Introduction to Saura Painting

Overview of Saura Art

Saura art originated long long ago. Artworks found on wall paintings show that this art gradually developed and divided into various forms. It is an important part of Saura culture, reflecting their life, religion, and beliefs. The Saura tribe is one of the oldest tribal communities in Odisha, also known as Patra Saura. They primarily reside in the Gajapati & Rayagada districts. Some historians believe that they are of Austric origin, while others believe that they came from Central Asia. The Saura tribe is mentioned in ancient texts such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.The Saura tribe is famous for its rich culture, traditions, and art. These people depend on agriculture and forest products, and their life is closely connected with nature. The Saura tribe worships various deities, including the Village God (Manduasum), Wind God (Jananglosum), God of Entrance to Saura world (Jodisum), and Earth God (Labasum). In their religious practices, "Idital" paintings hold significant importance, created to please ancestors and deities. The Saura tribe speaks the Saura language, which belongs to Austro-Asiatic language family.

Idital Paintings

The Saura tribe is known for its rich culture, traditions and art. These people depend on agriculture and forest products and their life is closely connected with nature. The Saura tribe worships various gods and goddesses. The main religious beliefs include the Village God (Manduasum), the God of Wind (Jananglosum), the God of Village (Jodisum) and the God of Earth (Labasum). "Idital" paintings have an important place in these worships, which are made to please the ancestors and gods and goddesses. The Saura tribe speaks their own language Saura, which belongs to Austro Asiatic Language family.Saura wall paintings are called Italon or Ikon and are dedicated to Idital, the main deity of the Sauras. These paintings are inspired by tribal folklore and have ritual significance. Ikon make extensive use of iconographically rich symbols that reflect the routine tasks of the Saura tribe. Ikon were originally painted on the walls of the adobe huts of the Saura. The background of the paintings is prepared from red or yellow ochre clay, which is then painted using brushes made of soft bamboo twigs. The icon use natural colours and chrome which are obtained by mixing grinded white stone, coloured clay and vermilion and tamarind seed, flower and leaf extracts.Icons are worshipped during special religious and cultural occasions such as childbirth, harvest, marriage and the construction of a new house. Icons are not made often and existing icons may be used for regular mundane rituals. However, the construction of a new house necessitates the commissioning of an icon, which is painted in a dark corner inside the house where its construction is accompanied by a specific set of prayers. Traditionally, the kudangs, the priestly class among the Saura, used to paint the icons as they also had the expertise to explain to the villagers the symbolic significance of the images contained in them. Thus the icons also became part of the Saura's auditory tradition linking them to their traditions and customs. Today the kudan have been replaced by artists and paintings are often created in non-traditional locations.

Understanding the Saura Tribe

The Saura tribe is known for its unique wall paitning art, natural-colored mural paintings depicting religious and old legends. They also create handicrafts like wood carvings, and bamboo weaving. Saura art has a deep and strong connection with the environment. This art shows respect and reverence for nature and depicts various elements of nature.The Saura tribe is a patriarchal society, where men are considered the head of the family. Women also play an important role in society and contribute to agriculture and household chores. The Saura tribe is known for its vibrant festivals and celebrations.In understanding Saura art in detail, it would be inappropriate not to mention Verrier Elwin and Dr. L.P. Vidyarthi. Verrier Elwin was a renowned ethnologist and author who extensively researched the Saura tribe and their art. He described the various traditions, religious rituals, and art forms of the Saura tribe in detail. His book "Tribal Art of Middle India" mentions Saura art.Dr. Vidyarthi has conducted in-depth studies on tribal art and culture. His book "The Sacred Complex in Tribal Art" provides a description of Saura art and its religious significance.There is a deep and unbreakable relationship between Saura art and the environment. This art reflects reverence and respect for nature and depicts various aspects of the natural world. Today, Saura art is also used in various fields such as fashion, design, and architecture. This art, which was previously in the form of wall painting is now being adopted with new dimensions.

Religious and Cultural Beliefs

The idols have a special significance in religious and traditional events in the Saura tribe. These idols are worshipped on occasions such as birth of children, harvesting, marriage, and construction of a new house. The idols are not installed repeatedly in the Saura tribe, but the same idol is used in daily worship and rituals. However, when a new house is built, a new Saura idol is installed, which is painted in a dark corner of the house. Special prayers are offered during this process, making it religiously sacred.

