Ancient Legacies: Exploring the Mysticism of Man and Nature Through Gond Art

TL;DR
Originating from the Gond tribe of central India, Gond artwork is deeply rooted in nature, storytelling, and mythology. Wall murals with geometric patterns, mystical animals and natural pigments formed the earliest expression of this art form. Gond spiritual beliefs are reflected in this art form via sacred trees like Saja, Peepul, Pakri, and Tamarind. Artists like Jangarh Singh Shyam and Dhavat Singh are using canvas and new materials to modernise Gond art. Contemporary expressions of Gond art combine tradition and innovation, making these paintings highly sought-after in the modern art world.

The word “Gond” is derived from “Kond” which is a Dravidian expression meaning “green mountain”. 

Gond paintings are a popular Indian tribal art style of the Gond community in central India. As one of the largest indigenous groups in India, the Gond tribe is based largely in Madhya Pradesh but can also be found in smaller numbers in Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh and Odisha. 

Who Are the Gonds?

Going back some 2000 years, the history of the Gond people is intricately woven with art and nature. Back in the early days, the Pardhan Gond people would sing devotional songs to divine beings in nature, alongside music with a special string instrument called Bana. 

Traditionally, the Gonds were also storytellers in villages, who would teach about mythology and culture to younger community members. In its earliest application, Gond art first began as a wall mural, depicting scenes from their daily life, sometimes with a touch of humour and magical realism. 

History of Gond Art

Historians consider Gond art to be as old as the Gond community. Mystical motifs, folklore, delicate designs and bright colours are characteristic to Gond artwork. The earliest styles of this traditional Indian art included geometric designs or Digna and wall paintings or Bhittichitra and were an important part of rituals and celebrations of this indigenous group.  

The tribe is closely associated with nature and the art also highlights the connection between man and nature. Apart from divine themes, animals and plants are common elements of Gond art painting. Animals commonly featured include chameleons, butterflies, elephants, cows, fish, lions, peacocks and birds – these are usually drawn with intricate details exploring a variety of patterns and styles. 

Painted in bright colours such as orange, yellow, blue and red, traditional gond art style uses dots, dashes and lines to bring the design to life. Pigments are all-natural, and are created using flowers, leaves, minerals, stones and even some insects. 

Over time, Gond artists have created their own tools and materials while exploring modern mediums and materials. Jangarh Singh Shyam was the first Gond artist to use paper and canvas to create Gond art. As a popular artist from the Gond community, his work was exhibited all over the country. 

Stories and Symbolism in Gond Art

For the Gond community, a good image is good luck and Gond paintings can be considered as tribal talismans to ward off evil, bring in good luck and decorate homes with colours and stories of ancestors.  

Trees are central to traditional Gond art, just as they are important to the community and the animals around them.  For the Gond community, their art is a direct reflection of their beliefs and way of life. 

Common themes in Gond style paintings include: 

• Saja Tree: Bada Dev (Big God) is the main deity of the Gonds who prays to this tree and is also revered by the Gond community.
• Peepul Tree: According to Gond lore, Devtas (gods) live in peepul trees, making them culturally and spiritually important to the Gond tribe. 
• Pakri Tree: An ancient medicinal source, the Gond community prepares saag using freshly bloomed leaves to ward off many diseases.
  
• Tamarind Tree: The community predominantly sells tamarind fruit to earn their livelihood, and also prepare a variety of dishes and chutneys using the fruit.   

A Rich Legacy Through Time

Although centuries old, Gond art paintings have stood the test of time and the art form has moved from mud walls in houses to canvas and paper. Dhavat Singh, a popular Indian Gond artist was exposed to Gond art when he married the daughter of the famous Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam. 

Trained under his father-in-law, Singh’s paintings are a gorgeous mix of traditional techniques, beliefs and imagery with modern materials and visual culture. His experimental art style commonly explores new ideas, mediums, scale of the design, colour palette and form. 

Some Gond artists also explore popular Hindu themes such as Gods and Goddess (Ganesha, in particular), tree of life and jungle scenes. Created with rich detail and intricate patterns, these paintings are popular in the international market as a modern Indian art expression of a traditional, indigenous art style that stood the test of time.

Want to add traditional Indian art to your collection? Check our Gond art online. 

Artist bio

About Dhavat Singh:
An engineer by education, Dhavat Singh’s marriage to the daughter of renowned Gond artist Jangarh Singh Shyam introduced him to the vibrant world of Gond art. 

Dhavat Singh has trained under his father-in-law and brings folk tales of the community alive on canvas, extending the realm of expression for traditional Gond art. Singh’s art style mixes the traditional with the modern materials and visual styles. His artwork also explores experiments with newer ideas, scale, colours and form. Singh considers himself a contemporary artist using traditional skills.