The best of India!

A COLLECTION of art forms by Indian tribes and ethnic groups etching the nation’s diverse culture, rituals and colours, is on a display at the country’s mission complex in Seef.

Inaugurated by Indian Ambassador Piyush Srivastava on the occasion of Indian Republic Day last month, the ‘Tribes India Atmanirbhar Bharat Corner’ features a range of tasty Darjeeling tea, luxurious Pashmina shawls, 5,000-year-old beautiful baandhini fabrics, paintings on metal, wood and pots depicting rituals, intricate mosaic art on marble, spectacular jewellery and collectibles.

“The corner not only showcases beautiful artefacts and products from various states of India, it also aims to promote local and ethnic culture, knowledge and traditional skills of tribal communities to make them market sustainable,” the ambassador told GulfWeekly. “The ‘local goes global’ initiative is aimed at empowering women and promoting tribal community entrepreneurship skills. I am confident people will enjoy these artefacts and products.”

The exhibition is part of ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’, the Indian government’s celebration commemorating 75 years of independence.

“The embassy is also exploring the possibility of displaying these products at other venues and establishing business connections to ensure their commercial success in Bahrain,” added the envoy.

The prized symbol of wealth in India, the Bidri art with Geographical Indications (GI) registry from the South Indian state of Karnataka, is one of the attractions. The products - result of a complex metal design process - are a major export item from India’s handicraft market.

Taarkashi, a technique inspired by Mughal arts of inlaying fine flattened wire of brass, copper or silver in wood, is another skilled craft on display.

The beauty of the rare, rustic art of metalwork on unique ethnic motifs – the Dhokra craft, which has a history of more than 4,000 years, as well as the Kundan work and mosaic art cannot be overlooked.

Meenakari, a marvel of traditional craft from the desert state of Rajasthan with its origins in Persia, is also a huge draw. It features skilled applique of delicate designs of flowers, birds, and fish engraved on metals.

Indian Embassy second secretary Ravi Jain added that the expo, which runs until the end of the month, will be open to interested public, who can contact the mission.

“These are art forms that represent India’s rich ethnic diversity. They give an insight into the nation’s tribal wealth and talent,” said the diplomat.

“Whoever is interested to come and see the corner can contact us, and we can also help local population to network with these artisans, if they wish to.

“The exhibition is a government initiative and some other Indian embassies in the region are also doing it.”

The expo includes Kantha embroidery craft from West Bengal, Tripura and Odisha besides Toda embroidery, also locally known as ‘pukhoor’ – an art work by the pastoral people of the Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu.

Pithora paintings – the folk art of Gujarat depicting a gratitude ritual to Gods on the walls; Saura tribal famed wall mural paintings from Odisha, Warli painting from Maharashtra, and Gond Art rooted in folk tales and culture from Madhya Pradesh are other attractions.

Most of the paints used are organic, derived naturally from objects such as charcoal, coloured soil, plant sap, mud, flowers, leaves and even cow dung.

For those interested in India’s unique pottery tradition, is the Longpi pottery or Stone pottery, the traditional craft from Manipur. The products are 100 per cent eco-friendly, biodegradable, non-toxic and chemical free.

Visitors can choose from a range of bead jewellery and Mala chakli fashionable tribal jewellery.

Last but not least, US Food and Drug Administration-approved Giloy Tablet, a popular herbal remedy which is in huge demand as an immunity booster during the pandemic, is also part of the items on showcase.