Painting
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Dance
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Clothing & Textiles
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Artefacts
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Livelihood
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Tribal Painting

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Alu Kurumba Paintings

Alu Kurumba Paintings

Alu Kurumbas are wonderful artisans and traditionally take rocks and use them for their canvases to create paintings with natural dyes or pigments. The subjects of these painted artworks are nature,…
Gujarat’s Warli painting

Gujarat’s Warli painting

The Warli paintings constitute a traditional art in Gujarat by the Warli tribes. Their style is quite simple yet highly expressive; their subjects include the usually mundane scenes in life, nature,…
Warli  Painting

Warli Painting

Warli paintings are painted on the walls within the houses of warli tribe people; on both sides of the door and on the outside walls of the huts. The walls of Warli houses consist of bamboo sticks…
Symbolism in Saval Dharmi Ghoda

Symbolism in Saval Dharmi Ghoda

The Saval Dharmi Ghoda motif forms an important part of Pithora paintings that are a ritualistic form of art of the Rathwa tribe in Gujarat. These paintings are made as an offering to the deity, to…
Symbolism in Rani Kajal

Symbolism in Rani Kajal

Rani Kajal is shown holding a comb for purification and care associated with her role of nurturing and protecting the community. This vision conveys the sense of devotion and maternal love and offers…
Symbolism in Raja Bhoj and his Elephant

Symbolism in Raja Bhoj and his Elephant

The Pithora paintings of the Rathwa tribe are closely knit into the cultural traditions of Gujarat. One of the very important motifs is Raja Bhoj and his Elephant, symbolizing Raja Bhoj's…
Symbolism in Rani Pithora

Symbolism in Rani Pithora

The art of making the Rani Pithora motifs utilizes especially natural pigments derived from locally available materials like cow dung, lime, and natural dyes. The Rathwa artists, also termed Lakharas…
Symbolism in Lakhari and Jokhari

Symbolism in Lakhari and Jokhari

Lakhari and Jokhari are motifs that represent the cosmic reality of being a guardian and fertility. Lakhari symbolizes the celestial overseer of prosperity, while Jokhari evokes life cycles and the…
Symbolism in The Baba Ganeh

Symbolism in The Baba Ganeh

The Baba Ganeh motif epitomizes wisdom and initiation, one which keeps the past alive. Through its mythology and folklores around Pithora, Baba Ganeh stands for eliminating obstacles, quite like Lord…
Symbolism in The Baba Ind

Symbolism in The Baba Ind

Baba Ind is depicted as a symbol of protection and prosperity in Pithora art. His figure often incorporates elements of strength and divinity, representing blessings for crops, livestock, and family…

Tribal Dance

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Types of Thongseng

Types of Thongseng

Jumbong Thongseng is a solemn dance performed during the funeral of a deceased man in the Konda Savara tribe. It serves as a ceremonial farewell and a community's collective mourning process. Though less energetic than other Thongseng forms, it reflects the tribe’s deep respect for the departed. Through synchronized steps and soft music, the dance allows emotional release and unity in grief, while also reinforcing beliefs in spiritual continuation and ancestral connection.

MAYURA DANCE

MAYURA DANCE

The Mayura dance held by the Kondh Tribe or a Particularly Vulnerable Group (PVTG) because of the peculiarities impressed from their originality as tribal people familiar with so many cultures across India. This is a brilliant expression of their national heritage that unifies the community together. It does not just depict life in motion; rather it tells stories about daily happenings, portraying the essence of beauty and kindness. By preserving this beautiful form of expression, the Kondh provide a link to their traditions, exemplifying the richness of their cultural heritage.

Gaur Singh Dance

Gaur Singh Dance

The Gaur Singh Dance is an energetic tribal dance of the Muria tribe in Chhattisgarh's Bastar region. Named after the powerful Indian bison (Gaur), it traditionally depicted hunting rituals, showcasing the strength and agility of both the animal and the hunters. Over time, it has evolved into a vital part of the Muria tribe's cultural heritage, integral to their social gatherings and community celebrations.  

