Nandi: Guardian of Faith and Strength in Baiga Art

Ramrati Bai

Ramrati Bai Baiga is a contemporary Baiga artist from Madhya Pradesh, whose work reflects the deep bond between her community, nature, and spirituality. She grew up surrounded by Baiga traditions, where everyday life was intertwined with rituals, folk stories, and reverence for the forests. Inspired by this heritage, Ramrati began painting as a way of narrating her community’s experiences and beliefs. Her creative journey took a new turn under the mentorship of artist Ashish Swami, who guided several Baiga women artists to bring their visual traditions onto paper and canvas. This transition helped Ramrati refine her style while still preserving the raw authenticity of Baiga art. Her paintings often depict animals, birds, trees, and sacred motifs, alongside scenes of village festivals, rituals, and moments of daily life. Through these subjects, she highlights the Baiga worldview where humans and nature coexist in a delicate balance. Working primarily in acrylics on paper and canvas, Ramrati’s art is vibrant, rhythmic, and full of symbolism. Each painting feels like a living document of Baiga heritage, while also standing as her personal interpretation of its spirit. Today, she is recognized as one of the significant voices of the new generation of Baiga artists, especially inspiring women from the community to carry forward tradition while opening it to new audiences.