Cheriyal Paintings

Cheriyal Paintings are a form of traditional Indian art that is unique and captivating. They are known for their distinct style that uses vibrant colors and tells stories in a format similar to film or comic strips. The paintings are based on themes from famous Indian epics like Ramayana, Mahabharata, Sri Krishna Bhagawatam, Shivapuranam, and Markendeyapuraman, as well as village and festival themes. Cheriyal paintings have been around for over 5000 years and have a rich cultural history. They were originally used by the Kaki Padagollu community as visual aids to tell stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata.

What sets Cheriyal paintings apart is their unique style and traditional methods. These paintings are created on Cotton Khadi cloth using traditional techniques that have been passed down through generations. The cloth is starched to provide a suitable base for painting and can be several meters long. Only scrolls are painted, which are then rolled up like a scroll. This makes scroll painting a prime characteristic of Cheriyal paintings. The scrolls can be up to 60 feet long, depending on the epic being depicted.

Today, Cheriyal paintings have evolved beyond scrolls and are created on various items such as masks, brass paintings, and greeting cards. The paintings are highly sought after for their unique style and rich cultural history. They depict Indian folklore using vibrant colors, costumes, and characters that heavily reflect local lifestyles. Cheriyal paintings are not just a form of art but also a way of preserving Indian culture and tradition.