Where every scroll unfolds an epic. Cheriyal paintings are long narrative scrolls that served as visual aids to a musical storytelling tradition. The artists, known as Nakashis, are traditionally associated with the nakash or naqash tradition of drawing and sketching. The craft became closely associated with Cheriyal, where it continues to be practised by artisan families. The scrolls were traditionally used by communities of travelling balladeers, including the Kaki Padagollu, who travelled from village to village singing and narrating folklore and mythological stories while unfurling the painted narrative.
A conventional Cheriyal scroll is vertical and divided into frames, each depicting a scene from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Krishna Bhagavatam, Shiva Puranam or local village life. The backgrounds are predominantly red, while figures are painted with bold yellow, green, white and black. The costumes, ornaments and settings reflect the cultural traditions of Telangana.
A note on dating: The Cheriyal scroll painting tradition as a distinct art form is generally described in reliable sources as several hundred years old. In October 2024, the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat address referred to the Cheriyal painting tradition as 400 years old. Claims of a "5,000-year" origin for the Cheriyal scroll painting tradition should not be treated as historically established. Broader traditions of Indian narrative scroll painting and mural art are much older, but that does not establish an unbroken Cheriyal lineage of 5,000 years.
History & Origin – Regional Painting Traditions and Modern Recognition
The documented history of Cheriyal scroll painting is thinner than often presented. The art form is commonly described as several hundred years old, while the Mann Ki Baat address of October 2024 referred to the 400-year-old Cheriyal painting tradition. Claims of a "5,000-year" origin should not be presented as established history.
The Kakatiya-period reference: The text Pratapa Charitram by Ekamranatha is sometimes cited in discussions of painter families living in and around Warangal during the Kakatiya period. Such a reference, if interpreted in that context, indicates the presence of painters in the wider region. It does not by itself establish Cheriyal scroll painting as a distinct Kakatiya-era art form.
The Nakashi community: Cheriyal scroll painting is traditionally associated with the Nakashi community, whose name is linked to the nakash or naqash tradition of drawing and sketching. The craft has continued through artisan families associated with Cheriyal.
The Kaki Padagollu balladeers: The scrolls were used by the Kaki Padagollu, a community of travelling performers who narrated mythological and folk stories to village audiences. Traditional accounts describe different patron communities being served with different themes. Performances could continue for several nights, with the balladeer unrolling the scroll panel by panel as the story advanced.
Materials & Process – Natural Preparation
Canvas Preparation
The scrolls are painted on canvas made from khadi cloth. The cloth is traditionally treated with a paste containing materials such as rice starch, tamarind seed paste, tree gum and clay or white mud to create a smooth, prepared surface. Published craft documentation also mentions chalk or white material in the preparation. The mixture is applied in layers, with drying between stages.
Natural Pigments
Artists traditionally prepared colours from natural sources. Published craft documentation describes red from ingilikam or red ochre, black from lamp soot or ash, yellow from arddulam/orpiment or turmeric, white from powdered seashells or lime, blue from indigo and green from plant sources. The predominant background colour is red ochre. Fine brushes were traditionally made using hair, while thicker brushes were used for filling and detailing. Specific colours could also be associated with particular figures in traditional compositions.
Cheriyal Masks – Traditional Craft and Home Decor
Materials and Production
Cheriyal masks are described in published accounts as being made from combinations of materials such as tamarind-seed paste, sawdust, tree gum, white clay and coconut or river-shell material. The prepared material is shaped over a mould, and facial features such as the eyes, nose and lips are formed by hand. After drying and smoothing, the surface may be covered with a thin cotton fabric and rice-starch paste, painted and finished with a protective coating. Exact materials and methods vary by artisan and product.
Subjects and Market
Masks commonly depict mythological and traditional characters such as Rama, Sita, Hanuman, Ganesha, Ardhanarishvara, kings, queens and village women. Published accounts describe demand for character sets such as Rama, Sita and Hanuman. Prices vary according to size, complexity, materials, workmanship and point of sale. Specific prices should be confirmed with the artisan or seller.
The mask craft has also provided work for women artisans in some households, including home-based production. Reliable current figures for artisan numbers and household earnings are difficult to establish and should be confirmed with artisan families or relevant handicraft institutions.
Market, Livelihood and Contemporary Shift
With the decline of travelling bards, Cheriyal artists have adapted their work for contemporary markets. Today scrolls are also produced as decorative pieces and smaller artworks. Published accounts describe a 3×5 foot scroll taking about a month to complete when the whole family is involved, while larger scrolls may take considerably longer. Some Nakashi families have moved to larger cities in search of markets. Contemporary sales channels include craft exhibitions, government handicraft outlets, e-commerce and social media.
