Cheriyal Scroll Painting – Narrative Folk Art of Telangana
Cheriyal Scroll Painting is one of India’s most distinctive narrative folk art traditions, originating from the village of Cheriyal in Telangana. Deeply rooted in oral storytelling traditions, this art form was historically used as a visual aid by itinerant storytellers to narrate mythological epics, folk tales, and social themes. Characterized by vibrant colors, stylized figures, and sequential panels, Cheriyal Scroll Painting represents a living legacy of community-based visual storytelling.
Basic Overview
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Traditional Visual | Long narrative scrolls with mythological & folk storytelling panels |
| Alternative Names | Cheriyal Art, Cheriyal Nakashi |
| Craft Type | Traditional Narrative Scroll Painting |
| Artisan Community | Nakashi (Chitrakar) Artists |
| Area | Cheriyal village, Siddipet region – Telangana |
| Country | India |
| Primary Themes | Ramayana, Mahabharata, Puranas, local folklore |
| Painting Surface | Hand-prepared cloth / khadi canvas |
| Tools Used | Handmade natural hair brushes |
| Colors & Pigments | Natural mineral & vegetable colors |
| Background Color | Dominant red base |
| Cultural Status | Folk storytelling & cultural heritage |
| GI Status | GI-tagged traditional art form |
Cheriyal Scroll Painting – Origins & Cultural Legacy
Cheriyal Scroll Painting evolved as a community art practiced by Nakashi families, whose role was to visually support the oral performances of balladeer-storytellers known as Kaki Padagollu. These scrolls functioned as mobile storybooks, unrolled scene by scene during performances in villages, temples, and festivals.
Traditionally patronized by local communities, this art form preserved religious narratives and social values in an era when literacy was limited. Over generations, Cheriyal painting became a visual archive of Telangana’s collective memory.
Symbolism & Iconography
Cheriyal Scroll Painting employs a rich symbolic vocabulary rooted in mythology and everyday life:
Human Figures: Moral values, devotion, social roles
Deities & Sages: Divine intervention and cosmic order
Animals & Mythical Creatures: Strength, protection, and narrative continuity
Floral Borders & Frames: Separation of scenes and rhythmic storytelling
Traditional Materials & Technique
Historically, Cheriyal paintings were created using eco-friendly, locally sourced materials:
Canvas Preparation: Cotton cloth coated with rice starch and tamarind seed paste
Pigments: Natural stones, soot, plant extracts, and minerals
Brushes: Handmade using animal hair or natural fibers
The painting process follows a structured sequence—background filling, outlining figures, detailing expressions, and final ornamentation.
Ritual & Social Importance
While not ritualistic in the same sense as tribal wall paintings, Cheriyal Scroll Paintings held strong social importance. They were commissioned for:
Temple festivals
Village celebrations
Religious storytelling events
Cultural education through performance
Contemporary Adaptations
In modern times, Cheriyal art has evolved beyond traditional scrolls. Contemporary artists now create:
Framed paintings and wall panels
Home décor and collectible art pieces
Fashion and lifestyle adaptations
Despite these changes, artists continue to preserve the original visual grammar and storytelling essence of the tradition.
Manufacturer & Top Brands
| Cluster / Institution | Founded | Promoter | Art Type | Market Reach | Ownership | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Traditional Nakashi Artisan Families | Ancient | Hereditary Nakashi Artists | Narrative Scroll Paintings | Local / Regional | Community-based | Telangana |
| Cheriyal Artisan Clusters (Siddipet Belt) | Traditional | Village Artist Communities | Folk & Narrative Art | Domestic | Community | Telangana |
| State Handicrafts Corporations | 1970s–80s | Govt. Bodies | Craft Promotion & Training | National / Global | Government | India |
| Craft NGOs & Cultural Trusts | 1990s | NGOs & Cultural Orgs | Preservation & Skill Development | Global | Non-Profit | India |
| Contemporary Folk Art Brands | 2000s | Designers & Social Enterprises | Modern Cheriyal Art Products | Export | Private | India |
Conclusion
Cheriyal Scroll Painting is more than just a visual art form—it is a living narrative tradition that preserves the folklore, mythology, and social history of Telangana. Through bold colors, rhythmic compositions, and sequential storytelling, this folk art keeps oral traditions alive on cloth and scrolls. Even in the modern era, Cheriyal paintings continue to connect communities with their roots, showcasing the skill, imagination, and cultural pride of local artisans. Preserving and promoting this art form not only safeguards an important heritage but also ensures that future generations can experience India’s rich storytelling legacy in its most vibrant visual form.
