GOND TRIBAL PAINTING

At Elaura, we present you with a vibrant Gond Tribal Painting, reflecting the Gond community’s deep connection with nature and rich artistic heritage dating back 1,400 years.

Created by India’s largest tribe from forests of Madhya Pradesh, well known for their artistic skills, mainly painting, music, and storytelling inherited through generations. These paintings are often visual depictions of these songs, daily lives, and folklore. At the same time, it’s their own way to record their history.

The Gond people believe good images bring good luck. Their art reflects and honors the harmony between humans and nature.

Distinctive elements like parallel lines, and patterns created with dots, characterized by bright vibrant colors, add a sense of movement to the still images.

ABOUT KAGZIPURA PAPER

Kagzipura, a historical village located between the Daulatabad Fort and the Ellora Caves in the Aurangabad district of Maharashtra, is renowned for its 700-year-old legacy of handmade paper production. Nestled amidst three lakes and surrounded by hills, Kagzipura played a pivotal role in the evolution of paper-making in India.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

The origins of Kagzipura’s paper industry trace back to the 14th century during the reign of Muhammad Bin Tughlaq, who had shifted his capital to Daulatabad.
Around this time, paper-making—a craft that had traveled to India from China and Samarkand—found a conducive environment in Kagzipura. The village’s abundant water resources, unique reeds, and natural dyes made it an ideal location for establishing the paper industry.

Later, Mughal emperor Aurangzeb, following a similar route in his quest of expansion down South, revitalized the paper mills. Under Mughal backing or patronage, Kagzipura became the source of producing the best quality handmade paper,
Later, in the 17th century, Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb revitalized the paper mills of Kagzipura as part of his southern expansion program. Under Mughal patronage, the village became renowned for producing high-quality handmade paper. This paper was used in royal manuscripts, official court orders, and other significant documentation. Known for its durability, some sheets produced were over six feet tall and surpassed the longevity of British-made white paper by decades or even centuries.

ECO-FRIENDLY CRAFTSMANSHIP

Kagzipura’s paper-making process is remarkably sustainable and eco-friendly. Instead of cutting down trees, the artisans—known as “Kagzis”—used old cloth and cotton, which were soaked in water, pulped, pressed, and dried. This technique yielded a diverse and durable range of handmade papers without harming the environment. They would create an impressively wide-ranging variety of colors and textures through this method (Sen, 2022).

CULTURAL HERITAGE

The craftsmanship of Kagzipura reflects a blend of utility and art, rooted in tradition and innovation. Despite challenges posed by modern industrialization, the village continues to hold its historical significance, preserving a unique story of environmental sustainability and artisanal excellence.

This rich heritage underscores Kagzipura’s importance, not only as a historical site but also as a testament to India’s centuries-old traditions of sustainable craftsmanship.

 

SPECIAL THANKS TO:

• Kagzipura Community
• Minaz Zain
• Sheikh Ahmed
• Altaf Hussain
• Abdul Munib
• Samiyoddin Sheikh
• Late Salauddin Sheikh

WARM REGARDS FOR SUPPORTING US ALWAYS:

• KMM Prasanna (IPS officer)
• Satish Tambat (Chief Mentor of Gurukul Olympiad School Aurangabad)
• Sathar Al Karan (Founder of Art UAE, Dubai)