Centuries-old History of Saura Tribe

The Saura tribe is considered to be one of the most ancient and important tribes of India, which finds mention in the Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. Members of the Saura tribe are associated with various important events in these texts. For example, there is mention of Savari, a devotee of Rama in Ramayana and Jarasavara, a hunter who injured Lord Krishna with an arrow in Mahabharata, who are believed to belong to this tribe.It is believed that after Lord Krishna's demise, his body was carried away into the sea as a log that reached Puri. It was later used to build the idol of Lord Jagannath in the famous Jagannath temple in Puri. According to the Mahabharata legend, Jarasavara accidentally shot an arrow at Lord Krishna's foot, following which Krishna forgave him before his demise. Krishna told Jarasavara that he was only following the laws of karma, and hence was not guilty. This incident marks the end of Krishna in the Mahabharata, which is called "Mahaprasthana".There is another belief behind the story of Krishna and Jarasavara. Jarasavara is said to be the incarnation of Bali in his previous life, who was killed by Rama. Rama killed Bali when he was fighting his brother Sugriva, and Bali considered it unfair as Rama did not fight from the front. Jarasavara's arrow shot at Krishna is considered to be the result of the same karmic cycle that is associated with the Rama and Krishna incarnations of Vishnu. It is seen as the completion of the cycle of karma of Vishnu's incarnations, where Jarasavara avenged the karma of his previous life.The Saura tribe also has an important place in history. The Hathigumpha inscription of Odisha, which is believed to be of the first or second century BC, mentions this tribe. In this inscription, the Saura tribe is called "Vidyadharadhivas", and it is told that the people of this tribe were an important part of the army of King Kharavela of Kalinga. Kharavela's army successfully conquered South and North India, and the people of the Saura tribe were famous for their valor and war skills.The Saura tribe is known for its valor and cultural heritage not only in mythology but also in Indian history. The stories associated with them give us a new perspective to understand the cultural heritage and mythological significance of India.

Materials and Tools

Tools of Saura Painting: Saura paintings are known for their beauty, charm, and religious and cultural significance. The symbols used in this art reflect their literature and viewpoint. The exact meaning of the paintings becomes clear only when they are interpreted by a Pandit or painter.

The following tools and materials are used in the creation of Saura paintings:

• Gondh: This gum is extracted from the tree and helps in preparing the paint.
• Hammer: An object made of metal, which is controlled by a wooden handle and is used to hammer nails.
• Beading Wood: Half inch-long wooden pieces, which are used to make the border of the picture.
• Nail: An object made of metal, which is used to join the beading wood to the plywood.
• Plywood: A sheet of wood made of different layers, on which the painting is done.
• Seashell Powder: Finely ground seashell powder, used in paints.
• Butter Paper: It is folded in the form of a cone, which helps in holding and applying the paint.
• Scissors: Used to cut the butter paper cone.
• Pencil: Used to make preliminary sketches of the painting.
• Scale: Used to measure the area of the frame.
• Compass: Used to make circular shapes.
• Coconut Shell: Used as a container to hold paint.
• Brushes: Brushes used in painting, which are flat and circular.
• Acrylic Paint: It is used as a medium for painting.
• Ground White Stone: Powder of natural white stone, used as color.

With these materials, Saura artists enliven their traditional painting and make it culturally and religiously significant.

Raw Materials (e.g., rice flour, red color, acrylics, paper, canvas) : To achieve vibrant colors, natural pigments are used, such as clay, charcoal, lime, and turmeric. Additionally, rice flour is prominently used. Red oxide is also utilized. Traditionally, brushes made from leaves, twigs, or feathers were used, but now modern brushes and painting tools are also employed. Surfaces or canvases include mud walls, cloth, or the ground.Now, let's understand the use and preparation of some materials in detail. Firstly, rice flour, which is the main ingredient for white color. Rice is ground into a fine flour, which is then mixed with water to create a thick paste used for painting. Next, red oxide, used to create a red base on walls, is mixed with water to make a paste that is applied as an even layer on the wall. Other natural colors include white from lime, red from red soil, yellow from turmeric or yellow clay, and black from charcoal or burnt wood.

