Bhil Art: Vibrant Tributes to Nature

The Bhils are an indigenous tribal community found in the western Deccan regions and central India among small clusters in the sub-continent. Essentially a farming community, their Bhil paintings draw from nature-based themes and the animal kingdom. Changing seasons, natural phenomena and Gods that protect them are common subjects. The natural colours are vibrant and locally prepared. Ritualistic Bhil art is practised in daily life on special occasions, most popularly in decorating the walls of their domestic spaces. Pithora paintings are one of their traditional Bhil art forms that has garnered attention in recent years. Paintings on walls as an offering to the Goddesses are made annually and are the focal point of Bhil art paintings.