🎨 Mural Painting in India – The Walls That Carry Our Culture

In India, walls are not just structures — they are canvases of time. From the heart of Kerala’s temples to the desert havelis of Rajasthan, India’s mural paintings are more than just visual art — they are historical, spiritual, and cultural records that have been passed down through centuries.

Welcome to the colorful, detailed, and symbolic world of Indian mural painting — where every stroke carries a legend, and every pigment holds a purpose.

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🕉️ Origin of Mural Paintings in India

Mural painting is one of the oldest art forms known to India. Archaeological and literary evidence traces this tradition as far back as the 2nd century BCE, starting with the Ajanta caves in Maharashtra, which feature some of the finest examples of ancient murals.

These early murals were spiritual and royal in nature, painted on walls using natural pigments and organic tools. Temples, caves, palaces, and even tribal huts across India have served as the base for these eternal artworks.

But murals are not just found in monuments — they live in the walls of homes, courtyards, and community spaces, especially in rural India. The art is passed on orally, from master to student, generation to generation, with techniques and meanings preserved over centuries.

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🪷 Why Mural Paintings Matter

Indian mural paintings go beyond decoration:

They preserve stories from mythology, folklore, and ancient scriptures.

They reflect local beliefs, rituals, and festivals.

They are a medium of spiritual communication, especially in temple spaces.

They serve as historical documentation, capturing events, kings, attire, flora, fauna, and architecture.

This is why mural paintings are considered both art and archive.

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🖌️ Key Styles of Indian Mural Painting

India’s vast geography and cultural diversity have created distinct mural styles, each with its own themes, techniques, and aesthetics:

1. Ajanta Murals (Maharashtra)

Period: 2nd century BCE to 6th century CE

Themes: Jataka tales, life of Buddha, royal processions

Technique: Fresco-secco on rock-cut cave surfaces

Highlights: Subtle facial expressions, rhythmic lines, Buddhist spiritual depth

2. Kerala Murals

Locations: Guruvayoor, Ettumanoor, Mattancherry Palace

Themes: Hindu deities (Krishna, Shiva, Devi), Ramayana and Mahabharata

Colors: Only five (Panchavarna): Red, Yellow, Green, Black, and White

Tools: Bamboo pens and brushes, natural mineral colors

Unique Feature: Rich iconography, deep spiritual symbolism

3. Rajasthan Shekhawati Murals

Found in: Havelis of Shekhawati region

Themes: Royal life, weddings, processions, mythological scenes

Blend of: Rajput, Mughal, and even British influences

Aesthetic: Bold lines, large-scale depictions, earthy tones

4. Warli Murals (Maharashtra)

Community: Warli tribe

Painted on: Clay walls with rice paste and bamboo sticks

Symbols: Circles, triangles, squares representing humans, nature, rituals

Themes: Marriage, harvest, dance, worship, and everyday village life

Raw, minimalistic, yet powerfully communicative

5. Madhubani Murals (Bihar)

Traditionally painted on: Mud walls during festivals and marriages

Subjects: Deities, nature, animals, abstract forms

Materials: Twigs, fingers, natural dyes, and cow dung-treated surfaces

Unique Identity: Bold outlines, intricate patterns, vibrant color palettes

6. Pattachitra (Odisha & Bengal)

Meaning: ‘Patta’ = cloth, ‘Chitra’ = picture

Painted on: Cloth and temple walls (especially Jagannath Temple, Puri)

Themes: Vishnu avatars, Jagannath, village myths

Detail: Fine brushwork, floral borders, mythological richness

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🌿 Tools, Techniques & Materials

Traditional mural painting in India avoids synthetic materials. Instead, it’s a science of nature:

Pigments: Made from minerals (red oxide, yellow ochre), plant extracts (indigo, turmeric), charcoal, lime, and cow urine (fixative)

Brushes: Bamboo sticks, hair brushes, cotton

Surface Preparation: Lime plaster, clay-coated walls, cow dung treatment for natural antiseptic properties

Process:

1. Sketching the outline using charcoal or natural pencil

2. Layering with color from lighter to darker tones

3. Detailed pattern filling

4. Final black outline or white highlights

Some murals take weeks or even months to complete.

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🏙️ Mural Art in Modern India

In recent decades, mural painting has found a new voice in modern spaces:

Urban beautification projects (e.g., Bengaluru Metro, Delhi streets)

Café interiors, hotels, and cultural centers

Government campaigns using wall art for awareness (Swachh Bharat, Beti Bachao)

Art festivals showcasing live mural painting

Contemporary artists blending traditional techniques with modern stories

Many cultural entrepreneurs and village artists are now being discovered through digital platforms, exhibitions, and tourism initiatives.

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🛒 Namma Choice & Mural Culture

As a Cultural Market, Namma Choice deeply values mural art not just as heritage but as living art. By connecting artisans, storytellers, designers, and local talent, platforms like Namma Choice can bring back recognition, livelihood, and respect to these hidden masters of wall art.

The future of Indian murals may not lie in museums alone — it may lie in our homes, cafés, apps, and digital worlds.