Artisan numbers: Estimates vary by source and date. A 2024 Times of India report quoted D. Vaikuntham saying that only a few families continued the tradition, while a 2026 Deccan Chronicle report described the number as very few families, around seven. These should be understood as dated estimates rather than a current census.
Support structures: Government handicraft programmes and exhibitions have supported the visibility and marketing of Cheriyal craft. The Rashtrapati Nilayam in Hyderabad has also featured Cheriyal murals and masks as part of its interior decoration.
Beyond Decoration – Education and Social Change
Cheriyal scrolls have been adapted for contemporary educational and social themes. Published accounts describe organisations commissioning scrolls dealing with subjects such as agricultural practices, pesticide use, financial literacy, loans, digital marketing and microcredit. These adaptations demonstrate how the narrative format can continue to communicate information to audiences while changing the subject matter.
Individual claims about specific organisations, commissions, dimensions or themes should be confirmed separately rather than assumed from the general pattern of contemporary adaptation.
Geographical Indication (GI) Status
GI registration details: Cheriyal Paintings is a registered Geographical Indication under Application No. 190. The current GI Registry records the application as filed on 20 November 2009 and identifies the Cheriyal Nakashi Chitrakala Trust as the applicant. The goods are registered under Class 16, covering paintings of art in the form of scrolls and related framed or unframed artworks.
Registration: The GI Registry records Journal No. 35, an availability date of 4 June 2010, Certificate No. 142 and a certificate date of 6 October 2010. The registration is recorded as valid until 19 November 2029.
What GI protection means: The registration legally identifies Cheriyal Paintings with the registered geographical indication and provides a legal basis for protection against misleading use of the registered name. GI registration does not, by itself, guarantee that every product sold using the name is authentic, traditionally made or produced by a registered artisan.
Preserving Heritage – GI Recognition and Art Tourism
The Geographical Indication registration provides legal protection for the registered geographical indication. Cheriyal painting is also the subject of academic and craft documentation in India and abroad. Artists have adapted to contemporary markets by producing miniatures, jewellery boxes, greeting cards, wooden plates and marriage gifts while retaining traditional motifs. Craft exhibitions and government-supported craft programmes have helped maintain public awareness of the Nakashi tradition.
In October 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised master artist D. Vaikuntham (Dhanalakota Vaikuntam Nakash) in his Mann Ki Baat address while discussing the preservation of the Cheriyal painting tradition. Vaikuntham's family also produced wooden plates decorated with Cheriyal-style paintings for the G20 meetings held in India.
Visitor Information – Experience Cheriyal
Location & Access
Cherial — commonly written Cheriyal — is in Siddipet district, Telangana, approximately 100 km from Hyderabad by road, depending on the route.
By road: Cherial is accessible from Hyderabad and other towns in Telangana by road. Public transport availability and routes can change, so confirm current services before travelling.
By rail: Warangal and Kazipet are practical railheads for onward road travel, with the exact journey depending on the route and available transport.
By air: Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad, is the nearest major commercial airport.
Directions: View Cheriyal on Google Maps
Timings & Best Time to Visit
Best season: October to March is generally more comfortable for travel in Telangana.
Workshop visits: Arrange visits with an artisan family in advance. Many artists work from their homes, so confirm the location and availability before travelling.
Time needed: Allow approximately 2–3 hours if an artisan visit has been arranged and you also want time to view or purchase artwork.
Accommodation: Accommodation options are more extensive in Siddipet and larger nearby cities than in Cherial itself. A day trip may be practical depending on the visitor's starting point.
Suggested Half-Day Itinerary (Art Focus)
Morning: Depart Hyderabad or another nearby city by car or public transport.
Mid-morning: Arrive in Cherial and visit an artisan family or studio by prior arrangement. Observe canvas preparation, painting or mask-making when the artisan is working.
Late morning: Browse and purchase paintings, masks or smaller works directly from the artisans where available.
Lunch: Eat locally or continue to Siddipet for a wider choice of food.
Afternoon: Return to Hyderabad or combine the visit with another nearby heritage attraction.
Note: Whether visitors can observe work in progress depends on the artist, production stage and local arrangements. Ask before entering work areas and before photographing people or unfinished pieces.
Nearby Attractions in the Region
Explore Other GI Products of Telangana
Where to Stay & Eat
Accommodation
Accommodation options in Cherial itself are limited. For overnight stays, Siddipet and larger nearby cities offer a wider choice of hotels and other accommodation. Visitors should check current availability before travelling.
