The Soul of Gond: Reviving Tribal Art Through Cluster Support




In the dense cultural heartlands of Madhya Pradesh, Gond art has lived for centuries, breathing through forest spirits, animals, trees, and everyday village life. But in the face of mass production, fading demand, and generational disinterest, it almost began to vanish silently.
Until clusters stood up to protect it.



 What Is Gond Art, Really?

Gond art isn’t just painting. It’s visual storytelling rooted in tribal mythology and nature. Traditionally done on mud walls using natural colours, its motifs—birds, deer, gods, and harvests—aren’t decorative. They’re symbols of life, rituals, and oral history.

🧵 The Crisis Gond Art Faced

In the last two decades, younger generations from tribal communities have begun moving to cities in search of work. Gond art, once passed down naturally through observation and practice, became an "extra"—not a livelihood. As market demand declined, middlemen took advantage, and the originality of the art started eroding.

💪 Enter Clusters, Cooperatives & Craft-Based Institutions

Through the efforts of institutions like MPSCU, CHCDS, and support from DC Handicrafts, a major shift began:

  • Artisan clusters were formally organised

  • Skill training was offered to both men and women

  • Workshops introduced new mediums like canvas, paper, and fabric without losing tradition

  • Design innovation support allowed artists to adapt to changing consumer preferences

  • Market linkages and exhibitions opened up new income streams

This wasn’t just preservation. It was a revival with dignity.

🌱 Why This Matters Now

Gond art is not a trend. It is an indigenous visual language. When we empower artisans through structured clusters, we don’t just preserve motifs — we preserve memory, identity, and ecosystem wisdom passed down through generations.

This is India’s soft power — not just for display, but for dignity, design, and development.

💬 What Can You Do?

  • Choose handmade over machine-made.

  • Collaborate with artisan clusters.

  • Follow and amplify their voices.

  • Gift art that carries a soul.

Gond is more than ink on paper. It’s a story told by a forest, remembered by a hand, and revived by a community.

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