Cheriyal scroll painting is a distinctive folk art tradition from Telangana, India, taking its name from Cheriyal village in Siddipet district where it began and developed. This colorful storytelling art has deep connections to the region’s narrative customs.
Origins and Development: Dating to the 1600s, this painting style has been exclusively practiced by the Nakashi family of artists across generations. They produced lengthy vertical scrolls that traveling storytellers called “Kaki Padagollu” used while recounting tales from Hindu epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, plus regional myths and folklore. These paintings functioned as visual storytelling tools, with individual frames showing different story moments.
Key Features of Cheriyal Art:
- Bold Colors: The artwork features brilliant primary colors sourced from nature – particularly red, blue, green, and yellow – creating eye-catching visuals. Simple, solid backgrounds help the main figures stand out prominently.
- Story-driven Format: This art is fundamentally about storytelling. Each scroll presents a continuous visual narrative with sequential scenes. Multiple panels on each scroll show specific story episodes.
- Distinctive Character Design: Human figures have a recognizable appearance with round, puppet-like faces, animated eyes, and formal poses. Characters wear traditional clothing that reflects Telangana’s cultural heritage.
- Traditional Materials and Methods: Artists follow specific preparation techniques for canvas and pigments. They use khadi cloth strips treated with tamarind seed paste, white clay, and rice starch. Natural materials create the colors – conch shells for white, lamp soot for black, cinnabar for red. Brushes are crafted from squirrel or goat hair.
- Cultural Value: Beyond artistic merit, Cheriyal art documents regional culture and history. The scrolls show religious narratives alongside everyday life, celebrations, and social practices from earlier times.
Contemporary Developments: Today’s Cheriyal art has evolved to meet modern preferences while maintaining its essential character. Artists now create individual panels and smaller pieces suitable for home decoration, alongside traditional long scrolls. They also produce masks, sculptures, and decorative objects, helping the art form remain relevant and accessible.
Preservation Efforts: This traditional art, like many others, has struggled with declining interest due to globalization and lifestyle changes. Fewer artists continued the practice as demand dropped. However, government programs, nonprofit support, and the Nakashi artists’ dedication have sparked renewed interest. The 2007 Geographical Indication status has provided important protection and promotional benefits.
Cheriyal art represents a vibrant living tradition whose brilliant colors, narrative approach, and cultural significance make it an invaluable part of Telangana’s artistic legacy. Through the persistence of Nakashi artists and ongoing preservation work, this captivating storytelling tradition remains alive for future generations.