Bangdwari: the living tradition of Kangra

Abstract

In communities that maintain a traditional way of life, usually rural, folk art related to beliefs and customs is widespread. Among the various forms of folk art, or naive art as it is also called, there are also monumental paintings and paintings of dwellings. The development of this type of art reached a high level in some places and even formed characteristic stylistic trends. In the article, for the first time in the Russian-language literature on art history, the Bangdwari style developed in India is presented. Bangdwari is a traditional painting that is prevalent among rural communities in the district Kangra, Himachal Pradesh. It is an integral part of daily and festive rituals. The paintings are typically created by women who have no specialized artistic training but continue the traditions of folk artisans. This article describes the technological process of creating murals and showcases the high artistic taste of folk masters.

Floral ornamental ribbons are often used in paintings to highlight important structural elements of buildings, such as window and door openings. Inside dwellings, large floral compositions are used to decorate the most significant walls. The compositions have a clearly defined centre and vertical aspiration, which embodies established traditions. Additionally, they allow us to notice their connection with the most ancient plant ornamental motifs, which symbolised the image of the world tree in many cultures. The animalistic pictorial genre is clearly distinguished in Kangra painting. It features detailed 'portraits' of living creatures, including birds, animals, and fish, showcasing their habits and movements. The masters aim for high artistic expressiveness and strive to find an organic connection between the animals and the space they inhabit. The greatest value is represented by plot compositions made with great skill. They represent various events from everyday life, as well as from folklore and epic heritage. The article substantiates the connection of these compositions with the Kangra school of Indian miniature painting. The article documents the technological, artistic, and attitudinal features that define the living tradition of the stylistic direction in Bangdwari folk art.