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If you are familiar with the traditional ensemble of Indian women, you might be aware of the dot that Tikuli women put in the middle of their foreheads as accessories. More than 800 years ago, this simple women’s accessory took an art form, which is presently known as Tikuli art.
Originating in Bihar, bindi art is an ancient and vibrant art form that includes regular dots or bindi to elaborate and more colourful forms of bindi or Tikuli. Similar to other regional art forms, Tikuli Art takes its inspiration from local, and regional stories, traditions, creativity, and cultural heritage. This influence is so prominent in Tikuli painting that it’s also known as Bihar culture drawing.
Amazing, right? If you are intrigued to know more about the traditional bindi art of Bihar, stay tuned! The blog unrolls everything about Tikuli art, from its origin to popular motifs used in this bindi painting. So let’s dive deep in:
Origins and Historical Background of Tikuli Art
Tikuli Art traces its roots back to ancient Bihar, where aristocratic women and queens used to be the only people allowed to put on Tikuli as an accessory. As days passed by, it almost became extinct. But such a mesmerising art form is sure to revive at some point, right? It’s also true for Tikuli painting. In 1950, Upendra Maharathi rekindled the love in art lovers’ hearts for Tikuli art. This exotic Bihar art exudes such grace and elegance that it has started to adorn the homes of riches in the form of wall hangings, table mats, plates, trays, coasters, and more.
With Tikuli art being a vital part of interior decor, it is now also pretty popular as women’s accessories such as earrings.
Historically, Tikuli Art was and still is women-centric. The motifs, designs, and stories revolve around the lives of women or women at least cover a fair share of characters in the paintings. Tikuli art is still alive in the hands of local women from rural Bihar. More than 60% of Tikuli artists are women and they are thriving.
With iTokri, this regional art form of Bihar has now reached the international market and is spreading joy among art lovers all around the world.
Process & Material Used in Bindi Art
While the inspiration for bindi art came from a simple bindi or Tikuli, the extensive form of Tikuli art started with giving shapes to molten glass in various forms and covering them with golden foil. However, it was not sustainable in the long run as the end product became too expensive. The solution came in the form of replacing the glass surface with wooden boards and enamel paint was a perfect replacement for gold foil. It made the bindi art images affordable for art enthusiasts.
Crafted with attention to detail, bindi painting is an extensive process that involves days of hard work, layers of paint application, rubbing the surface with sandpaper after each layer of paint application, and finally painting the most intricate details with the thinnest brush.
As Tikuli paintings revolve around festivals, customs, villages, mythologies and similar stories or topics, the complex details are pretty time-consuming to come alive. But Tikuli art is still thriving, thanks to the artisans who respect, love and adore this intricate art form.
Artisans Known For Their Contribution To Bihar Tikuli Painting
Behind the mesmerising Tikuli Art are skilled artisans who have inherited and honed their craft with time and immense practice. While a community of nearly 10,000 artists are currently associated with Tikuli painting, this Bihar art form came under the limelight under the influential impact of artists like Ashok Kumar Biswas, Upendra Maharathi, and more than 7,000 women artists.
The renowned Tikuli artists of Bihar have dedicated their lives to preserving this traditional art form at its finest. Their commitment to the art is not merely a means of livelihood but a strong, unbreakable connection to their roots, ensuring that the legacy of Tikuli Art thrives for generations to come.
Motifs of Bihar Tikuli Art
As the bindi art images are based on day to day lives of residents or villagers in Bihar, the motifs are also a reflection of Bihar's cultural diversity and heritage. So the paintings feature geometric patterns, Ganesha, peacocks, birds, weddings of men and women, Holi, Lotus, vines, floral designs, and various other stunning motifs. The one common feature of every Tikuli painting is each one tells a unique story. The Tikuli bring alive the lives of villagers in Bihar.
Along with regular men and women, some Tikuli Art pieces also feature images of mythological tales and folklore. The fusion of rich colours and shapes creates an aesthetic delight that also becomes a journey through the cultural landscape of Bihar.
Influence of Tikuli Art on Local Culture & Society
Tikuli Art came into existence with the local artisans of Bihar. Its extinction, revival, and thriving in the current time is a true masterpiece that helps us understand how art can revive after years or decades and can be a reliable source of income for thousands of artists.
As bindi painting is inspired by a women’s accessory, the bindi art is also heavily women-centric. With the growing popularity of Bihar cultural drawing, a growing number of women are relying on this art form for their livelihood.
As charming as Bihar art’s aesthetic appeal is; it also plays a vital role in shaping the cultural identity of Bihar. Beyond being a form of decoration, these artworks often secure a place in religious ceremonies, festivals, and other significant cultural events.
The art form serves as a bridge between the past and the present, connecting generations through the stories and traditions of Bihar and India. Tikuli Art has become a symbol of pride for the people of Bihar. Its heavy influence has been prominent since the Mughal era and it's continuing to this day. Even the previous Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi presented Tikuli art as official mementos to thousands of Asiad games participants.
While we are already aware of Tikuli Art and the in-depth details associated with it, there are very few reliable resources to welcome this art in your home or your wardrobe. For this, you can rely on iTokri. It is a virtual store that stocks handmade Tikuli art pieces sourced from local artisans of Bihar. The intricate designs, vibrant colours, and captivating motifs of Tikuli Art Hand Painted Wooden Necklace Set, Tikuli Art Hand Painted Wooden Earrings, or Tikuli Art Hand Painted Wooden Wall Hanging tell stories that bring joy to the soul. As we leer at the beauty of Tikuli Art, let us not only appreciate the craftsmanship but also recognise the cultural significance it holds for the people of Bihar.
Explore the Craft of India and discover the myriad stories waiting to be unveiled. Support artisans, preserve traditions, and immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of Tikuli Art. Let the bindis on canvas be not just a work of art but a window into the soul of Bihar's cultural legacy.
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