Painting Tools (e.g., brushes, pens, sticks) : Regarding modern tools, aside from brushes and pens, traditional methods include using bamboo sticks to make brushes. The bamboo stick is cut into a thin, pointed shape to be used as a brush for drawing lines and detailed work. Dry grass is also used to make brushes. Bundles of dry grass twigs are tied together to create a brush used for thick lines and filling larger areas.As for the canvas, traditionally, people painted on the walls of their homes. Modern artists may use cloth, paper, and wood. These materials are crucial in Saura art as they not only provide a unique form and style but also reflect the traditional techniques and environmental knowledge of the Saura tribe. Using these materials, Saura artists make their art lively and attractive.

Techniques and Design

Traditional Techniques

In Saura art, various symbols and icons hold great importance. Let's explore some of these symbols:

Natural Elements:

• Sun: Symbol of life, energy, and power.
• Trees: Symbol of fertility and prosperity.
• Water: Symbol of life and purification.
• Human Figures: Depict social life and customs.
• Deities: Represent the tribe's religious beliefs and worship practices.
• Animals: Symbolize the tribe's natural lifestyle and respect for the environment.

These symbols reflect various aspects of their life. Additionally, Geometric Patterns symbolize the simplicity and beauty of Saura art. These patterns give the art its uniqueness and charm. Shapes like triangles, circles, and squares are widely used to decorate and structure the paintings.

Designing a Saura Painting

Steps in Creating Saura Art:

• Preparing the Canvas: Traditional Method: Clean and smoothen the wall. Wash the wall with water and let it dry. Apply a layer of red soil to create an even background.
• Modern Method: For cloth or paper, ensure it is flat and wrinkle-free.
• Preparing the Colors: As discussed in the previous module, prepare the colors from natural elements (e.g., rice flour for white, red oxide for red, turmeric for yellow, charcoal for black).
• Design Planning: Select a design or theme, such as religious symbols, nature scenes, or daily life activities. This planning is crucial in Saura art. Sketch the outline of the design on the wall or canvas using light lines.
• Drawing the Outline:Use a bamboo stick or brush made from dry grass to draw the thick outer lines. Outline major shapes like trees, crops, and animals. Human figures, especially deities, are often placed centrally in the design.
• Detailing:Once the outline is complete, start adding details. Depict tree branches, leaves, and fruits in detail. Add intricacies to crops and animal figures. Human figures are detailed with clothing, jewellery, and facial expressions.
• Filling in Colors: Ensure no part is left incomplete and colors are consistent. Fill colors carefully to maintain uniformity.
• Final Touches:Add small details and decorations to make the painting more lively. Ensure the painting looks balanced and attractive.

Tips and Suggestions

• Patience and Care: Creating Saura art requires patience and careful attention.Complete each step slowly and meticulously.
• Use of Natural Colors: Using natural colors makes the painting more authentic and traditional.
• Steady Hand: Keep a steady hand while drawing to ensure precise and clean lines.
• Inspiration: Draw inspiration from traditional Saura art and incorporate it into your design to make it more cultural and unique.

Comparison with Warli Painting

Saura paintings have a striking visual resemblance to Warli art and both use clear geometric frames for their creation but they differ in both their style and treatment of the subjects. In Saura paintings, a fish-net approach painting from the border inwards is used while this is not the case with Warli paintings. Although both are examples of tribal pictographs that use stick figures, Warli paintings use conjoined triangles to depict the human body while the figures in Saura paintings are not as clearly delineated. Also, unlike Warli paintings where male and female symbols are clearly identifiable, there is no such anatomical distinction in Saura art.

What is the difference between Saura and Warli paintings?

Both Saura and Warli are excellent expressions of Indian tribal arts, unique for their distinctive style, symbolism and cultural significance. Despite many similarities between these arts, there are clear differences in the place of origin, purpose of depiction, technique, and subject matter of both. Let us discuss the major differences and features between them in detail.

1. Origin:

• Saura Painting: This art originated from the Saura tribe of Odisha, which is deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and art since ancient times. This art of the Saura tribe reflects their religious beliefs and social structure. Saura paintings are also known as "Idital".
• Warli Painting: This painting belonging to the Warli tribe of Maharashtra is mainly done by rural tribes of the Western Ghats. This art depicts the customs, religious rituals, and stories of everyday life of the Warli society.

