharashtra represents the symbolic phenomenon of natural aspects through various pre-defined motifs. They are beauteous expressions of tribal people that represent their life-style.
India has a large population of tribal community which is 8.6% of total population of India as per Census 2011. The tribal communities of India are well known for their unique culture and tradition which got expressions in various art forms like song, dance and painting. Though the origin of this art form has no exact record, it has been firstly found in the early 70s. Traditionally, these creative works are done by married women of this tribal community. They follow various themes or objects that represent their daily activities. They are different from other folk or tribal art forms as it does not depict any mythological events or characters. The style of these paintings is considered similar to pre-historic art. The paintings are similar to the pre-historic cave paintings in its execution as they usually depict scenes of human figures engaged in activities like hunting, dancing, sowing, harvesting etc. It has been agreed by many scholars that these paintings show a close affinity with rock art of India. Nature is their god and guide. Their paintings give a message that everything is based on nature and everything is a part of it. Nature worship is an important aspect of folk and tribal world. There is a great affection for trees in these paintings. They are depicted beautifully in different patterns. The paintings are decorated with different animals, birds, trees and plants which present the rhythm of life.
Their paintings use a simple vocabulary of geometrical figures: a circle, a triangle, and a square which are the basics of all paintings. The circle represents the Sun and the Moon. The circle symbolically represents a universe which has no end. It is spontaneous, which denotes the circle of life. They believe in immorality; death is not an end of their life. The triangle is derived from mountains and pointed trees. The square indicates a piece of land. Square can be considered as an artificial shape denoting earth. Human and animal bodies are represented by two triangles joined at the tip. The human figures in these paintings are simple yet stylish. Every symbol or motif has its own meaning and language.
The paintings are made inside the hut. The wall is prepared with cow dung, followed by the coating of red mud. The white color is prepared from rice. The harmony and balance showed in these paintings are supposed to signify the harmony and balance of the nature. The flow and rhythm of lines, colors and thoughts are immense which symbolizes the eternity of their cultural traditions. The simplicity of these paintings is an epitome of Indian tribal art. Every shape, form, color represents different aspects of nature. Nature is their source of expression; their works and lives are totally based on it. Though the empathy between nature and man has been lost with the passage of time, the essence of nature in tribal arts always memorizes its importance in human life.
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