ART FORMS

PAINTINGS OF UTTARAKHAND
Social studies:

The paintings of Uttarakhand are unique and diverse. Garhwal in Uttarakhand is famed for Mughal style of paintings
introduced by a Mughal Prince during the great Mughal regime. The University Museum in Srinagar, Garhwal exhibits a
marvelous collection of these paintings along with numerous sculptures and findings from archaeological excavations.
The women folk of Kumaon practice Aipan, a popular art form of Kumaon. Walls, papers and pieces of cloth are decorated
by drawing various geometric and other figures of Gods, Goddesses and objects of nature. There is another kind of painting
called Peeth, where floor of the seat of Gods and Goddesses is beautified with geometrical designs.
Wall painting is another form of painting, and one of the oldest traditions of the region. Wall painting is generally done on
the occasion of domestic ceremonies such as weddings when walls and doors of the house are decorated. Usually two
different kinds of paintings are followed for the Kitchen and another for the ceremonial places. The development of the
Garhwal school of painting as a branch of the Pahari school of art is believed to have started in the 17th century and reached
its zenith in the latter half of the 18th and first half of the 19th centuries. The chief pioneer behind this growth was the
eminent Garhwali painter, poet and historian Mola Ram.
In the 17th century, the Mughal Prince Suleman Shikoh had taken refuge in Garhwal. He was accompanied by a few artists well
versed in the Mughal style of miniature paintings. When he returned he left behind Shamdas and Haridas, who had already
mastered the new painting techniques. These two were the ancestors of Mola Ram.
The Pahari Painting is inspired by the battles between good and evil. It has covered vast subjects like Indian life; its history,
culture and traditions, with a touch of divinity. There is a lot of subtle spiritual content in the art, literature and mythology that
has survived for generations in the Indian sub-continent. The Pahari Kalam style of painting was developed in the Kumaon area
and was practiced in some of the Himalayan regions.
Aipan or Alpana is a popular Kumaoni art form done on walls, paper and pieces of cloth. This decorative art includes drawings of
various geometric and other figures representing gods, goddesses and objects of nature. The pichhauras or dupattas are also
decorated in this way. These ritual designs and patterns are an expression of a women’s artistic taste.
Barboond, Patta, Rangwali etc. are some more forms of local ritual paintings to be done on specific occasions. Besides these
some spots like Lakhudiyar, Falseema, Kasardevi in Kumaon and Dungri in garhwal have traces of ancient rock paintings and
engravings.
GARHWALI-KUMAONI SCHOOL OF PAINTINGS:
Posted by samaun The Himalayan Treasure on December 28, 2017.
The splendour of the Himalayan landscape with its lush greenery and eternal tranquillity, have always inspired generations of
artistic and creative talents in Uttarakhand. Alongside a strong literary culture, the Garhwali and the Kumaoni people have also
developed their traditions of indigenous painting and visual representations. From the prehistoric times to the modern era,
the people of Uttarakhand have been consistent in showing their love for the art of painting which is an organic part of their
collective life and cosmic imaginations.

Prehistoric Rock Paintings :

For those who are intrigued by the examples of prehistoric art, Kumaon should be an important destination. In the Almora
district, the Lakhudiyar caves on the bank of river Suyal, is a treasure trove of colourful rock paintings made by the primitive
men of the Stone Age. The Lakhudiyar caves, along with many other significant sites of early rock paintings spread all over the
Kumaon Himalayas depict the cultural activities and the life-styles of our primitive ancestors quite beautifully.
Garhwal-Kumaon miniature paintings:
 