Karma Dance of Oraon Trib

Karma Dance of Oraon Trib

The Karma dance embodies a major cultural traditional event for the oraon community of eastern Chhattisgarh, which is more than an entertainment mode; rather, it embodies an enriched artistic tradition intertwined with their very identity. The unique rhythms played on various traditional instruments and the unique movements characterize the Karma dance as a basic cultural concept for the oraon tribe.

Toda Tribal Dance

Toda Tribal Dance

Toda dance plays an important role in their culture, always performed in circular formations by males and females alike, and at festivals or important ceremonies. Dances are fluid movements, often representing nature or daily life. Their oral literature, especially their folk songs that are rich in poetic expressions (Emeneau, 1971), continue their oral tradition.

Dance of Irular Tribe

Dance of Irular Tribe

Irulars are known to use unusual musical instruments, which include percussion types such as Pere and Thambate and wind instruments such as Kuvalu and Nagasura. Constructed of materials sourced from forests, these are essential for their festivals, rituals, and cultural manifestations.

Chaiti Dance

Chaiti Dance

It is an ancient tribal community of odisha called the Bonda people, which lives amidst the rugged landscape of the kondakambru hills, situated within the khirput block of malkangiri district. They say they speak their language remos. Shifting cultivation and horticulture has now been supplemented by small chunks of rice cultivation. Dance means, in their language, "mime". They consider Patakhanda (Royal sword) as Mapru, the ultimate and unquestionable god of the Bonda. They are very fond of celebrating different festivals, and rituals through songs and dance. Among festivals, Chaiti parab is their main festival. Both men and women perform dance combinedly. The female folk don their traditional costumes and adorn colorful arteries of beads, gross other natural and metal objects.

BIHA DANCE

BIHA DANCE

The Kisan tribe is an agricultural community primarily found in Odisha, Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. Their cultural identity is intimately linked with agriculture; their festivals are related to the agricultural season. They excel in traditional music, dance, and customs.

Dhemsa Dance

Dhemsa Dance

The Gadaba ethnic group that afford in Koraput District of the state Odisha is well known for having its rich cultural traditions through dresses, ornaments, and dances. Its traditional customs, the Dhemsa dance, bind with festivals, agriculture, and life cycle events.

Budigali dance

Budigali dance

The Budigali dance is a vivid example of Santal culture in Odisha and is performed with zest during Sakraat festival. To the Santals, dance and music are not entertainment but life-if you want to live, dance, or sing. Every other dance or song is for some unique occasion like Lagre, Danta, and Baha. In Santali, Enec means 'dance' and Serenj means 'song.'

Tribal Artefacts

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NaikPod Craft


The Naikpod tribe has a strong tradition of beliefs that has a strong impact on their craft. Their religious practice is centered on gods shown in their craft images, with the chief god being Laxmidevara, representing prosperity and richness. The craftists of the tribe make colorful masks and paintings depicting different deities and mythological creatures, including the Pandavas in the Mahabharata, and they summon these creatures during religious festivals and rituals. In the Laxmidevara Pelli Sambaram, for example, a wedding festival for the goddess Laxmi, Naikpods apply craft to deepen the ritual, showcasing their faith and collective identity.

Bamboo Art


The Baiga tribe residing in the Kabirdham district of Chhattisgarh, bamboo art has been an integral part of their lives since ancient times, permeating their daily routines, social customs, religious practices, economic activities, musical instruments, and means of entertainment.

Biran Mala


The Baiga, being a particularly vulnerable tribal community, mainly inhabit the central region of Chhattisgarh, inclusive of Kabirdham district, and this tribe has a very special traditional ornament: Biran Mala. This garland was handcrafted by Baiga women for decades and has a relevant cultural connotation. It may take about one to two days to prepare one Biran Mala. The Baiga women wear their hair adorned with 10 to 20 of these malas mainly during religious events, dances, and folk songs, and when going to visit relatives.

