“We want to stick to our tribal painting style and the depiction of our culture and nature through it” – Central region

Today, Gonds are fast catching up with city life, and modern-day amenities, but most of their rituals remain the same. As Japani said, “Thoughts have changed and so also the lifestyle. Houses are fast changing into concrete ones. However, the tradition of painting on the walls is still there.” The young artist further made a … Read more

Rock shelters of Bhimbetka: Aboriginal folklore and popular culture of the Adivasis – Madhya Pradesh

[…] Fresh from the book launch of Ijlal Majeed’s stunning new poetry collection in Bhopal, I find myself gazing at the rock shelters of Bhimbetka and murmuring these verses over and over again. For indeed there is something subliminal about this place; it makes you question accepted notions of time and timelessness. Looking at the … Read more

Vayali’s earth songs & digital community archive at the 4th International FOSS Conference – Kerala

What is that brings a music band advocating folk music to a seminar on open software? Vayali Folklore Group, the music band, comes into the picture as Vinod Nambiar, its executive director, is leading a session on ‘Documenting culture on FOSS’ at the ongoing 4th International FOSS Conference, Kerala, on December 29. “We are documenting … Read more

Adivasi art “A Disappearing World” – Gandhi Foundation (London)

The exhibition, “A Disappearing World: Ancient Traditions Under Threat in Tribal India” [held at the Brunei Gallery at SOAS from April 13 to June 25, 2011]. Seminars are also being held to discuss the suffering of the tribals. The photographs have been taken by an American, Robert Wallis, who said: “The adivasi artists are using … Read more

Video | Disaibon Hul – An Adivaani book on the 1855 Santal ‘Hul’ Rebellion – Jharkhand

The Hul was a valiant effort of the Santal people to free themselves from the oppressive powers of the landlords, moneylenders and the British crown. More than 150 years after the epic struggle of our warriors led by Sido and Kanhu Murmu, we want to honour their sacrifice by retelling the story of their gallantry … Read more