Historically, the Garhwal and Kumaon regions of Uttarakhand were part of the Himalayan kingdoms that witnessed the
emergence of the brilliant school of traditional Indian miniature painting known as the Pahari Paintings in the 17th-
19th centuries. Like other branches of the Pahari School, the tradition of miniature painting among the Garhwali and
their brilliant use of colours and judicious arrangement of lines. It is said that Suleman Shikoh, a Mughal prince had
come to GarhwKumaoni people – more famously known as the Garhwal School of Painting – also grew out of the style
of miniature paintings patronised by the Mughal court and is marked by al in 1658 in an attempt to escape from his
uncle, the Emperor Aurangzeb. The prince had brought his court painter and his son, who was also an artist, with him.
When the prince left Garhwal, the painters, Shamdas and Kehar Das, enchanted by the beauty of the Himalayas,
decided to stay behind. It is believed that these two Mughal court painters introduced the art of miniature painting in Garhwal and
therefore paved the way for the development of a separate Garhwal School of miniature painting in later days. it is believed that Mola
Ram, who was credited by many as the founder of the Garhwal School of painting, was a descendant of them. In the later days of its
evolution, the Garhwali-Kumaoni miniature painting tradition drew much of its inspirations from the Kangra Kalams. Elements such
as the landscape or architectural motifs and human figures painted by the Garhwali and Kumaoni painters reflect their debt to the
Kangra techniques of Pahari painting.
Passionate romance against the backdrop of the lush Himalayan landscape is one of the most favoured themes of the
Garhwali-Kumaoni miniatures. The miniature painters of Uttarakhand, like their counterparts in the Himachal regions,
found endless joy in painting various scenes and anecdotes from popular literary sources such as Ramayana,
Mahabharata, Krishna Lila, Rukmini Magal and Kama Sutra. A variety of royal court scenes, scenes depicting the
ordinary and domestic lives of the beautiful Pahari women, depictions of the series of Raginis and serene Himalayan
landscapes were also some of their favourite subjects.
ARTS OF UTTARAKHAND
Art and Craft of Uttarakhand

Uttarakhand is also known as the Land Of The Gods. It is a state with magnificent mountainous peaks, beautiful valleys
decorated with the vibrant colours of its flowers, rapid white water rivers and ancient places of worship immersed in divinity.
The art and craft of Uttarakhand, have a definitive connection to the divine either directly in the form of images or words or
indirectly in the form of sacred geometry.
What is sacred geometry?
A basic difference between ancient Eastern and Western culture is that Eastern culture has always embedded messages while
the western civilization has written directly about them. It is an ancient belief that the Almighties created the universe. The
great Greek philosopher, Plutarch who was also an essayist and priest of the temple of Apollo is among the first to mention that
the Almighties created the Universe according to a geometric plan.
In the modern era, Carl Friedrich Gauss, adapted the quote by Plato and said that God arithmetizes the universe. Sacred
geometry was also used in designing ancient India but the connection to the divine was embedded into the art, architecture,
books rather than it being mentioned explicitly.
In the western world, the principles of sacred geometry principles can be found in the drawing by Leonardo da Vinci called the
the Vitruvian Man.
Uttarakhand has plenty to offer in the divinity of their art and culture. You can enrich your house with Garhwal paintings which
have also found a place in the Boston Museum in USA. You can take home and adorn your house with the divine blessings
embedded in the sacred geometry of the Murals of Aipan and Peeth.
The ladies can drape themselves in the Pichora Dupatta which once gain has a divine connection as it is designed on the principles
of sacred geometry. The Pichauri Duptta is said to bestow divine blessings in a woman's married life and guards against divorce.
You can see evidences lost art of rock painting and rock engravings in Lakhudiyar, Falseema,Kasardevi and Dungri regions of
Uttarakhand.This folk art of Aipan and Peeth are like the girl child of Uttarakhand. The Aipan and Peeth art is practiced and
propagated by the women of Uttarakhand. Their knowledge of this art is passed from one generations to the next. The sacred
geometric patterns of Aipan and Peeth are divinely simplified complexity. Aipan is done on all special occasions and household
ceremonies and rituals. These motifs have sacred geometry and it is believed that they bring divine blessings and good fortune.
Peeth is a mural made around the seating area of Gods and Goddesses with a base of rice paste decorated with colorful natural
dyes.
The main difference between Aipan and Peeth is that Peeth uses specific designs for each god or goddess whereas in Aipan, the
artist has the freedom to choose from many designs . The Peeth patterns are usually made around a Chowki or a low stool. The
drawings usually follow sacred geometry with flowers, leaves, divine feet and trees.The pichora dupattas are also decorated with
sacred symbols or sacred geometry. The women of the region hold the Pichora with great respect.
A variety of motifs on the lines of sacred symbols or sacred geometry feature on a saffron-mustard background in deep red. The
colouring is done with vegetable dyes. A traditional Pichora could range from a collection of red dots to motifs of swastikas to
the depiction of the village to which the bride belongs. The Pichaura dupatta symbolizes happiness, prosperity, fertility and a
successful married life.