Kota Tribe Artefacts


This tribe is widely recognized for its craftsmanship, particularly in the area of traditional pottery. Women are primarily involved in pottery making, producing functional and traditional pottery. These potteries are influenced by artist's cultural heritage and are sold locally. These people are also engaged in blacksmithing, carpentry, rope-making, which reflects their artistic skills of the Nilgiri.

Artefacts of Irular Tribe


The Irular demonstrate skilled craftsmanship through their use of bamboo to craft many functional and decorative objects. Some of their sturdy baskets, mats, and home décor pieces are sometimes embellished with traditional patterns reflecting their cultural identity.

Craftmanship of Irular Tribe


The Irular demonstrate skilled craftsmanship through their use of bamboo to craft many functional and decorative objects. Some of their sturdy baskets, mats, and home décor pieces are sometimes embellished with traditional patterns reflecting their cultural identity. These items are made with bamboo sourced from the surrounding forests, emphasizing their in-depth knowledge of locally available natural materials. Baskets are not only a traditional art; they also serve as a means of livelihood especially for Irular women marketing their craft in cooperative societies.

Wooden craft (Wooden Idol)


“ Wooden idols crafted by the Warli, Madia, Bhil, Gond, and Katkari tribes are remarkable artifacts that blend artistic craftsmanship with cultural significance.

Bamboo Craft (Bamboo Tray and Mug)


Warli, Bhil, Gond, Katkari, Thakar, and Kokna tribes' bamboo trays and mugs exemplify their well-established artistic heritage. These exhibits usually depict complex tribal designs, whether woven, incised, or painted with natural dyes. The intricate work testifies to the visual and utilitarian significance of bamboo in native life.

Mundha (Marriage Pillar)


The wooden pillar Mundha is a critical component of wedding rites in the Koraku, Gond, and Madia tribes. It is positioned at the center of the wedding pandal and brought over by the groom himself. The Mundha is inscribed with tribal totems and carries profound cultural and symbolic importance.

Bamboo Craft (Bamboo House)


The Warli and Katkari tribes are known for their bamboo craftsmanship, especially in making bamboo house showpieces. These showpieces reflect their artistic heritage, featuring intricate carvings and woven patterns. Each design symbolizes aspects of tribal life, nature, or spirituality, making them culturally significant and visually appealing.

