Reviving Telangana’s artistic legacy

Nirmal paintings from Telangana showcase a rich artistic tradition known for their vibrant colours, intricate designs and distinctive use of gold leaf. Artist Thota Laxminarayana has played a pivotal role in reviving the art form and today we have him onboard as he discusses more about the art form
Vaishnavi Tikka
India, a land of vibrant art and culture, boasts of a history steeped in creative expression that spans centuries. From ancient temples to contemporary art forms, the country offers a treasure trove of artistic wonders. Among these, Nirmal paintings from Telangana stand out for their bright colours, intricate designs and the distinctive use of gold leaf, which lend them an unmatched visual appeal. These paintings encapsulate the creativity and rich traditions of Indian art, showcasing the country’s profound cultural heritage.
Thota Laxminarayana, an artist from Hyderabad, has been instrumental in blending traditional folk art with a modern aesthetic. Born in 1973 in the Nirmal district of Telangana, Laxminarayana trained under Guruji Shri Ravinder Sharma, a luminary in art and design education. His unique artistic style combines a vibrant color palette with subtle tonal nuances. Some of his notable works include Untitled (Vol 1), Sri Krishna, and Selfie.
Speaking about the history of Nirmal paintings, Thota shared insights into the region’s rich heritage: “Nirmal, a town in Telangana, has a storied artistic tradition dating back to the Kakatiya dynasty. King Nima Naidu, a patron of the arts, invited skilled craftsmen known as ‘nakashis’ from Rajasthan to create exquisite wooden toys. These toys often depicted village deities, or gramadevatas.”
One distinctive feature of these toys was the use of puniki katte, a special wood found only in Adilabad. This wood was treated with chinthaginjalu, a local gum mixed with wooden powder, to form a durable base. “All these toys are made with puniki katte and are bonded using chitambari, a local adhesive,” Laxminarayana explained.
The toys were then meticulously  using natural colors derived from trees, flowers, and avasalu (linseed oil). Zinc was used to create white pigments, masi (lampblack) for black, and turmeric was processed to yield vibrant red kumkum. “These natural colors bring a unique vibrancy and authenticity to the toys,” he added.
Beyond toys, the Kakatiya era also saw the creation of chitrapatalu – long, painted scrolls that depicted stories and traditions of various castes and sub-castes. These scrolls served as a vibrant visual encyclopedia of social history and inspired theatrical performances. “Each chitrapatam tells a story and was often the basis for skits and plays,” he noted.
Unfortunately, the artistic legacy of Nirmal experienced a decline after the Kakatiya period. The lack of consistent royal patronage likely contributed to its diminishing prominence. Reflecting on this, Laxminarayana expressed his sorrow: “After the Kakatiya period, wooden sculptures and scrolls lost their significance, and fewer people knew about Nirmal’s wooden toys and paintings.”
Today, while Nirmal paintings still exist, their production has undergone significant changes. Many artisans lack formal training in drawing and rely on pre-made molds, painting them with commercial synthetic colors. This shift has raised concerns about the authenticity and artistic integrity of contemporary Nirmal paintings. “In recent times, people are less skilled. They use molds and paint them with synthetic colors in the name of Nirmal paintings,” he lamented.
Despite these challenges, efforts are underway to revive traditional techniques and promote the region’s rich artistic heritage. By supporting local artisans and encouraging the use of traditional materials and methods, the legacy of Nirmal can be preserved for future generations. “Nirmal paintings hold a special place in many hearts. Artists are working to revive old methods and support local painters. This will ensure the survival of this art form,” Laxminarayana concluded.
The timeless beauty of Nirmal art continues to inspire and captivate, serving as a testament to India’s enduring cultural richness.