2. Shapes and Patterns:

• Saura Painting: It uses simple shapes like circles, triangles, and squares. Saura artists bring their paintings to life by filling various colors inside these shapes. The compositions here often appear simple, but have deep cultural stories and symbols within them.
• Warli Painting: Warli art is characterized by intricate patterns made of lines and dots. These paintings depict simple but attractive forms of humans and animals through lines and geometric shapes. Human and animal characters created from triangles and round shapes are the hallmarks of this art.

3. Theme:

• Saura Painting: Its themes mainly focus on nature, agriculture, and daily tasks of tribal life. The paintings show trees, sun, moon, mountains, animals, and human activities, which reflect the deep connection of Saura society with nature. Religious and spiritual elements are also prominently seen in these paintings.
• Warli Painting: Warli art gives a glimpse of social life and festivals. Scenes related to dance, celebration, marriage, and worship are common in them. Often the depiction of people dancing is a major aspect of this art, which reflects the sense of groupism and community in Warli society.

4. Color:

• Saura Painting: This art is colorful and bright colors like red, yellow, green are used in it. Artists use natural colours, which are obtained from soil, leaves and other natural sources. This vibrant use of colours makes Saura art unique.
• Warli Painting: Warli art is primarily monochromatic. It uses white colour on a red or brown earthy background. The white colour is used from a mixture of rice flour and water, making this art unique in both its simplicity and beauty.

5. Purpose:

• Saura Painting: This art is a medium to share the cultural stories and religious beliefs of the Saura tribe. Its paintings depict the worship of gods, goddesses, ancestors, and nature. Saura art is created during festivals, rituals and special occasions, which cherishes their spiritual heritage.
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• Warli Painting: Warli art is mainly used during religious rituals and ceremonies, especially weddings. This art is a part of their cultural and religious beliefs, and is painted on the walls of houses on auspicious occasions. Through Warli paintings they try to please the gods so that they can bring happiness and prosperity in their lives.

6. Other Features:

The paintings in Soura paintings are often made on walls, which are given religious and ritualistic importance. This art is a means of preserving stories, myths, and folklore passed down through generations.The simplicity and symbolism of Warli paintings make it popular in the modern art world as well. This art reflects the values that have a harmonious relationship between humanity, nature, and society.Both Soura and Warli art reflect the culture, beliefs, and deep connection of their respective societies with nature.Despite the differences between these two arts, both are a precious part of Indian tribal culture and have deep cultural roots.The intervention of enterprises on Soura and Warli paintings and the growing recognition of other styles have led to mutual influence in their techniques and styles. These traditional paintings have taken inspiration from each other and evolved in a new direction. Along with this, these paintings are also being used to increase employment opportunities. They are now being used not only on walls but also on textiles such as greeting cards, stationery, decorative wall hangings, and interior decorations.Saura paintings are made in various sizes, which can range from 2 square feet to 8 square feet. Apart from this, square shaped paintings are also made. The various forms of these paintings have given them a new place in the world of crafts and design.

Description of Saura Art Types

Jodisum

Jodisum is dedicated to the village deity and holds significant symbolic importance in Saura art. It represents the village's security, prosperity, and community life. The ritual of the first eating of red gram is a key ceremony marking the harvest of new crops. Ritual experts, known as Kudanmar or KudanBoi, play a crucial role in Jodisum worship.

Design Process:

• Planning the Design: Focus on the village deity, including the village perimeter, guardian warriors, deity statues, and natural elements.
• Symbols and Their Importance:
• Village Perimeter: Symbolizes security and unity, depicted with lines and geometric shapes.
• Guardian Warriors: Represent village protection, depicted with weapons.
• Deity Statues: Symbolize religious faith and protection.
• Natural Elements: Trees, rivers, and mountains symbolize prosperity and natural protection.
• Community Dance and Festivals: Depict social unity and community life.
• Cattle and Livestock: Represent economic prosperity.
• Main Village Gate: Symbolizes security and village structure.
• Animals: Lizards, monkeys, and tigers are prominent, each symbolizing transformation, playfulness, wisdom, and strength.

As we have read about the materials and tools and techniques used in Saura art in the earlier modules, let us now try to understand the paintings made in this style.

