Our motherland India, is incredibly beautiful – from the snow-capped mountains in the north to the lush green ones in the South, to the many lakes that adorn various parts of the country to the lovely forests and meandering rivers. There is a rich history too, India’s culture comes from an amalgam of some of the world’s oldest civilizations. This unique land of vibrant, colorful costumes, breathtaking landscapes, and rich history has a remarkable amount of diversity too. We are talking about as many as 19,500 known languages and dialects spoken across the country! Almost all major religions across the world are practiced in India. There is immense diversity in food, outfits, rituals, and festivals celebrated as well. Our values are the same and we all live together in this beautiful country of ours, truly practicing – Unity in Diversity!
I decided to work on a series of acrylic paintings to provide a glimpse into this beautiful, colorful diversity and the rich culture of India. I chose to do this via paintings of the women of India in their native outfits as they go about their daily lives. In all of these, you will notice a common thread of grace and beauty.
Out of the 29 Indian states, I selected these three to start with: Rajasthan, Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu. This trio of paintings showcases India’s colorful and beautiful culture and rich heritage.
Kashmir
Starting from the very north of the map (the Taj – the crown of India), I painted a scene from Kashmir also known as paradise on earth. This beautiful valley is surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks and adorned with glistening lakes. Many, many beautiful temples and spectacular Mughal-era gardens only enhance the natural beauty even further. No surprise that Kashmir has inspired many poets and artists through the centuries.
I have never been to Kashmir in my life but have seen so much of its beauty in Bollywood movies, especially that made me fall in love with the beautiful mountain ranges and the many shades of blue of Dull Lake. The colorful costumes are well known for their embroidery and intricate designs, which are probably inspired by the beauty of the landscape of the region and the rich culture and tradition of the Kashmiris. I especially admire their colorful, decorated boats called ‘Shikara’.
Rajasthan
Rajasthan the Land of Kings is synonymous with heroism, royalty, and honor as well.
In Rajasthan, you will find every hue in nature’s grand palette – the red sands, the blue of royalty, the pink cities, and the amber sunsets. Music, art, and dance are woven into every inch of this land and the daily lives of the people here.
I love the colorful melange of massive forts, stunning palaces, diverse cultures, delectable cuisines, vibrant colored outfits, intricate silver jewelry with detailed carving, and most of the warmth of the people of Rajasthan.
Kerela
According to Hindu mythology, Kerala was created by Lord Parasurama (an incarnation of Lord Vishnu). So, Kerala is God’s own creation, hence it is called God’s own country! It is also known as the emerald gem of India. Besides the unmatched richness in art, culture, and food, the state has a rich collection of dance forms that run in the blood of every local.
I have been to Kochi and Munnar and also seen the state’s natural beauty in movies like Chennai Express, Dil Se.. and many more… which made me fall in love with its vast green Tea Gardens, the hill stations, and the vitality that blazes through its amazing Wildlife Sanctuaries, National Parks and Bird Sanctuaries!
I also experience immense joy from the various festival celebrations like Onam. If you visit Kerala during this time, you will see men and women wearing completely white attires. The traditional dress is a two-piece set known as the mundum neriyathum. I was so mesmerized by the Onam costumes, Kerala’s clothing designs, and the quintessential bamboo umbrella that I painted this lady wearing mundum neriyathumm holding a bamboo umbrella near the sea shore next to a coconut tree.
Medium: Acrylic painting on oval mounted Canvas, Size: 8 in × 12 in
