Fine gold and silver leaf sheets, known as Varaq, have been extensively used for decorative purposes. One of its popular uses is in food decoration, where silver foil is applied to sweets like barfi and mithai. In addition, Varaq is often used to adorn statues and temples. Gold foil, in particular, is used to create Hikari, a type of gold paint used in intricate miniature paintings. Ayurveda also mentions the use of Varaq for its medicinal properties. The most fascinating application is in textiles, where Varaq is used in a traditional printing technique known as chandi ki chappai (silver printing). This method involves block printing with thin sheets of gold and silver leaf on fabrics. Varaq prints are often used on tent cloths, hangings, canopies, saddlecloths, book covers, and garments like sarees and kurtas.

The traditional handicrafts of Assam reflect not only artistic skill but also cultural and practical significance. Among these, the Majuli masks from Majuli Island are a symbol of Neo-Vaishnavite tradition, playing a central role in theatrical performances and religious rituals. These handcrafted masks, made from natural materials, are integral to the vibrant arts practiced in Satras, monastic institutions established by Srimanta Sankardev. Shamaguri Satra, in particular, has gained recognition for its mask-making tradition, which traces back to Assam’s first drama, Cihna Yatra. These masks, depicting gods, demons, animals, and more, range in size and showcase the rich cultural heritage of Assam.

Imagine painting shapes on threads before they are woven into fabric.… that’s ikat! When this art emerged in Pochampally, it flourished with a distinct characteristic of using a double ikat method on a silk cotton cloth. And that’s how Pochampally Ikat came into being. It sounds like decorating the cake before it’s baked – weird, right? I was dumbfounded!

Would you believe it when I say that Kalamkari textile was one of the reasons why the British gained power in India? Kalamkari is a 3000-year-old textile art form that uses a bamboo pen to hand-paint fabrics.

Yet another GI-tagged textile from South India is the Mysore Silk. And its history is associated with the revered Tipu Sultan, someone whose bravery is lauded in our history books!

It is a mystical and meticulous process of creating a single yarn of silk, as heartbreaking as it is regarding the lives of the silkworms.

Tattoos have been a distinctive and recognizable form of body art in India for thousands of years, holding special significance within tribal communities. For these tribes, tattoos are far more than just art; they are a deeply rooted traditional ritual and a way of life.

Among the vibrant culture of Kerala, a simple yet elegant Kasavu saree is a classic that adds to the cultural legacy of the state. It is donned by the Malayali community to weddings, temples and funerals. And if we talk about art, it has long been featured in a couple of beautiful paintings by Raja Ravi Varma.

India is known for its rich tradition of handicrafts, and in Telangana, the town of Nirmal stands out for its delicate wood toys and vibrant art. During the Nizam’s rule in Hyderabad, Nirmal became a hub of ammunition for the Nizam’s army, while the Naqash craftsmen created mastery of Nirmal Toys and Nirmal Art.

From mural paintings to contemporary canvases, Thai paintings have a story to tell about the past and present of Thailand. It is a living narrative that reflects a nation steeped in Buddhist tradition. With that in mind, welcome to the world of Thai visual arts!