The existence of Indian folk art dates back to ancient times and is largely attributed to the desire of primitive Indians to express their surroundings - what women folk painted on the walls for decoration became art later. From the caves of the primitive folks, to the walls of remote villages; from the courts of the kings to the modern style, Indian culture has seen many faces of art in its journey since antiquity.
Artists from different states of India make beautiful paintings with themes ranging from Indian mythology to Mughal love and landscapes. Patachitra is a pre-Islamic form of religious art and it comes from the state of Orissa. Patachitra paintings exhibit the use of strong lines and bright colors and are mainly made on silk or on old cotton glued with paper. Madhubani paintings trace their origin to the Madhubani district of Bihar. The rural artists here make three-dimensional imageries using vegetable colors on paper treated with cow dung. Kalamkari, meaning 'pen-work' are paintings from Andhra Pradesh. Works of art drawn entirely by hand, these were originally created for the temples as narrative murals. These murals tell stories of the great Hindu epics in picture form. Chittara is an expression of the village artists of Karnataka. These artists use rice paste and other natural colors on mud coated handmade paper. Mandala are multiple-layered Buddhist paintings with multiple layers; each layer represents various elements of the universe with with the deity placed on the highest platform. The art of 'wax painting' or Batik originated in Indonesia and later revived in Calcutta. Creativity of the talented dyers has given this classic folk art painting a fresh new definition.
Tribal folks of Gujrat and Rajasthan are famous world-wide for their unique designs of home furnishing articles. Ethnic designs of cushion covers can brighten up any sofa or armchair. Stunningly colorful wall hangings handcrafted with beads, mirrors and sequins are made to add life to every home. Extra soft quilts stuffed with special quality natural cotton are extremely light weight yet warm.