• Top level:Seven female priestesses
• Left side:Priest pouring wine, an assistant with a rooster for sacrifice
• Second to last level:Five people praying with red gram,Priest with goat
• Bottom level:Seven people playing musical instruments
• Background elements:Three monkeys, maidens carrying baskets, male priest, and jungle lizard

In the drawing, as mentioned earlier, draw the outer boundary of the painting with a bamboo stick or a dry grass brush. Use thick lines so that the painting looks clear and precise. Paint the inner parts finely. Colour the painting using various natural colours. While colouring, take care that no part is left incomplete and the colours are uniform.

Labasum

Labasum, which is dedicated to the Earth God. Its symbols depict the fertility, prosperity, and natural elements of the earth. Some of the major symbols here are trees, especially fruit-bearing trees like mango, banana, date palm, tamarind crops like paddy, maize, millet, and other crops; animals including elephant, goat and other domestic animals, rivers and water sources, flowers and plants, geometric patterns depicting triangles, circles, squares, and other geometric shapes, symbolic lines, spirals and waves; and figures of deities.Worship of Labasum involves various rituals and ceremonies. Religious rituals include sacrifices, prayers, and devotional songs. Community ceremonies involve the participation of the entire village and enhance social cohesion.Now let's look at the symbols used in Labasum in detail. Trees, especially fruit-bearing trees like mango and banana tree, symbolize the fertility and prosperity of the earth. Crops, such as paddy, maize, barley, and other crops, depict the fertility and success of farming due to the grace of Labasum. Animals, such as elephant, goat and other domestic animals, play an important role in agriculture and farming. Rivers and water sources, such as rivers, ponds, and wells, depict the prosperity and life-giving power of the earth. Various types of flowers and plants depict the greenery and natural beauty due to the grace of Labasum. Triangles, circles, squares, and other geometric shapes, symbolic lines, spirals, and waves are used to decorate the paintings and make them attractive. Apart from these, the depiction of grain granaries also symbolizes the prosperity due to the grace of Labasum.

Manduasum

Manduasum, basically dedicated as village deity represented by Sun God. This art and its symbols and images reflect the religious beliefs, cultural traditions, and life-giving energy of the Saura tribe.The main elements and symbols of this style include a large sun in the center of the painting, which is the symbol of Manduasum. The Sun God Manduasum is worshipped as the giver of life and the source of light. He is considered the patron of agriculture, health, and prosperity. It is usually depicted in red and yellow colors. Rays emanating from the sun spread all around, which symbolize light, life, and energy. Like other styles, it depicts human figures, worshipers, priests and devotees, bulls, horses, and other sacred animals associated with the God.Natural elements used in Saura art, such as trees and plants, rivers and mountains, are depicted as illuminated by the rays of the sun. Geometric patterns, ritual clothing and equipment, and items used during the puja, such as incense, lamps, and flowers, are depicted.

Jananglosum

Jananglosum style, which is dedicated to Vayu Devta. Jananglosum, the god of wind, is worshiped by the Saura people to appease him. If offended, he can take the form of a tiger and unleash his wrath, resulting in heavy rain and thunderstorms that adversely affect agriculture. To seek his favor, an idol is created, and offerings are made. His worship depicts the importance of Vayu. He is worshipped for controlling the wind, weather and environment. Vayu Devta's symbols and signs depict the religious beliefs of the Saura tribe and their connection to natural elements.

The Idital painting, created to appease the deity, consists of four phases. It is divided into four compartments.

• Upper Portion: The first compartment depicts the god attacking a man who has offended the Saura community.
• Second Compartment: This section illustrates the gathering of offerings to appease the god.
• Third Compartment: Here, the act of appeasing the god is presented, showing the rituals and offerings being made.
• Fourth Compartment: The final section depicts the god and their accompanies returning after accepting the offerings.

These symbols narrate the myths associated with Vayu Devta, the wind god.important role in agriculture and farming. Rivers and water sources, such as rivers, ponds, and wells, depict the prosperity and life-giving power of the earth. Various types of flowers and plants depict the greenery and natural beauty due to the grace of Labasum. Triangles, circles, squares, and other geometric shapes, symbolic lines, spirals, and waves are used to decorate the paintings and make them attractive. Apart from these, the depiction of grain granaries also symbolizes the prosperity due to the grace of Labasum.

