States' News

Pithora Painting - Gujarat

August 8 , 2026 15 hrs 0 min 66 0

It is the centuries-old wall art tradition of Gujarat’s Rathwa tribal community.
It is mainly in Panch mahal and Chhota Udaipur.
It dates back to around the 13th century - done by tribes such as the Rathwa, Bhil, and Bhilala.
It was created on the walls of homes.
The paintings were often commissioned during significant life events, such as weddings, births, and festivals.
These were executed by specialist ritual painters known as Lakharas, under the guidance of a priest called Badwa.
The walls are prepared by applying a mixture of cow dung and clay
Artists use natural pigments derived from minerals, plants, and other organic materials to create the colours for their paintings
Painters use a combination of bamboo sticks, cotton and wooden stencils.
The paintings show tribal and Hindu deities, horses, animals, and scenes from daily life like farming, hunting, and dancing.
Common colours include red, yellow, green, and blue, each derived from specific natural sources.
Today’s generation of Pithora painters use paper and canvas that they sell commercially.