Telangana360

Dokra (also spelled Dhokra) metal craft is one of the most fascinating tribal art forms of India, and it holds a special place in the cultural fabric of Telangana. This ancient art, renowned for its rustic beauty and timeless charm, is especially practiced in the tribal regions of Adilabad district. The craft derives its name from the Dhokra Damar tribes, traditional metal-smiths who create exquisite artifacts using the unique lost wax casting technique — a method that has remained unchanged for centuries. GI Tag (Geographical Indication) The Adilabad Dokra craft has received official international recognition by being awarded the Geographical Indication (GI) tag. GI Tag Status : Awarded Year of Award : 2018 (specifically, the GI tag was accorded on March 28, 2018). Significance: The GI tag certifies that the product originates from the Adilabad region of Telangana and possesses a quality, reputation, or characteristic unique to that geographical area. This legal protection prevents ...

Pembarthi: The Village Where Brass Sings the Song of Kakatiyas Nestled within the Jangaon district of Telangana, the village of Pembarthi—often spelled Permbarti—is a humble locale with a towering reputation. It is a place where tradition is not merely preserved but actively forged, quite literally, in gleaming brass. World-famous for its intricate and exquisite brassware craftsmanship, Pembarthi is a testament to the enduring power of hereditary skill. The air here vibrates with the rhythmic clink and tap of mallets, as artisans transform dull brass sheets into fascinating and wonderful objects of art and utility, ranging from idols and figurines to utilitarian utensils and decorative pieces. In 2023, the village was celebrated for its sustainable development and tourism appeal, earning the Best Tourism Village award in the Silver Category. History and Heritage The craftsmanship of Pembarthi is a direct link to the glorious past of the region, specifically the Kakatiya dynasty. The fo...

Nirmal Painted Furniture is a celebrated, unique form of handmade wooden furniture originating from Nirmal town in the Adilabad district of Telangana, India. It is recognized for its fine quality, exceptional durability, and outstanding look, combining traditional woodcraft with beautiful painting artistry. The craft's importance and heritage were officially recognized when it received Geographical Indication (GI) rights in 2009. Definition and Recognition Location and Product : Nirmal Furniture is handmade wooden furniture created in Nirmal, Adilabad, Telangana, India. Official Recognition : It received Geographical Indication (GI) rights in 2009, establishing it as a distinct brand. Artistic Identity: It is a unique art form from Nirmal town, known for its outstanding local arts and crafts tradition. Historical Roots and Artistic Influences Origin: The roots of Nirmal art and craft are traced back to the Kakatiya era. Influences: The works were shaped by major Indian Schools o...

Nirmal toys are world-famous traditional wooden toys originating from the historic town of Nirmal in Telangana, India. This 400-year-old craft, known as Naqashi Art, is a rich tradition encompassing finely carved soft wood toys, attractive paintings, and furniture. The art form is deeply rooted in the region's history, tracing its origins back to the Kakatiya era and flourishing under the patronage of the 17th-century ruler Nimma Naidu. The craft is kept alive by a cluster of approximately 60 families and holds a position of pride in Indian handicrafts, recognized internationally, and protected by its Geographic Indication (GI) status awarded in 2009. Historical Origin and Patronage Nomenclature: The town and the craft derive their name from the 17th-century ruler, Nimma Naidu, who had a great interest in art. Founding: Nimma Naidu established the industry by collecting around 80 artists. Ancient Roots: The craft is an age-old tradition dating back to the Kakatiya era with a record...

Cheriyal Scroll Painting is a highly stylized version of Nakashi art, characterized by local motifs peculiar to the Telangana region. The art form gets its name from the village of Cheriyal in the Siddipet district, an hour's drive from Hyderabad, which serves as its last outpost. Historical and Sociological Significance  The tradition originated several hundred years ago and was traditionally practiced by the Nakashi artists. The scrolls were used by the Kaki Podagollu, a traveling community of storytellers and balladeers. This team of performers (usually five people) would travel through Telangana, using the painted scrolls as a visual aid (akin to a comic strip or a film roll) to narrate stories, ballads, and epics to illiterate villagers. This made the Cheriyal scrolls once sociologically and culturally significant as a tool for mass education and entertainment. Traditional Format and Technique Material: Canvas scrolls made from Khadi cloth. Dimensions: A traditional scroll was...

