SAURA ART

Introduction to Saura Painting

Overview of Saura Art

Saura art originated long long ago. The artworks found on the walls show that this art gradually evolved and got divided into different forms. It is an important part of Saura culture, which reflects their life, religion, and beliefs.

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.

Idital Painting

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.

Religious and Cultural Beliefs

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".

Saura Tribe in History

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.

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

The main elements of this art are trees, water, animals, human figures, deities, and geometric patterns such as triangles, squares, and rectangles. The painting begins with surface preparation, then designing, colouring, and detailing.

Tools of Saura Painting:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Jananglosum

Now let us talk about 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.

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.

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.

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.