Palash Tree: Flame of the Forest

Sold byJodhaiya Bai

Description

"‘Palash Tree: The Sacred Flame’ by Jodhaiya Bai beautifully showcases the Palash tree (Butea monosperma), also known as the Flame Tree, in the Baiga art style. The artist uses a white background to emphasize the tree, making its vibrant orange flowers and deep blue trunk stand out. The trunk is intricately decorated with fine yellow line patterns, adding both detail and texture. Surrounding the tree, green birds flutter gracefully, symbolizing harmony with nature. In Baiga tradition, the Palash tree holds significant spiritual, medicinal, and ecological importance. Its bright blossoms are utilized in rituals, natural dyes, and Ayurvedic remedies, while the tree itself represents renewal and resilience. The Baiga community, which is deeply connected to nature, views the Palash tree as a sacred bridge between the earth and sky, symbolizing life, energy, and transformation. Through this detailed and meaningful painting, the artist effectively captures the importance of the Palash tree in Baiga culture.

Why add this painting to your collection?

Handpainted by Late Padmashri award winner Artist Jodhaiya Bai Baiga. She began painting in her forties and was inspired by local Baiga motifs like the Mahua tree,Lord Shiva and her homeland’s forests. Her work has gained international recognition earning her a Padmashri award in 2023.

Minimalistic composition with a bright and fresh color scheme stands out for its simplicity and portrayal of a slice of tribal life's connection towards nature.

Measuring 12x16 inches this compact sized composition is handpainted in acrylic medium on paper by the artist. -The composition fits perfectly within any style of decor, ideal for big or small wall spaces. -A perfect addition to artlovers collection, ideal for gifting on special occasions like housewarming or personal gifting.

Take home a piece of cultural heritage handcrafted with love by the tribal artist, add the rustic charm to your interiors. Add to cart now! "

Non-cancellable

This product cannot be cancelled once the order is placed. This item is non-returnable.

$ 2,109$ 4,349

In Stock

What is Baiga painting?

Baiga painting is a traditional art form created by the Baiga tribe in central India. It features nature-inspired designs like animals, trees, and geometric patterns, often symbolizing spirituality and harmony with nature. The paintings are made using natural materials such as clay or rice paste and are used in rituals and ceremonies.

What materials are used in the creation of your Baiga paintings?

Baiga paintings are made using white clay, rice paste, and natural pigments from plants and earth. Artists use brushes made from twigs or other natural tools.

How should I care for my Baiga painting?

To care for your Baiga painting: 1. Keep it away from direct sunlight to prevent fading. 2. Store in a dry place to avoid moisture damage. 3. Dust gently with a soft cloth or brush. 4. Frame it to protect it from dirt and damage. 5. Avoid touching the painted surface to keep it clean.

Are the paintings framed or unframed?

Baiga paintings are usually unframed but can be framed for display and protection if desired.

Can I commission a custom Baiga painting?

Yes, you can commission a custom Baiga painting. Many artists are open to creating personalized works based on your preferences, such as specific themes or designs, while still following the traditional style.

Jodhaiya Bai

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 Jodhaiya Bai Baiga, whose life is an inspiration not only to the women of the country but also to every aspiring artist, was one of India’s most respected tribal artists. Honoured with two prestigious awards, Jodhaiya Bai’s life represents an extraordinary journey from a labourer to a recipient of India’s fourth-highest civilian honour.

Jodhaiya Bai Baiga was born in 1938 and lived in the Lorha village of Madhya Pradesh among the Baiga Tribe. Jodhaiya Bai lived in the forest with her tribal community and survived by selling firewood and cow dung. Creating art was a part of the routine in the tribe. However, unlike her fellow tribemates, she radically transformed her life at the age of 69 when she met Ashish Swami, an alumnus of Kala Bhavana, Santiniketan, setting an enduring example that it is never too late to pursue one’s passion. Ashish Swami, who ran a small studio in the nearby village of Lorha, became her mentor and encouraged her to develop her practice as a folk artist, marking the beginning of her historic artistic journey.

From small paintings on paper, she progressed gradually to large canvases. Jodhaiya Bai’s art distinctly exhibits incredible use of colours and is rooted in the forests that surround her village. Many of her paintings are dedicated to Lord Shiva, and she enjoys painting the rituals and legends of the Baiga tribe. One of the elements that frequently appears in her paintings is Bageswar, the tiger god, who protects them and their lands from wild boars and wolves. But the life-giving Mahua tree is the star of several of her creations. Jodhaiya Bai’s art bridges traditional themes with contemporary concerns such as environmental destruction, industrialisation, and ecological loss, all expressed through the visual language of traditional Baiga motifs.

Her paintings have been exhibited in Bhopal, Delhi, Milan and Paris and are part of the prestigious Crites collection. Jodhaiya Bai Baiga’s works have appeared at several auctions and have consistently achieved remarkable results in the art market. Notably, her painting Untitled realised a price of INR 48,00,000 at Pundole’s in March 2025. In recognition of her achievement, she was awarded with Nari Shakti Puraskar in 2020 and the Padma Shri in Arts 2023. Jodhaiya Bai’s extraordinary achievements stand as a living testament to the belief that it is never too late in life to realise one’s potential.

Unique Practice

Paintings featuring the vivid colours and centred around nature, forest ecosystems, and wildlife.

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