Tribal Livelihood

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Konda savara tribe
These tribes of Andhra Pradesh, acknowledged as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), reside in the hilly regions of Parvathipuram Manyam. With a mixture of Mongoloid and Dravidian roots, Konda Savara maintain a clear distinction in socio-cultural traditions, language, and rituals. The structure of their community and lifestyle represents a deep attachment to nature and tribal customs expressed through festivals, modes of worship, and particularly their Farr dance-Thongseng.
Livelihood of toda tribe
The Todas are one of the six Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Tamil Nadu, mainly living in the Nilgiris district. They live in The Todas live in areas referred to as 'Munds': Toda Nadu, Kundha Nadu, Peranga Nadu, and Merku Nadu. Todas are categorised into two sub-groups: the “Thortharsh OI” and the “Theyvildh OI”.
Paniyan tribe livelihood
The Paniyan are a South Dravidian Paniyan language speaking tribal community of about 7,882 individuals, situated in 174 villages of the Gudalur and Pandalur taluks. By tradition, they are landless labourers, who were primarily employed to work in agriculture. They worship several deities, including Kulian and Mariamman, and the ritualistic practices highlight their ancestors' traditions through their birth practices, marriage and festivals. The leaders of the Paniyan are referred to as Chetti and Chemmi.
Livelihood of kurumba tribes
Apart from the parts of Karnataka and Kerala, Kurumba exist in the Nilgiris, consist of three groups or sub groups: Alu, Betta and Mullu Kurumba. They have very limited social interactions and exchanges. Each of these Kurumba groups have their own families, clans, villages and deities. They were traditionally non-vegetarian and consumed goat, fish, and chicken. Although each of these animals is typically eaten by the Kurumbas, they have shifted to a vegetarian diet of vegetables, roots, tubers, fruits, dairy, and rice or ragi, which they "cooked" in groundnut oil, due to government prohibitions on hunting. According to 2011 Census, there are approximately 6,552 Kurumbas. Alu Kurumbas are associated with traditional painting, Betta Kurumbas are most associated with producing objects out of lantana or making baskets, while Mullu Kurumbas mostly work with agriculture-related occupations. Kurumbas participate in tattoos and to a lesser extent broom making, and these occupations allowed them to participate in the local economy.
Livelihood of kota tribe
The Kota are a Scheduled Tribe and also one of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs),who hail from the Nilgiris district of Tamil Nadu. Based on the 2011 Census, the Kota community is comprised of 2,024 individuals and live only in the group of seven simple settlements—Menad, Kurgoj, Kolmel, Kalasu, Porgad, Thiskad and Kenad. These seven settlements are collectively known as the 'Kokkal' which means village in their dialect.
Kattunayakan tribe livelihood
Kattunayakan means 'forest chief.' The Kattunayakan (or Kattu Nayakan) are a scheduled tribe sub-group native to the Western Ghats, and they inhabit approximately 59 villages in Pandalur and Gudalur taluks of the Nilgiris, near Wayanad and Nilambur hills in Kerala. The Kattunayakan live as nuclear families, and their culture is very unique in their traditional way of living. The Census of India in 2011, recorded their population as 2,480. They speak a dialect of Kannada within the community and Tamil and Malayalam with outsiders. They were traditionally hunters and gatherers, and are now mainly engaged in agriculture, labour, animal husbandry, and working in coffee and pepper plantations. They are also skilled caretakers of elephants and honey hunters, and they sell a variety of forest produce in weekly markets.
Livelihood of irular tribe
Irular is the second largest tribal community of Tamil Nadu. Most of them inhabit the Nilgiris. It is forest-based life. The twelve clans of Irular people worship nature and have a non-vegetarian diet. Though extremely underdeveloped, they have rich ecological knowledge and cultural traditions in 60 villages. The Population according to 2011 census is 6020. Irular's have changed from food-gathering to traditional farming and wage labour. They make brooms from wild grass, collect forest produce, and work in farms or plantations. A few cultivate millets, some engage in production of tea or coffee, still others weave baskets, and some are involved in cattle rearing, fishing, hunting, and forestry.
Livelihood of irular tribe
Irular is the second tribal community of Tamil Nadu. Most of them inhabit the Nilgiris. It is forest-based life. The twelve clans of Irular people worship nature and have a non-vegetarian diet. Though extremely underdeveloped, they have rich ecological knowledge and cultural traditions in 80 villages and perhaps beyond.
Juang tribe
These people are confined to the state of Odisha, largely in the districts of Keonjhar, Dhenkanal, and Jajpur. The Juang language is the language of these people, which is a Munda dialect. The Juang regard Gonasika hills in the district of Keonjhar as their original home; they have a kinship system of community groups at village and regional levels with a considerable emphasis on strengthening kin and social bonding. Their livelihood is diversified, ranging from shifting cultivation, forest gathering, and fishing. They also practice village exogamy, which helps sustain a clear identity in culture and a strong sense of community.
Kharia (hill-kharia)
The Hill-Kharia or Pahari Kharia are an indigenous highland tribal population predominantly found in Similipal forest of Mayurbhanj district, Odisha, having a population of 2874, following the lifestyle of foragers based on the hunting and gathering. Their language Kharia comes under the family of Munda languages. Hill-Kharia are rich in thought and beliefs having associated traditions to the worship of Thakurani, the Earth Goddess, and Dharam Devata, the Sun God. They are a community centering on festivals, music, and group dance.

Tribal Clothing & Textiles

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