Bhotios:

The Bhotiyas of Uttarakhand are known for their intricately designed shawls and woolen wear which once again have
elements of divine symbols or sacred geometry in their design. These ritual designs are an expression of a women’s divine
nature. The ladies hum a tune as individual threads are sewn. Each thread is arranged with meticulous precision.
The meditative song is similar to the ancient Japanese samurai sword makers practice of infusing a divinely spirit in the
sword that the artisan is creating. Great care is also taken to chose the colour of the yarn thread .
Pahari Paintings:

Paintings of Uttarakhand range from the folk arts of the women of Kumaon to the most exquisite miniature arts of Garhwal.
Uttarakhand is home to one of the most beautiful and defining Gharanas or school of the Pahari School of painting known as
the Garhwal School of Painting.
The pioneer of the Garhwal School of painting was the Mola Ram who was not only a painter but also a poet, a historian and a
diplomat. A book by Barrister Mukandi Lal by the name of Garhwal Painting published by the Publications Division of the
Government of India in 1968 credits the depth of Mola Ram's paintings, sketches to the popularity of the Garhwal School of
painting. The Mughal Prince Suleman Shikoh has taken refuge in Garhwal to escape Aurangzeb and was accompanied by
atrists who specialized in the Mughal miniature painting style. Two painters, Shamdas and Haridas, stayed back at Garhwal and
became Royal Tasbirdars or Royal painters. Shamdas and Haridas were the ancestors of Mola Ram. Mola Ram developed a
new style of painting that had a divinely romantic charm with beautiful poems.
The marriage of a Guler Princess of Kangra with Garhwal King Pradyushman Shah led to many artists from Kangra region
deciding to settle in Garhwal. The Garhwal School of painting found its present form which is prevalent at this time with the
migration of the artists. The paintings are filled with divinity,love and a respectful depiction of the sensuality of a women as
being perfect and divine.

Ornaments:

Uttarakhand is famous for its ornaments. Apart from native goldsmiths and silversmiths, Uttarakhand also has native copper
smiths who are called Tamtas.
The gold, silver, brass and copper ornaments made in the land of the Gods, Uttarakhand, not only have their own divine
timeless quality but are also unique to this place.
Wood Carvings and Dekaras:

The beautiful wood carvings of Uttarakhand will bring the blessing of the divine into your home. Even the doors, windows,
rugs, carpets, baskets, copper utensils or the folk art Aipan made by Uttarakhand is have a unique touch of nature in their
designs. Uttarkhand also has an unique art called the Dekaras which are beautifully designed clay models of the various Gods
and Goddesses. You can bring a Dekara from the Land Of The Gods to answer your own prayers. Uttarakhand also makes
beautiful dolls and the Pahadi Juniyali Doll is a new addition.
The popular native craft of Uttarakhand is intricate wood carvings where the craft is once again passed on from one
generation to the next. The wood carvings decorate every home, the versatility of this art is evident from intricately carved
wooden entrance to palaces and temples to entrances of regular houses. The marvelous wood carved wonders can be seen in
popular tourist destinations such as the Chandpur Fort, the Temple of Srinagar, Pandukeshwar, the Devalgarh Temple
etc. The best place to see the miniature on stone are the various temples of Uttarakhand.The wood work of Uttarakhand is so
rich in heritage that woodworks of chaukhats and tibaaris are preserved in the National Museum of Delhi.
The wood work is exquisite and the range varies from decorative items like walking sticks, to animal figures to human figures
to idols of Gods and Goddesses to intricately carved miniature models of divine temples to massive and detailed chaukhats.
Dekaras are the clay models of the various Gods and Goddesses created in three-dimensional forms out of a mixture of fine
clay mixed and color.
The Dekaras are created with unique vibrant hues depict historically auspicious events like the marriage of Lord Shiva to
Goddess Parvathi and are also made on the holy occassions like Karthik Sankranti. It is said that the Dekaras bring
divine blessings into the home in which it is kept.
Suggested Uttarakhand Tour Packages :
•9 Days - Uttrakhand Tour with Corbett
•9 Days - Uttarakhand Tour from Delhi
Pahadi Juniyali doll:

