Where every scroll unfolds an epic. Cheriyal paintings are long narrative scrolls that served as visual aids to a wandering musical storytelling tradition. The artists, known as Nakashis, originally called their work nakash or naqash (drawing or sketch). The art form's present name derives from the town where it is still practiced today. These scrolls were traditionally used by a community of balladeers called kaki padagollu, who travelled from village to village singing folklore and mythological stories while unfurling the painted narrative.
A conventional Cheriyal scroll is vertical, divided into frames — each depicting a scene from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Bhagavatam, Shiva Puranam, or local village life. The backgrounds are predominantly red (sourced from tamarind seeds and minerals), while figures are adorned with bold yellow, green, white, and black. The costumes and settings authentically reflect the culture of Telangana, offering a vivid glimpse into rural heritage.
History & Origin – From Kakatiya Courts to Global Recognition
The origin of Cheriyal paintings can be traced back more than 5,000 years, with the earliest literary reference from the 12th century Kakatiya period. The text Pratapa Charitram by Ekamranatha mentions 1,500 painter families living in and around Warangal. These Nakaash families were patronised by the Kakatiya rulers who encouraged narrative scrolls for temple rituals and royal storytelling. Over centuries, the art form survived through the Nakashi community, who continue to live in Cheriyal’s winding alleys, preserving the same techniques.
The storytelling tradition was integral: bards (kaki padagollu) would commission scrolls from Nakashis, then perform for specific castes — from Markandeya Puranam for Padmasalis to Jamba Puranam for Madigas. These performances could last 3 to 20 nights. Today, the visual language remains, though the scrolls have been miniaturised for home decor.
Materials & Process – Entirely Natural & Sustainable
Canvas & Base: Handwoven khadi cloth is treated with a paste of boiled tamarind seeds, chalk powder, gum arabic (tirumani gond), and rice starch. Layers are applied and dried until the surface becomes hard but flexible.
Natural Pigments: Colours are extracted from stones, shells, soot, and seeds. White from sea shells, black from lamp soot, red from tamarind seeds or geru (red ochre), yellow from haritala (orpiment), green from jade stone. Brushes were traditionally made of squirrel hair for ultra-fine detailing; today many artists use synthetic alternatives but the painting technique remains unchanged.
Background red is dominant, sometimes green or white. The floral border that once marked scene changes is now ornamental as scrolls have been reduced to wall-hanging frames.
Cheriyal Masks – Ritual, Craft & Home Decor
Cheriyal masks are made from sawdust and fine powder of tamarind seeds, river shells, or coconut shells. The mixture is boiled, kneaded into dough, and spread onto clay or cement moulds. Facial features (eyes, nose, lips) are sculpted by hand, then dried until rock hard. After sanding, a thin cotton fabric is applied with rice starch paste to create a smooth white base, then painted with vivid natural colours and finally varnished.
Masks depict mythological characters: Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Ganesha, Ardhnareshwara, kings, queens, village women. Demand is highest for Rama-Sita-Hanuman sets (approx Rs 500 each). Smaller masks (3 inches) start at Rs 300, while larger complex pieces go up to Rs 6000. Artists like Ganesh say seven Nakashi families produce around 250 masks per month, and the craft empowers women who can earn Rs 20,000 from home. A daily wage of Rs 300 is paid to workshop workers.
Market, Livelihood & Contemporary Shift
With the decline of travelling bards, Cheriyal artists have adapted. Today scrolls are sold as decorative pieces: a 3x5 ft scroll costs about Rs 35,000 and takes a month to complete with the whole family involved. Larger scrolls may take six months. Many Nakashis have relocated to Hyderabad, Chennai, Bengaluru and Mumbai for better markets. They sell through e-tailers like Amazon, local platforms (Craftiee, Tvami, Kala Chaupaal Trust), government handicraft shops, and social media. During the pandemic, artists received around 10 orders per month generating roughly Rs 8000 on average.
The Telangana state government supports artisans by issuing official IDs, buying handicrafts, providing employment projects, and collaborating on training programs. Dhanalakota Saikiran (artist) and D Vaikuntam Nakash (national award winner) have received wide recognition. A stunning 163-foot kitchen tunnel at Rashtrapati Nilayam (Hyderabad) now features Cheriyal murals and masks, a mark of the art's prestige.
Beyond Decoration – Education & Social Change
In Badampet village (Sangareddy district), NGO Kudali Centre uses a 3x10 ft Cheriyal scroll to teach farmers about the dangers of mono-cropping. The painting, made by D Vaikuntam Nakash, illustrates how shifting from organic food crops to cotton leads to rising pesticide costs and farmer suicides. Similarly, a microfinance company displays six Cheriyal scrolls explaining loans, digital marketing and microcredit to semi-literate villagers. The art form thus continues its original purpose of education, but with modern themes.
Preserving Heritage – GI Tag & Art Tourism
Cheriyal scroll painting received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008, granting intellectual property rights protection. This recognition prevents duplication and links authenticity to the region. The art is a subject of academic study across India and globally. Artists now produce miniatures, jewellery boxes, greeting cards, brass paintings, and marriage gifts to cater to contemporary tastes while retaining traditional motifs. The state government actively promotes Cheriyal painting through exhibitions and craft circuits, ensuring the Nakashi legacy endures.
Visitor Information – Experience Cheriyal
Location & Timing
Cheriyal, Siddipet district, Telangana. Approximately 85 km from Warangal city, 100 km from Hyderabad (approx 2 hours drive). Best time: October to March (cooler months). Workshop visits are possible year-round, mornings are ideal to see artists at work.
Accommodation
Limited guest houses in Cheriyal; better options in Hyderabad, Warangal or Siddipet town. Many visitors make a day trip from Hyderabad.
Getting there
By air: Rajiv Gandhi Intl Airport, Hyderabad (100 km). By train: Warangal (85 km) or Kazipet (90 km). By road: TSRTC buses from Hyderabad (MGBS) to Cheriyal or Siddipet, then local auto.
Workshop ethics
Ask permission before photographing artisans. Buying directly supports the community. Carry cash (cards rarely accepted). Avoid plastic; respect the traditional space.
Nearby Attractions – Heritage Circuit
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cheriyal painting famous for?
Narrative scroll paintings depicting mythological epics, village life, and festivals — all using natural colours and a distinctive red background.
How long does a traditional scroll take?
A 3x5 ft scroll requires about one month with the whole family working together. Larger pieces can take up to six months.
Are Cheriyal masks eco-friendly?
Yes, made from tamarind seed powder, sawdust, natural binders, and mineral colours — entirely biodegradable.
Can I buy authentic Cheriyal art online?
Yes, via Amazon, Craftiee, Tvami, and Kala Chaupaal Trust. However, buying directly from village artisans ensures fair compensation.
Does the art form have a GI tag?
Yes, Cheriyal scroll painting was granted a Geographical Indication tag in 2008, protecting its unique heritage.
Are workshops for visitors available?
Several Nakashi families welcome visitors for demonstrations; advance contact via Telangana Tourism helps arrange sessions.
Further Reading & Credits
- Telangana360 – Cheriyal Scroll Painting
- 30 Stades – Cheriyal: Art That Educates
- 10 Aspects of Cheriyal Paintings – Rooftop App
- Telangana Tourism – Heritage & Crafts