The Karimnagar Silver Filigree is a celebrated ancient art form from Karimnagar, India, renowned for its exquisite silver artifacts and ornaments crafted from fine, twisted silver wire. This delicate technique, known locally in Telugu as vendi teega pani (work done with silver wire), has a rich history spanning at least two centuries and received official recognition with a Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007. Initially gaining popularity and patronage during the Nizam era, the craft is currently undergoing a revitalization, notably through the involvement of women artisans, which is helping to make these traditionally elite items more accessible to the common market. History and Evolution of the Craft The silver filigree tradition in the region is said to have been adopted about 200 years ago in the town of Elgandal, near present-day Karimnagar in Telangana. It later migrated to Karimnagar town in the early 20th century. Historical accounts credit a widely traveled professiona...

The Narayanpet saree is a celebrated Indian textile, woven from either cotton or silk. It exemplifies the beautiful merger of cultures within the Indian Subcontinent, particularly notable for its unique design and rich history. These sarees have enjoyed significant acclaim, including royal Maratha patronage, and were historically regarded as the garment of the Gods, used to drape idols and worn by the aristocracy. Today, they are known for being an easily affordable silk garment, increasing their popularity globally and benefiting the weaving community in Narayanpet. Historical Origins and Royal Patronage The history of the Narayanpet saree is strongly linked to the Maratha kingdom and Chatrapati Shivaji. Maratha Connection: One popular account suggests that in 1630 AD, during Shivaji Maharaj's campaign in the Deccan, he was impressed by the brightly colored saris of the local women, leading to the saree gaining Royal Maratha Patronage. Weavers' Migration: Another version, sup...

Gollabhama sarees, hailing from Siddipet in Telangana, are a globally recognized textile art form, distinguished by their unique woven motifs and protected by a Geographical Indication (GI) tag. These sarees derive their name from the intricate "Gollabhama" (milkmaid) motifs inspired by the lore of Lord Krishna and the Golla community. Despite their international fame and cultural significance, the weavers behind these masterpieces face significant challenges, with sales remaining discouraging and their numbers dwindling dramatically. This document delves into the art, process, and current state of the Siddipet Gollabhama handloom tradition, exploring its rich heritage and the urgent need for its preservation. The Art and Motifs of Gollabhama Sarees This section covers the defining visual and thematic characteristics of the sarees. The Iconic Motif: The sarees are named after the "Gollabhama" or milkmaid motif, which depicts the bewitching silhouette of women from ...

The Gadwal Saree is a handcrafted woven sari originating from Gadwal in the Jogulamba Gadwal district of Telangana, India. Renowned for its unique structure and artistry, it is a significant part of India's textile heritage. A true Gadwal saree is characterized by its lightweight cotton body intricately woven with a heavy silk pallu (the decorative end piece) and borders, often featuring elaborate Zari work (metallic thread). This distinctive "interlocking weft" technique results in a saree so finely woven that it can be packed into a matchbox. In 2010, its uniqueness and cultural importance were formally recognized when it was registered as a Geographical Indication (GI) under the Geographical Indications of Goods Act, 1999. Section 1: Materials and Production Process Materials: Gadwal sarees are traditionally woven using a combination of cotton for the body and silk (typically tussar or mulberry) for the border and pallu. This blend gives rise to the name "Sico...

The Pochampally Ikkat: A Woven Legacy of Telangana Nestled in the heart of Telangana, the Bhoodan Pochampally region, a cluster of about 80-100 villages in the Yadadri Bhuvanagiri district, is renowned globally as the "Silk City." This is the home of the illustrious Pochampally saree, a symbol of India's rich textile heritage. More than just a garment, each Pochampally saree is a masterpiece of geometry and color, born from a unique and painstaking dyeing and weaving technique known as Ikat. Recognized for its exceptional artistry, it holds the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) status, awarded in 2005, protecting its identity and linking it inextricably to its place of origin. The Uniqueness of Ikat: The Art of Pre-Dyed Weaving What sets Pochampally apart is its specific use of the double Ikat technique. The term 'Ikat' comes from the Malay-Indonesian word 'mengikat,' meaning 'to tie.' This is the essence of the process. The Process: Instead...

