Gond Art of Madhya Pradesh: A Timeless Tradition Finds Global Recognition

India’s cultural landscape is vast, diverse, and deeply rooted in centuries-old traditions. Among the many indigenous art forms that continue to thrive today, Gond art holds a special place. Originating from the dense forested regions of Madhya Pradesh, Gond paintings are more than just artistic expressions — they’re stories, myths, and memories preserved in vibrant colors and intricate patterns. Recently, this beautiful art form received official recognition through a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, a milestone moment for the Gond community and Indian folk art heritage.

The Origins of Gond Art

The word ‘Gond’ comes from the expression ‘Kond,’ meaning mountains or people of mountains. The Gond tribe, one of India’s largest communities, is primarily found in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. For centuries, the Gonds have been closely connected to nature, and this reverence is vividly reflected in their art.

Traditionally, Gond art was painted on the walls of village homes using natural colours made from plant sap, cow dung, charcoal, and soil. These murals narrated folk tales, tribal myths, and stories from nature and everyday life — ranging from scenes of hunting and farming to depictions of animals, birds, and trees.

The paintings are characterized by their meticulous detailing, vibrant colors, and intricate patterns made up of dots, dashes, and fine lines. Each motif in Gond art holds symbolic meaning: trees represent life and fertility, animals symbolize strength and companionship, and fish signify good fortune.

The Evolution of Gond Art: From Mud Walls to Global Galleries

The transformation of Gond art from a community practice to an internationally recognized art form began in the 1980s. One name that stands out in this journey is Jangarh Singh Shyam, a Gond artist from Patangarh village in Dindori district. Jangarh was the first Gond artist to paint on paper and canvas, adapting his traditional techniques to contemporary formats without losing the spirit of the original art.

Jangarh’s work was exhibited in India and abroad, including the prestigious Centre Pompidou in Paris. His success inspired an entire generation of Gond artists to explore new mediums and audiences while retaining their traditional themes and narratives.

In April 2023, Gond painting from Madhya Pradesh was granted the coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

The GI tag is a form of intellectual property protection for products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation attributable to that location. For Gond art, this not only safeguards the authenticity of the style but also ensures that only authorized artisans and groups from the region can market their art under the Gond label.

This accreditation is more than just a title — it provides legal protection, economic benefits, and cultural recognition to Gond artists, who have long battled issues of imitation and underpayment in urban art markets.

Themes and Techniques of Gond Art

Gond paintings are deeply tied to the tribe’s animistic beliefs and storytelling traditions. Themes often revolve around:

• Nature: Animals like peacocks, elephants, deer, and tigers are common motifs, depicted with imaginative patterns.

• Folktales and Myths: Stories passed down through oral tradition are visualized in Gond art, often featuring tribal deities, spirits, and heroes.

• Seasonal Festivals and Rituals: Artworks reflect the celebrations, harvest festivals, and spiritual beliefs of the Gond community.

• Symbolic Narratives: Every shape, line, and colour carries meaning. Curved lines often depict movement, while dots and dashes fill spaces to give a sense of life and dynamism.

Traditionally, colours were extracted from natural elements: charcoal for black, plant sap for green, cow dung for brown, turmeric for yellow, and soil for red. However, contemporary Gond artists now also use acrylics and watercolours, ensuring longevity and versatility for canvases and paper.

The GI tag for Gond art of Madhya Pradesh is a testament to the enduring power of India’s tribal traditions. It acknowledges not only the artistic brilliance of the Gond community but also their invaluable contribution to the country’s cultural narrative.

As this ancient art form receives renewed attention and respect, it becomes crucial to strike a balance between innovation and authenticity. Encouragingly, Gond artists are finding new voices, audiences, and formats — from contemporary wall murals to illustrated books and digital art — proving that while traditions may be ancient, they are far from obsolete.

The Gond tradition reminds us that art is not merely a product but a living, breathing reflection of community, memory, and belief — and now, with its rightful place on the global map, Gond art is poised to inspire generations to come.