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Synopsis Rich, magnificent, glorious and brilliant are the few words that describe the cultural and traditional heritage of India. Amongst its many aspects, Folk and tribal art has been one of the most noticeable trademarks of the Indian heritage. It has flourished through centuries in the Indian sub-continent and their diversity, their ease and originality has charmed people all over the world.

The creativity in India is as its topography. Different parts of India have their own style and pattern of art, which is known as folk art and the other form of traditional art practiced by several tribes is grouped as tribal art. Among the states that practice the different genres of folk and tribal art forms, the most eminent are the states of Gujarat, Maharashtra, Punjab, Rajasthan, Orissa, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu.

The folk and tribal arts of India may be very ethnic and simple, yet they are colourful and vibrant enough to speak volumes about the country's rich heritage.

The art forms include paintings which are an integral part of the tribal tradition and often mirror the lifestyle and traditions of that particular era. They abound in designs depicting Gods and Goddesses, nature, festivals and human nature amongst the Indian tribes of those ages. Rural folk paintings are replete with colourful designs which source their themes from mystic beliefs. They portray the traditional aesthetic sensibility of the Indian village life. The notable folk and tribal art forms from the vast gallery of Indian folk paintings are the Madhubani paintings of Bihar, the Pattachitra paintings of West Bengal, the Nirmal paintings of Andhra Pradesh, Warli folk painting of Maharashtra, Kalamezhuthu from Kerala, Tanjore paintings and Rajasthan miniature paintings. Since epics, Puranas, the Krishna-lila, etc., are their main sources of inspiration, Gods and Goddesses are depicted in all possible forms and actions, and are painted in variety of techniques and colours.

The tribal and folk art is however not restricted only to paintings, but also extend to other art forms such as pottery, home decorations, ornaments, cloth-making and so on.

Indi-folk is an attempt to present the readers with folk art and designs. These designs have been painstakingly collected through various sources. While it may belong to the olden times, the Indian folk art has enough flavour if delivered in an appealing and interesting mode. Like the Tanjore paintings which are deeply rooted in tradition and still innovative within limits. The cache of folk and tribal designs available in this book can be utilized by artists, designers, craftsmen, hobbyists, textile designers, interior decorators, teachers and students of art and craft to enhance their creativity. It can prove to be a valuable source book of designs and motifs of Indian folk and tribal origins to its readers.