nirmal paintings

Nirmal paintings
Nirmal paintings are named after the town of Nirmal in Adilabad district of Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh is a land rich in fascinating range of art forms which are unique in style, theme, concept, form and expression. Nirmal painting is also such form of art, which relish the tradition and respective patronage.
There is a big community of craftsmen in Nirmal town known as “Nakkash” whose traditional art is to paint scenes from the Hindu epics such as Mahabharata and Ramayana

In medieval period Mughal rulers were so enthralled by the beauty and colorfulness of Nirmal paintings that they extended patronage towards this art form. Five century later Lady Hydri brought the craftsmen to Hydrabad and promoted this art for more growth and development. The colors used in this painting are produced indigenously form minerals, gums and herbs. The familiar gold color of Nirmal Paintings is extracted from the herbal juices.Over the years Nirmal work has grown to meet new and growing needs.Moving further away from being mere painters of epics, the artisans today paint motif the style of the old Indian Schools. The concept and themes of Nirmal Paintings suggest influences from Indian schools like Kangra, Ajanta and from Moghul miniatures Artisans reproduce Mughal Miniatures beautifully on soft white wood.This soft white wood is called “Ponniki” and is strengthened with coatings of tamarind seed paste, fine muslin and pipe clay, before being painted.

Adding to the list of the envious collection of fascinating art and craft forms, the Nirmal Paintings of Andhra Pradesh holds a significant position in the art and handicraft sector of the state. The exquisite traditional art form of Nirmal Paintings has earned its name from the Nirmal town in Adilabad district, where it is mostly seen.

The community of craftsmen who are engaged with the traditional art form of Nirmal paintings are known as Nakkash. They usually depict the scenes from Hindu epics of Ramayana, Mahabharata and other historical and mythological stories. This form of art received great patronage from the Mughal rulers, who were captivated by its beauty. Later on, Lady Hydri promoted Nirmal paintings in Hyderabad by bringing in experts craftsmen to the city.

The uniqueness of Nirmal paintings is in the products that are used. The colors and dyes applied in these paintings are indigenous natural products made from gums, minerals and herbs. The widely used golden color are extracts or juice of different herbs. In recent time a change in the subjects can be noticed. Many painters of today are not contended with drawing from epics only but they are exploring the styles of Old Indian schools of paintings.

Be a epic scene or an old school style, an example of the Nirmal paintings on the wall will surely enhance the beauty of your room.