Uttarakhand has made a new addition to its immense bouquet of arts and crafts with its Pahadi Juniyali doll. A company called
Phyonli & Pines LLP's has launched range of Pahadi Doll Junyali like its American cousin Barbie, in various shapes and sizes,
including a version of Juniyali with a Pichora. The Juniyali doll is an addition to the Gudda Guddi dolls of Uttarakhand which are
already popular online.
No matter how modern the times get, the strong attachment of the people of Uttarakhand to its divine roots remain unbroken. The
temple architecture has always been patronized by the Kings. Uttarakhand's art and craft heritage draws heavily from the
architecture of its temples and its divine symbols, its embedded sacred geometry, etc. often without realizing it.
It is believed that Uttarakhand is a special part of the subcontinent where the Indian civilization developed from a nascent stage
and subsequently spread to the rest of India. For example, Aipan is a native tradition of Uttarakhand. The same art is known as
Alpana in Bengal, Satiya in Gujarat, Rangoli in Maharashtra, Chowk Pooran in Uttar Pradesh, Kolam in South India, Madne in
Rajasthan, Arichan in Bihar and Bhuggul in Andhra Pradesh.You can virtually see the entire spectrum of the world in a fresh and
divine way in the art and crafts of Uttarakhand.
 Arts and Crafts of Uttaranchal – Cultural Representation of Uttaranchal

The popular art and Crafts of Uttaranchal are similar to those typically found in hilly areas. The peace and serenity of
Uttaranchal has led to the development of paintings and other important arts. Stone and wood carvings also emerged as a famous
art form in Uttaranchal. Take up cultural tours of Uttaranchal and see the various forms of arts and Crafts that have been
practiced in the various parts of the state, since ages.

The painting of Garhwal region are famous for their Mughal influence. To see some of the most exquisite Mughta paintings, one
should go to University Museum in Srinagar in Uttaranchal. The paintings of Uttaranchal have a sense of freshness and diversity
about them. The women folk of Kumaon also practice a different kind of painting called Aipan. In this form of painting,
geometrical figures of Gods, Goddess and objects are painted on the walls, paper and pieces of clothes. Another form of wall
painting is Peeth, which is one of the oldest of all the form of art practiced in Uttaranchal. Extensive use of geometric shapes are
incorporated in these paintings as well.
The northern Indian state of Uttarakhand is also an excellent hub to witness some of the finest items of art and craft. The variety
of these items is a testimony to the state's rich cultural traditions. While on a tour to the cities and towns of Uttarakhand, you can
also plan to have a peek into the exemplary craftsmanship, which one of the key features of the state. By exploring these art and
craft items, you'll be able to experience the artistic inclination of the people of the state.

Though the state features a wide range of artistic activities, one craft that is most popular is wood carving. Of course, the
beautiful sceneries of Uttarakhand have the power to stir the artist in almost everyone. Some of the great examples of wood
carvings can be seen in the temples and palaces of Uttarakhand. Apart from wood carvings, other key forms of craft in the
state include painting, jewelry making, candle making etc.

The state of Uttarakhand has a rich tradition of various arts and crafts like painting, wood carving, jewelry making, candle
making, decorative temples and of course performing arts like music and dance. Their inspiration was obviously the lush
green surroundings, the turquoise sky and the snow filled mountains which could make anyone poetic. The tranquil environs
form a base for a treasure-house of artistically inclined people.

The most prominent craft of Uttaranchal is wood carving. Every Garhwali home, let alone the palaces, has an intricately
carved wooden entrance door. Talking of palaces, the most notable wood-carved architectural wonders are the Chandpur Fort,
Temple of Srinagar (Garhwal), Pandukeshwar (near Badrinath), Devi Madin (near Joshimath), and Devalgarh Temple. The
next in line are the fine-arts including the Miniature Paintings and Aipan & Peeth.
 Sites used in this PPT
 himalayanheight.com
 www.travelogyindia.com

 www.bharatonline.com

 www.samaun.com

 uttarakhandtourism.gov.in

 abhipedia.abhimanu.com

 www.indianholiday.com