Cheriyal (or Cherial) is a town and a municipality in Siddipet district in the state of Telangana in India  an hour’s drive from Hyderabad and about 85 kms from Warangal city is known for its unique scroll paintings and masks created by artists called Nakashis. This art form is unique to the state of Telangana.  The name that the art form is known by today, i.e., Cheriyal, is derived from the town it is currently practised in.The practice of the art form is much more limited than it was previously. Initially, these paintings were known as nakash or naqash, which translates to a drawing or a sketch. Art and tourism often go hand in hand, with art being a popular tourist attraction. The people involved in the creation of these traditional nakash or Cheriyal paintings, are a community known as the Nakashis. Other than this community, there is another important group of individuals associated with this tradition. It is important to note that the actual purpose of these scroll...

The Dandari-Ghusadi or Gussadi festival of Telangana is celebrated by the tribal communities of the Raj Gond and Kolam tribes. The Dandari-Ghusadi season is all about a robust dance festival that is celebrated for about 10 days during Deepavli.  The festival ends on Diwali day with the Ghusadi tado taking off their attire ritualistically. The celebrations usually begin with the tribals visiting the Padmalpuri Khako shrine at Gudirevu village of Dandepalli mandal in Mancherial district, on the banks of the Godavari river. On the occasion, the Adivasis present offerings to the river. They also end the festival at the Padmalpuri Khako as the shrine is of great importance for the people belonging to ethnic groups It starts on the day we see a crescent moon and end on the dark moon day. We start the festival by performing the Sakshe Akadi and end it on the Devadi day. Once the Sakshe Akadi is performed, the tribals would attain the festive spirits and the entire week would witness the f...

Kinnera is a two-stringed instrument made using indigenous materials like bamboo, dried outer shell of round bottle gourd, honeycomb, bull horn, beads, mirrors and peacock feathers. Scholar and poet Jayadhir Thirumala Rao says that the origins of the kinnera can be traced back to “around the 4th century AD, in and around the Deccan plateau”. “The Chenchu tribe [also known as Chenchus or Chenchulu], who were part of the Nallamalla forest, used to play the instrument while singing and narrating ballads or stories of heroes,” said Rao. “The Dakkali tribe of Mahbubnagar district in Telangana [in the area near the Nallamalla forest] was performing it at least from the 12th century. The Dakkalis are a sub-caste of the Madiga caste, once considered outcastes.” The kinnera has several variations – it comes with seven, nine, 12 or 13 frets. The larger-sized ones have three resonators, while the smaller ones have only two. Much like the Saraswati veena, the instrument is made with organic mater...

Runza  or Runjha or Raunza or Runja is a percussion musical instrument and a rare folk art from Telangana and it belongs to the Vishwakarma community, who take it as a sacred commitment.  Avajamu, Dangaramu, Veeranamu are different synonyms for Ruza. A percussion instrument is a musical instrument that is sounded by being struck or scraped by a beater including attached or enclosed beaters or rattles struck, scraped or rubbed by hand or struck against another similar instrument. Runja is a two-faced drum of the medieval times. It had a uniformly cylindrical body, 13½ inches long. Each face had a diameter of 8 inches, fitted with rings over the edge. Brass ia also used in the making of Runza. Its height is about 3 or 3 1/2 feet. The upper part is covered with goats skin, eleven holes are made above and below and eleven chord are tightly tied all over so as to make a sling (utter in Telugu). The Runzas bend the instrument slantwise, press it firmly with knee and by pulling ...

Rock art is a form of landscape art that includes designs that have been placed on boulder and cliff faces, cave walls and ceilings, and on the ground surface. Petroglyphs are rock carvings (rock paintings are called pictographs) made by pecking directly on the rock surface using a stone chisel and a hammerstone.  Of all the questions with regard to rock art the most problematic is its dating. For the relative dating of rock art the following aspects are taken into consideration.  They are: 1. Thematic content 2. Superimposition 3. State of preservation 4. Colour scheme 5. Archaeological evidence. 1. Thematic content The thematic content in the rock art of Telangana mainly consists of animal figures such as deer species, humped bull (Bos indicus), hare, rabbit , mangoose, porcupine, dog, tiger etc., and birds such as peacock, human and anthropomorphic figures, hand prints and geometric figures. The thematic content of the paintings and also the petroglyphs, is useful for under...