Cheriyal scroll paintings GI paintings require more marketing skills, say artists

Unlike other traditional scroll paintings which narrate mythological stories, rural life and nature, Cheriyal scroll painting are one of the earliest forms of audio-visual entertainment in Telangana. These ancient paintings received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag from the State government for its unique significance.
 Speaking to the Pioneer Correspondent, Dhanalakota Rakesh, GI authorised Chreiyal painting artist said, “Cheriyal scroll painting is one of the earliest forms of audio – visual entertainment and these paintings are prepared by only Nakashi caste people in Telangana. Hundreds of years ago, the story-telling communities used to travel through the villages of Telangana, singing and narrating stories using the scroll as their visual aid. The scroll measures about 3 feet in width and can extend to over 60 feet. It contain about 40 to 50 panels, each depicting a part of the story and would be displayed as the story unfolds. Currently only eight families of nearly 20 people practice this art form.”
Speaking about the process of making these scroll paintings, he said that these paintings are drawn on hand-made khadi cloth or canvas specially processed with applying a paste of tamarind seed along with a tree gum and white clay. Three coats of the paste are applied, allowing a day in between for the paste to dry. Once the scroll is ready, we draw the outline, using a squirrel haired brush, in a phased manner. The striking red colour fills the background. The colour of the face and skin is decided by the nature of the character, like blue and yellow are for Gods and Goddesses, while pink and skin tones are for humans. In Cheriyal scrolls only natural colours are used,” he added.
 Subhajit Saha, GI agent said, “Cheriyal paintings are beautiful artforms representing village or rural life, mythological characters etc.  
These paintings got GI tag in 2009. The only obstacle for popularity of these paintings is marketing or branding of these paintings which needs to be improved thereby giving more recognition to these art forms.”