Food & Practical Tips
Food options in Cherial are more limited than in Siddipet, so visitors may prefer to plan meals in advance. Telangana specialities that visitors may encounter in the region include sarva pindi, jonna roti and regional meat preparations.
Carry cash: Payment methods vary between artisan families and small shops. Cash can be useful when purchasing directly from craftspeople.
Shopping & Etiquette
Buying tip: Ask the seller about the artist, canvas preparation, pigments and finishing process used for the particular piece. For custom work, confirm dimensions, subject, completion time, price, delivery arrangements and payment terms before commissioning it.
Care: Keep the painting or mask away from prolonged direct sunlight, excessive humidity and water. Dust gently with a soft, dry cloth. Do not use liquid cleaners or abrasive polishes unless the maker specifically recommends them.
Frequently Asked Questions – Cheriyal Village
Q: What is Cheriyal painting famous for?
A: Narrative scroll paintings depicting mythological stories, village life and traditional subjects, often using a distinctive red background and natural pigments. Cheriyal is also known for traditional masks painted in related styles.
Q: Is the "5,000-year" origin claim accurate?
A: It should not be presented as established history. Reliable sources describe the Cheriyal scroll painting tradition as several hundred years old, while the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat address in October 2024 referred to a 400-year-old tradition. Older Indian narrative-art traditions do not by themselves establish an unbroken 5,000-year Cheriyal lineage.
Q: How long does a traditional scroll take?
A: Published accounts describe a 3×5 ft scroll taking about one month when the whole family works together. Larger pieces can take considerably longer. These are indicative times and depend on the subject, size and complexity.
Q: Are Cheriyal masks eco-friendly?
A: Traditional descriptions include materials such as tamarind seed, sawdust, natural binders, clay and natural pigments. Whether an individual piece is fully biodegradable depends on the exact materials and finishes used, so ask the artisan if this is important.
Q: Can I buy authentic Cheriyal art online?
A: Cheriyal-related products are available through online sellers and handicraft platforms. Listings vary in provenance and documentation. Buying directly from an artisan or recognised craft outlet allows the buyer to ask about the maker and production process.
Q: Does the art form have a GI tag?
A: Yes. Cheriyal Paintings is a registered Geographical Indication under Application No. 190. The GI Registry records the certificate date as 6 October 2010.
Q: Are workshops for visitors available?
A: Some Nakashi families may welcome visitors for demonstrations, but this depends on the artisan and prior arrangement. Contact the artisan family or relevant Telangana handicraft institutions in advance.
Q: How many artist families remain?
A: Estimates vary by source and date. A 2024 Times of India report quoted D. Vaikuntham describing only a few continuing families, while a 2026 Deccan Chronicle report described very few families, around seven. These are dated estimates rather than a current census.
Q: How do I reach Cherial from Hyderabad?
A: Cherial is approximately 100 km from Hyderabad by road, depending on the route. Current road and public-transport conditions should be checked before travelling.
Key Features Summary
Name: Cherial, commonly written Cheriyal
Location: Siddipet district, Telangana; approximately 100 km from Hyderabad by road
Famous for: Cheriyal scroll paintings and traditional masks
Artisan community: Nakashi
Storyteller community: Kaki Padagollu
Documented tradition: Several hundred years; the Prime Minister's Mann Ki Baat address referred to a 400-year-old tradition
GI registration: Cheriyal Paintings, Application No. 190; certificate dated 6 October 2010
GI applicant: Cheriyal Nakashi Chitrakala Trust
GI goods classification: Class 16 — paintings of art in the form of scrolls and related artworks
Traditional scroll length: Commonly reported at 40–60 feet; longer examples are reported up to about 20 metres
Panels per scroll: Up to about 50 panels are reported in traditional scrolls
Canvas material: Khadi cloth treated with rice starch, tamarind seed paste, tree gum and clay or white preparation materials
Background colour: Red ochre
Pigments: Natural sources including ochre, lamp soot or ash, orpiment or turmeric, seashell or lime, indigo and plant sources
Master artist: D. Vaikuntham (Dhanalakota Vaikuntam Nakash), praised by PM Modi in Mann Ki Baat in October 2024
Modern products: Single panels, masks, wooden plates, miniatures, jewellery boxes, greeting cards and marriage gifts
Best season for travel: October–March
Ideal for: Craft enthusiasts, art collectors, cultural travellers and heritage tourists