Tribal Paintings 

State 

Key Features 

Technique/Style 

Themes 

Warli Painting (Received GI tag in 2014) 

Maharashtra (Sahyadri Range) 

One of the oldest tribal art forms, known for simple geometric figures (circle, triangle, square) representing sun/moon, mountains, and humans. 

Painted on red ochre mud walls using white rice-flour paste mixed with water. 

Depicts social life such as hunting, fishing, farming, and the Tarpa dance, rather than mythological themes. 

Gond Paintings  (Received GI tag in 2023) 

Madhya Pradesh 

Known for intricate dots and lines that create movement and detailed patterns. 

Traditionally used charcoal, colored soil, and plant sap; modern versions use vibrant colors. 

Focuses on nature, including the Tree of Life, animals, plants, and spirits from Gond mythology. 

Pithora Paintings (Received GI tag in 2021) 

Gujarat & Madhya Pradesh 

A ritualistic painting tradition practiced by Rathwa and Bhil tribes; horses are mandatory, especially the horse of Baba Pithora. 

Traditionally painted by men called Lakhara, often accompanied by songs and chants during the ritual. 

More of a ritual than an art form. Created to thank deities or fulfill wishes. 

Saura Paintings (Received GI tag in 2024) 

Odisha 

Geometric human figures similar to Warli but more elongated, usually with decorative borders. 

Saura wall paintings are called italons or ikons. Practised by the Saura tribe. 

Dedicated to Idital (main deity); depicts village life, sun, moon, animals, and rituals. 

Sohrai Paintings (Received GI tag in 2020) 

Jharkhand 

Colorful mural art practiced mainly by tribal women. 

Uses natural earth colors painted on walls. 

Celebrates harvest, cattle, and agricultural prosperity, featuring animal motifs. 

Khobar Paintings (Received GI tag in 2020) 

Jharkhand 

Matrimonial mural art used to decorate the bridal chamber. 

Uses a comb-cut technique where layers of colored earth are applied and scraped to reveal patterns. 

Associated with marriage rituals and fertility symbolism. 

Bhil Art 

Madhya Pradesh & Rajasthan 

Recognized by large, uneven dots, with each artist having a unique dot pattern. 

Created using bright colors and dotted patterns to form images. 

Depicts tribal myths, legends, and storytelling landscapes (Galo). 

Mandana Paintings 

Rajasthan & Madhya Pradesh 

Ritualistic folk art practiced by the Meena community, especially during festivals and religious occasions. 

Women prepare a base of red clay and cow dung on walls or floors and paint symmetrical designs with white lime (Kharia) using date-twig or cotton brushes. 

Features geometric patterns, peacocks, nature motifs, and the footprints of Goddess Lakshmi (Paglya), symbolizing prosperity and welcoming deities.