Preservation and Promotion

Maintenance and Preservation

Saura art, which is known for its natural beauty and vibrant colours, is now making its place in the modern environment as well. Traditionally used for this art is now expanding into various fields like fashion, design and architecture. Its colours and patterns are inspiring designers for items like clothes, scarfes, and bags. We can also use them in the design of jewellery like necklaces, earrings and bracelets inspired by this art as well as in the design of household items and architecture. This will promote handicrafts, preserve cultural heritage and also achieve environmental sustainability as Saura artists often use natural colours and materials, which makes it eco-friendly.Now let's talk about the challenges facing Saura art, which threaten its existence and development. Saura artists are facing economic, social, and artistic challenges. They are innocent and do not have adequate income from their art, nor do they have access to the market.

Social challenge: Artists often lack awareness, which makes it difficult for them to understand the commercial aspects of art. Also, today's young generation is not showing much interest in this art. Fake Saura art is a big problem in the market, which affects the livelihood of the artists and reduces the authenticity of the art.Then comes design theft: Some designers take inspiration from Saura art and use it commercially without giving due credit to the artists.As part of the measures to address these challenges, campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about Saura art, so that people can understand the aesthetic sense and importance of this art. Appropriate steps should be taken to preserve Saura artifacts, such as display and storage in museums and art galleries. Also, incorporating this art in schools will help the younger generation to know and learn about this art. Artists should be provided with intellectual property rights for their work so that they can get proper profits from their art.

Marketing and Selling Saura Art

The government should provide financial assistance to Saura artists so that they can continue to practice their art and earn their livelihood. Artists should be encouraged to participate in training and skill development programs so that they can improve their art and meet the market demands. The government should assist artists by providing them access to urban markets and international platforms so that they can sell their products and get more income. Also, senior artists and gurus should be encouraged to teach the traditions and techniques of Saura art to the younger generation. The Master Craftsperson and trainers should also be felicitated so that the younger artist will be encouraged.Apart from this, the involvement of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and the private sector can also help in promoting Saura art. These organizations can help in the field of financial assistance, art Preservation , and skill development. International cooperation can also give global recognition to this art. For this, cultural exchange programs should be organized with other countries to promote Saura art and increase awareness at the international level. Participation in international art exhibitions and festivals should be encouraged to showcase Saura art. Training and education should be provided to Saura artists by establishing collaboration with international art schools and institutions.In addition, Saura art exhibitions should be organized at the local and national level. Saura art should be promoted using social media, print media, and electronic media. Saura art villages should be developed as tourist destinations. Souvenirs and handicrafts inspired by this art should be developed. Saura art should be incorporated in the design of clothes, jewellery, household items, and other products. Fashion designers should be encouraged to take inspiration from Saura art and incorporate it in their collections. Online marketplace should be created to showcase and sell Saura art. Saura artists should be trained to sell their art online and reach buyers across the world.

Degradation due to commodification:

However, it is worrying that the commercialization of these paintings is slowly effecting their rich cultural heritage. The traditional artists, who once used to depict their ethos and cultural beliefs, are now behaving like mere fashion designers. In the process, the depth and soul of their value system of art is getting lost.However, it is also important for the experts to make a living. The artists have to accept such changes to earn a living so that they can become financially self-dependent through their art.

Saura Art and Modern Influence:

Nowadays, Saura paintings are also being done outside the traditional places. Their diversity, uniqueness, and unique forms have given a modern look to Saura art and its popularity has increased in recent years. This art is now being recognized globally as well.Saura paintings are an integral part of the religious ceremonies of the Saura tribals and are mainly found in Rayagada, Gajapati districts of southern Odisha. Saura paintings were first studied by the renowned ethnologist Verrier Elwin. In present context, different research institutions, Art colleges and other institutions should revisit the art form for proper documentation and preservation.Their variety, detail and unique style have given the icons an 'in-vogue-appeal' and their popularity has increased in recent years. Both Saura and Warli paintings have taken technique and style details from each other due to the influence of markets and growing awareness of each other's forms. In recent times they have also been popularised as an opportunity for skill and employment generation and are increasingly being used to decorate items such as T-shirts, greeting cards, stationery and clothing items. Saura unique wall painting is now becoming popular with its mural painting.