Among the Indian tribal artforms, Bhil is the second largest, and considered in great regard for its unique style of painting. The Bhil tribe of Central India paint their motifs and figures by a dotting technique. To those not well acquainted with it, it might seem like a simple enough technique, but when faced with the complexity and depth that the artists add through dots and lines of varying sizes and formations, one cannot help but be amazed.

Today, we will put the spotlight on this unique artform and a few of their paintings that are of an extraordinary calibre and that we believe would be a delight to your eyes, your senses and your intellect. The list that follows is numbered but not ranked, each of the paintings has a mysterious quality to it that can only be quenched through personal interpretation—a trait of the best of the arts.

Top 8 Bhil Paintings

1. Nestled Under Wings of Vigil

Nestled Under Wings of Vigil is a vibrant painting by the Bhil artist Rita Bhuria. Just a mere glimpse of this painting is enough to leave an impression on the mind because of the striking colours and the texture of the dots and lines. The use of the various shades of red, blue, green and yellow give a visual depth that corresponds directly to the symbolic depth of what is being presented. Three peacocks taking up protective stances to shelter the baby deer from any and all threats. The interesting part about it is that the artist could have very well chosen to go with a baby peacock being protected, but the fact that it’s a different species entirely that is being protected by these birds, has multiple implications. Left unsaid deliberately for the viewer to engage with it and draw their own meanings.

This painting would be perfect for home decor. The protective inclinations of a family displayed so beautifully in a culturally significant painting on your wall.

2. The Interconnection of Humans and Wildlife

This iconic piece by Anil Bariya is a pleasure for the eyes. The dark hues of blue, green and brown perfectly aligned with the fluorescent-like shades of blue give the whole ecosystem an otherworldly effect, even when it is a most common scene of village life. The animals under the tree are buried, having made the ground fertile with their demise. From death itself does life spring and the circle keeps going. A more soulful depiction of the interconnectedness of the ecosystem could not be imagined. Another thing to note is how small and insignificant the proportions of the human figures are shown. How, in the grand scheme of it, humans are but a small part of all that the earth contains and sustains. Many a humbling lesson can be learned by this seemingly simple and straightforward painting. This one is ideal for a workplace decor or can adorn a personal office. It embodies the spirit of teamwork and togetherness.

3. Carrying Firewood Home

This simple yet elegant painting by Ram Singh Bhabhor is a testament to the fact that paintings need not always be complex—although meaningful depth can be added to anything and everything, per liberty of the beholder. This particular painting called Carrying Firewood Home is exactly what it claims to be, it is a depiction of a local man and woman taking the collected firewood home, passing by a tree with owls resting on it. It gives one the sense of the quiet calm that comes from physical labour. The owls are a subtle indication that it must be past sunset, giving the viewer silent but significant details to build a narrative around the scene depicted. You could imagine the two people as representative of the local people in general, or as a particular couple from the Bhil community. And then the story flows naturally in your head…seemingly unprompted. Maybe you’ll think of your village, your own community. This is the power of the visual arts, the power to make you imagine and remember and feel things you wouldn’t otherwise. It refreshes the mind and enriches the soul.

4. Desert Companions

Did someone say paintings aren’t for children’s rooms? Well, they mustn’t have seen this one. Here’s another simple yet meaningful painting by Ram Singh Bhavor, called Desert Companions, once again full of potential for narrative storytelling. Make it a prop for bedtime stories, adding them into the storyline in various ways at different times. The intricate dotted details themselves are a gripping and intriguing tidbit for the young ones. You might have to deal with constant demands for a big soft toy of a camel though…

5. Red and Black Pithora Horses

Lado Bai is a renowned Bhil artist, not only in India but in various parts of the world. This painting titled Red and Black Pithora Horses speaks more of her craft and style than any words could. Her signature style of making the dots stand out gives a texture to the paintings, like the white dots on black and red backgrounds.

Pithora is a local Bhil deity and the horses represent the hills and valleys that surround their region. The relatively small sized sun, turtle, and rooster indicate the majesty of these creatures and the entities they represent. Since horses are considered a good charm for strength and power in Vaastu Shastra and many cultures, this makes a great living room or master bedroom adornment.

6. A Tribal God—Ghatla Dev

Ghatla Dev is a deity that the Bhil tribe venerate and revere. He represents the community and village identity. This black and white painting by Pinju Tahed gives off some supernatural vibes. The monochromatic colour choice in contrast to the smiling figures and seemingly happening activity gives a weirdly unique feeling to the viewer of this painting. It’s certainly one of the bolder choices as a home decor, calling out to those who relish the darker and deeper hues in both their art and their decor. The fact that it’s indeed difficult to look away from it and not to scrutinise the smallest of details makes it an iconic piece full of depth and meaning—one that we’ll leave for you to draw on your own.

7. The Tree of Companionship

Ramesh Katara’s Tree of Companionship ironically isn’t about trees at all. This is a painting that can be interpreted in as many ways as there are people in this world, although the central themes of love, connection and their correlation with nature permeate it very clearly. This one is quite ideal for couples, lovers and even roommates. There’s a tenderness to the painting that makes it ideal for gifting as well. For expressing your affection towards someone through something that’s tangible and thoughtful. We are pretty sure there’s already someone in your mind who appeared maybe just as soon as you looked at the picture. Let them know, there’s only so much time that we have in this world.

The list is not exhaustive, there are many more options to choose from. In fact, there is a rich variety of Indian art forms with exquisite paintings with a depth that is not easily found. Visit the Rooftop app or website to check out more options and discover a world of colour and culture.