8 Indian Arts and Crafts On The Verge Of Extinction

With much diversity, you can easily find an art form from every corner of India. Unfortunately, some of the arts and crafts have failed to withstand the test of time and are on the verge of decline. Know these Indian art forms that require immediate attention to save our culture and history.

Parsi Embroidery: Originating from Iran (Persia), this art is a multicultural representation. Using vibrant colours and intricate designs that depict nature and animals this art form is slowly declining due to modernisation.

Warli Paintings: Carrying the history of the 3000 BC time period, this art form is mainly practised by the Warli tribe of Maharashtra. They use the rice paste to draw lines and triangular shapes depicting nature and daily tribal life affairs.

Manjusha Painting: Dating back to the 7th century this art form mainly represents folktales of Bhagalpur (Ang Pradesh), Bihar. Using green, yellow, and pink colour palettes this art form is under threat due to the evolution of Western art.

Rogan Art: Flourished about 300 years ago in Kutch (Gujarat), this art form originated in Iran (Persia) and it's made from castor seed paste with red, blue, yellow black, green, and orange colours.

Puppetry Art: This art form is about 3000 years old, founding its existence in Mahabharat and Patanjali’s text with divine origin. It’s mainly associated with music, narration, and gestures. It's under threat due to the evolution of TV and smartphones.

Naga Handicraft: The Naga handicrafts including Bamboo work, cane and wood carvings, blacksmiths, and pottery, became popular in India and abroad. It is under threat because of a lack of encouragement and industrialization.

Tanjore Painting: This traditional art form originated in Thanjavur or Tanjore city, Tamil Nadu. Quite difficult to make, this painting is made on wood by embellishing precious and semi-precious pearls and depicts Hindu mythology tales.

Dhokra Art: The Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-Daro is the finest and earliest example of this style of painting. This art form uses the lost wax technique and now is in decline due to a decrease in the number of artists.