Mandana-paintings-of-rajasthan

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Mandana Painting - A Tribal
Treasure of Rajasthan |
Manvar 

Rajasthan has a lot of art with a rich heritage spanning millennia.
Starting with Indus Valley Civilization, Rajasthan has exerted its
influence over the art and handicrafts of the region. One such
ancient form of art found in the tribes of Rajasthan and Madhya
Pradesh with the connection extending back in time even to the pre-
historic regime. One can see the similarity between Mandana
paintings and the later works in the famed Bhimbhetka complex. 

What Are Mandana Paintings?

Mandana paintings decorate the wall and floor of adobe houses in
Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. The intent of drawing them is to
protect home and hearth, extend a welcome to the gods to bless the
inhabitants and also as insignia of celebrations during festivals.
Although in Madhya Pradesh it is mostly done on the walls during
the Durga Puja, Rajasthan has a practice of drawing it on the floor
and walls. Although most of the themes tend to be animistic and
usually portray asymmetry in design, the Meena women of Hadoti
area in Rajasthan are blessed with the skill for creating designs of

perfect symmetry. Although seen all over Rajasthan in the tribal RESERVE +91 94141 29767
villages, MviAlNlaVgĀeRsHiOnMtEhe HMaAdNoVtĀiRreBLgOioG n takTHeEitSTtAoYthe levEXePlEoRfIEfNinCeESart.
At Manvar Resort and Desert Camp near Jodhpur and Jaisalmer, we
promote the local arts and traditions. Mandana paintings adorn our
floors and walls. It is a yearly ritual and a joy to watch the women
engrossed in their art. 

How are Mandana paintings made?

The hardened ground is swept and made uniform. A mixture of cow
dung and Rati, a local variant of clay is spread thinly and uniformly
along with red ochre to provide a contrasting media. Lime or chalk
powder is used to make the drawings and motifs. A piece of cotton
or a tuft of hair makes for a rudimentary brush. Yet the magic they
create is anything but simple.

Usually, the drawings are inspired by the Indian or Hindu Mythology
along with some animistic features relevant to the tribes. Some of
the popular designs are of Ganesha, peacocks, tigers, floral motifs,
women at work among other things. A curiosity to note is that
Mandana and the Tibetan Buddhist Mandala have some similarities
and possibly influenced by each other. All over the Indian
subcontinent this practice of drawing and decorating the front of
the homes with ephemeral motifs exist by various names - Kollam,
Rangoli among others. 

Where can I nd Mandana paintings?

Well, Mandana used to be a common sight, with mothers passing
their secret designs to their daughters. Mandana is an invaluable
legacy, a family heirloom with generations of history and the power
to liven up space even in the midst of a dry desert village around
Manvar Resort and Desert Camp near Jaisalmer.

But all is not well. As with many ancient practices and traditions,
caught in the crossfires of development and modernization,
Mandana is also under threat. With disappearing adobe houses or
mud huts of Dhanis, the very canvas on which Mandana came alive
is slowly going extinct. The proliferation of chemical paints has not
helped the cause either. So there is an urgent need to safeguard this
tribal treasure. We at Manvar Resort and Desert Camp in Jaisalmer
do our bit by employing local women to draw Mandana on our walls
and floors which are incidentally inspired, designed and built on a
traditional Rajasthani village, the Dhani.

Our patrons appreciate the entire concept of showcasing the true
desert culture and architecture. Mandana paintings add the final

lustre to this shining example of Responsible and Sustainable Travel RESERVE +91 94141 29767
adopted MaAnNdVĀpRroHmOMuElgateMdAbNyVĀMR BaLnOvGar DTeHsEerStTACYamp anEXdPERReIEsNoCrEtSnear
Jodhpur and Jaisalmer.

(credits for cover picture: Gaon Connection) 

Reach us

+91 94141 29767 Milestone 110 from Jodhpur to Jaisalmer, [email protected]
NH125, Khiyasariya, Rajasthan 342025

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