DIY art books bring Kalighat and Bhil traditions to new learners

New Delhi-A new series of Do-It-Yourself (DIY) art books is introducing learners to traditional Indian folk art forms such as Kalighat painting and Bhil art, offering structured guidance on their history, motifs, and techniques.

The initiative is part of Rooftop’s Artventures Art Books series, which aims to make indigenous art forms more accessible through a graded learning format. The books, titled Artventures of Kalighat and Artventures of Bhil, are divided into three levels—elementary, essentials, and expert—allowing learners from different skill levels to engage with the content.

Kartik Gaggar, co-author of the series and founder of Rooftop App, said the books are designed to help readers connect with the cultural depth of these traditions.

He said the goal is to encourage learners to experience the rhythm, symbolism, and cultural spirit of Indian folk art while building creative skills and appreciation for heritage.

The Artventures of Kalighat focuses on the 19th-century painting style that originated near the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata. Known for its bold brushwork and satirical social themes, Kalighat art is presented through lessons developed by Patua artist Anwar Chitrakar.

The book uses premium-quality paper designed to support detailed brush techniques and shading styles.

The elementary level introduces children to simple motifs such as animals and everyday market scenes through interactive activities. The essentials level explores historical background and introduces techniques like facial expressions, clothing folds, and character design. The expert level focuses on symbolic storytelling, complex compositions, and advanced shading techniques.

Chitrakar said Kalighat painting represents not just an art form but also a cultural narrative that reflects social life, emotion, and tradition.

The Artventures of Bhil is co-authored by noted Bhil artists Bhuri Bai and Lado Bai. It highlights one of India’s oldest indigenous art traditions, known for its use of rhythmic dot patterns and symbolic storytelling.

The book teaches learners how to create compositions featuring nature, animals, and spiritual themes using step-by-step methods.

The elementary level introduces basic dot patterns and simple designs inspired by flora and fauna. The essentials level builds layering techniques for depth and storytelling. The expert level explores complex compositions rooted in ritual, folklore, and environmental themes.

The artists said the purpose is not only to replicate patterns but to understand the meaning and cultural identity behind Bhil art.

The Artventures series also includes books on Warli, Gond, Mata ni Pachedi, Pichwai, Cheriyal, and Phad art traditions, expanding its effort to preserve and teach India’s diverse folk heritage.