The primary mission of this site is to develop interest in folk and tribal art, to make people appreciate and to have an insight into the role of such art, the motivation behind their creation and related myths and legends. The role of folk art has been essentially to convey, in a visual form, the great tradition of mythology and epic which lies at the village level.

Art historians have been interested in classical or great tradition of Indian art. Such refined art forms are executed by trained and skilled artisans and they were considered as ambassadors of Indian art. They had the patronage of the elite class. However, the little tradition created by the common village folk in their home was ignored or dismissed as not worth noticing.

The site has been on Indian culture and folk heritage of India with the participation of folk artists. Village art of India is like an ocean. The art created by village craftsmen spread across the villages which helped its survival through ravages of time. Such folk art besides being a visual delight, connects the present to ancient designs, myths, rituals and superstitions. It is rich, expressive, colourful and, with its profound philosophy spells out the purpose of human existence in a simple way. Their ideas are wrapped in mythology which is represented through their paintings. The site’s focus is to provide researchers and artisans a platform to share their learnings in this field.

We welcome the contribution of visitors in enriching this site with their knowledge of local folk art. World over, rural areas are a repository of art and all can help preserve such precious art through this site. Paintings and crafts with associated myths and superstitions, material and technique used and any other information, all are welcome. I hope volunteers from all over world serve as valuable resource centres, as they have knowledge of rural art of their region.

Let all of us, from all over the globe, try and help preserve our prized ancient and traditional art. Once gone, it would be lost forever.

“Dr. Sudha Satyawadi”