About Nirmal Paintings:
Nirmal is a small yet culturally rich town in Nirmal (erstwhile Adilabad District) district of Telangana. This town is renowned for its traditional nirmal paintings and nirmal toys. These paintings and toys have received a gi tag from the government of india. The artisans who create these masterpieces are known as the ‘Naqash’ community. The word “Naqqashi” was born from telugu language word “Nagishi” meaning ornamental, variegated sculpture art.
Historical Background:
The origin of Nirmal art and craft can be traced back to fourteenth century during the reign of Kakatiya dynasty (the same dynasty that gifted the world the legendary Kohinoor diamond!). These paintings were influenced by the Indian Schools of Art like Kangra (a small region in present Himchal Pradesh), Ajanta as well as Mughal miniatures. It is believed that Naqqashi families and Jhingar artists were brought to Nirmal town from Rajasthan during 17th Century by Nimma Naidu, a local khiladar and leader.
Creation of Nirmal Paintings:
These paintings were created with the use of natural pigment paints and dye extracts on the surface of walls and wood. The designs often depict characters from Hindu mythology, religious epics, and folk tales. Popular designs include scenes from Hindu epics, depictions of flora and fauna, and intricate Mughal-inspired patterns.
The Journey of Nirmal Paintings:
The journey of paintings begins with selecting a wooden base, usually the Thella Poliki or Ponika tree wood. Thella Ponika tree is Known for its soft, pliable, and lightweight wood. This tree provides the perfect base for Nirmal paintings and Nirmal Toys. The wood is smooth yet strong, making it ideal for crafting toys and intricate artworks. Using chalk and tracing paper, artisans sketch traditional motifs onto the prepared wooden surface. While the art remains traditional, Nirmal paintings have evolved to fit modern styles. Today, they are used to decorate walls, furniture, and home décor. Today, they are used to adorn walls, furniture, and even home décor items and are carved from local softwood and use duco paints. Their versatility and timeless beauty make them a favorite among art collectors and interior designers.
Explore Nirmal Paintings:
If you ever visit Telangana, don’t miss the chance to see these beautiful Nirmal paintings at the Nirmal Town and explore these masterpieces and handicraft emporiums. You can also find these paintings online, so art lovers everywhere can easily bring a piece of Telangana’s history into their homes!
References-
https://www.wionews.com/india-news/once-upon-a-toy-town-24296
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nirmal_toys_and_craft
Challa Lakshmi and Manisha Gahlot. 2020. The Quintessential Naqqashi Nirmal Painting Art of Telangana: Source of Inspiration for Innovative Textile Design Ideas.Int.J.Curr.Microbiol.App.Sci. 9(8): 803-814. doi: https://doi.org/10.20546/ijcmas.2020.908.086
