Legacy on Canvas: Indian Folk Art Lives Through Families

In a small village nested in Maharashtra, a grandfather paints white geometric shapes on a mud wall, while his granddaughter sits beside him, copying each line. Hundreds of miles away in Jaipur, a father grinds natural pigments as his son delicately fills a royal court scene with a brush no thicker than a strand of hair. And in Kolkata, a mother outlines bold figures of gods and commoners while her teenage daughter watches, sketching her own version on recycled paper. These are not just artistic moments, but a tradition of art forms passed down to the next generations – a generational art legacy. A legacy that has helped preserve and keep these art forms alive in today's fast-paced digital world. Read on to know more about these great art families of India. The Mhase family of Warli artists or the Chitrakar family that has been practicing the art of Kalighat for decades -for these families, these Indian art forms are beyond a passion and profession, they are a part of their DNA.

In tribal villages of Maharashtra, this art form is more than just a decoration on their mud walls. It's a tradition mostly celebrated during occasions like festivals and weddings etc. These tribal communities use basic geometric shapes to depict stories of their daily life.

Children sit and learn from their elders by helping them in drawing basic shapes during rituals. Learning from such a young age creates a deep and meaningful connection with the art, and also makes them very proficient in it, until they reach adolescence. Elders don't just pass down techniques – they pass down symbolism, mythology, and tribal values.

Some of these Warli families have gained global recognition. Artists like Jivya Soma Mashe popularised this art form and was even awarded the Padma Shri by the Government of India amongst many other awards. by some senior political figures. His first exhibition was held in the Jehangir Art Gallery in Mumbai in 1975. Later in the year, 1976, his first international exhibition was held in France, and the rest as they say is history! so on. Today, his descendants still showcase their art form in the world, proving how a folk art passed down through generations can make a place in the hearts of artists around the world.

Excited to learn from these experts? Sign up for our Warli art course and learn from Sadashiv Mhase, a third-generation Warli expert from the Mhase family that has lived and breathed this art for decades.

Step into an art studio in Jaipur, and you will find three generations working together on a painting. The father outlines the illustration, the son mixes mineral-based dyes, and the grandson helps in completing it by giving it a final touch. These Jaipur-based miniature art form paintings are small, colourful, and popular for their exquisite brushwork and intricate detailing. This art requires patience, time, and devotion to create fine precision. It is a practice that comes with discipline, and it has been passed down through generations. These artists often work from the same homes and studios as their ancestors, guided by knowledge passed down like sacred scripture.

Once reserved for the royal courts, today these miniatures find homes in elite collections and museums around the world. They are also quite a favourite among collectors.

Curious to explore more about this art? Check out Rooftop's Miniature art courses, where Shri. Samadhar Singh Khangarot - a master artist is happy to share his journey as an artist, their legacy, and personal anecdotes with you.

Walk through the lanes near the Kalighat temple in Kolkata, and you will find people laughing and enjoying the process of Kalighat painting heritage. Kalighat paintings were often a joint effort of artisans who would belong to the same family. These paintings are famous for their bold brushstrokes. Previously, they were sold in the temples, but later they evolved into a mirror held for society, portraying stories about social issues.

The courage of Kalighat artists to depict such bold stories sets them apart. Till today, Kalighat art remains a fearless voice in the world of traditional Indian art forms. Eager to know more about their bold stories? Join our Kalighat course, instructed by expert Mr. Anwar Chitrakar, who learned the art from his father Amar Chitrakar, and start your journey of learning Kalighat art today.

Children don't just watch their elders at work—they learn from them. These are not just crafts picked up by chance, but responsibilities carried with honour. Lineage ties these art forms together, passing them down through generations. At Rooftop, we work directly with artists who are a part of this generational art legacy. Our Indian art courses and Artventure books programs don't just teach—they connect you to ancestral Indian art styles through first-hand knowledge. Our collection of paintings is original artworks by these art geniuses. When you hang one piece on your wall, you are not just making a statement, but you are keeping a tradition alive.

Join an art course. Gift an art kit to your loved ones. Or bring home an original piece from our curated collection. Let Indian art be a part of your family traditions and spaces too! Whether you are picking up a brush for the first time or choosing your next art collectible, with Rooftop, you are becoming part of the illustrious story of Indian art.