Chiteri Art: Echoes of Devotion on Rural Walls

In the culturally rich heartland of Bundelkhand, spanning parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, thrives a little-known but deeply evocative folk art form called Chiteri. Rooted in the traditions of rural households, Chiteri is a wall-painting tradition believed to date back to the 16th century. Its name is derived from the Hindi word chitrakar, meaning “painter,” and historically, the art was practiced by women and artisans who were not formally trained but carried an intuitive visual language passed down through generations. Unlike the courtly styles of nearby regions like Bundi or Kishangarh, Chiteri is humble, domestic, and intrinsically devotional in nature. It emerged not from royal patronage but from the rhythm of village life, festivals, and sacred rituals.

The art was primarily created during auspicious occasions, particularly during wedding preparations or major festivals like Navratri. Homes would be adorned with paintings made on freshly plastered mud walls, with scenes celebrating deities, divine love, nature, and folk legends. The process was not merely decorative—it was a ritual. Women would paint symbolic motifs believed to attract prosperity and ward off evil spirits. These paintings transformed ordinary village homes into sanctified spaces of spiritual resonance. Each brushstroke carried with it the essence of tradition, belief, and personal devotion, creating a visual language that was both sacred and celebratory.

Artistically, Chiteri paintings are characterized by their bold outlines, flat perspectives, and the use of earthy, natural pigments. Artists traditionally prepared their colors using natural ingredients—turmeric for yellow, red clay for terracotta tones, and lamp soot for black. The backgrounds were usually lime-washed to provide a stark white base on which the colors stood out vibrantly. The figures are two-dimensional and stylized, often placed in symmetrical compositions that favor clarity over realism. Unlike miniature painting traditions, Chiteri art does not rely on intricate detail or depth. Instead, it conveys energy and rhythm through repetitive patterns and the symbolic placement of figures. Floral borders, sacred animals like elephants and peacocks, and scenes from epics such as the Ramayana or tales of Krishna are common elements. Despite its simplicity, the art radiates a raw, spiritual vibrance that transcends its modest materials.

The religious and cultural significance of Chiteri art lies in its integration into everyday spiritual practice. These paintings often act as ritualistic offerings. During marriages, for instance, specific patterns and deity figures are painted on the walls of the bride’s home to bless the union. The images serve as silent prayers, encoded in the language of color and form. Some motifs, like the swastika, the sun, and the lotus, are universally auspicious, while others, like the tulsi plant or the image of Ganesha, are invoked for protection and fortune. In many ways, Chiteri is not only a visual tradition but also a performative one—its creation is an act of faith, and its presence transforms domestic space into a sacred realm.

In recent times, Chiteri art has witnessed both decline and revival. The shift to concrete homes, urban migration, and a diminishing knowledge of traditional practices have led to its disappearance from many villages. However, the past decade has also seen a growing interest in India’s indigenous art forms, and Chiteri is gradually reclaiming its place in the cultural consciousness. Government bodies, cultural NGOs, and independent artists have begun to document and preserve Chiteri by organizing exhibitions, workshops, and training programs for younger generations. Contemporary artists have adapted its motifs into new media, from canvas paintings to fashion and home décor, making it accessible to urban audiences. This transition from wall to canvas, from mud homes to galleries, is a testimony to the adaptability and timeless relevance of the form.

Today, Chiteri lives not just as a folk memory but as a rediscovered art form, rooted in the soil of Bundelkhand yet open to the winds of change. Its resurgence is a celebration of continuity—of how even the most humble traditions, when nurtured, can carry the soul of a people across generations. In a world moving rapidly toward the digital and the disposable, Chiteri offers a pause—a moment to witness devotion materialized in color, tradition alive in form, and heritage glowing quietly on a village wall.

Featured Artist

Rachnatmak Arts, located in Jhansi, is a women-led social enterprise breathing new life into Chiteri art. Established with the vision to empower women through art, the organization trains and employs rural artisans to recreate Chiteri on various mediums. The product portfolio includes Jute bags, hand-painted wooden items, home décor items, mementos, medals and more.

Rachnatmak arts was started in the year 2024 by Pratibha Dongare. Having spent her life in the lanes and corners of Jhansi, she has witnessed the art since childhood. She would always feel pained to see the art not getting its due recognition. The bundelkhand area, especially Jhansi, would always be known by the name of Rani Laxmibai. While the great Maratha queen is definitely a role model for many girls in Jhansi as well as whole of India, Pratibha would often feel that Jhansi should also be known for its very beautiful classical art format. Pratibha has been working for a few years, on efforts to popularise the Chiteri art. In 2024, she finally decided to have an organised effort through this startup.

The efforts to promote traditional art form of Bundelkhand, definitely did not go unnoticed. Her startup often get invited in many cultural programs in and around Jhansi. In recently conducted World Heritage program by Archaeological Survey of India, Rachnatmak Arts was felicitated for their efforts. Rachnatmak Arts had also conducted a workshop for kids, at this occasion. The initiative was also well appreciated by Yogi Adityanath, honorable Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.

In coming times, she intends to take up the traditional art of Bundelkhand to a global platform, using modern technology and methodologies. Currently, their product range includes Jute bags, hand-painted wooden items, home décor items, mementos and medals. Rachnatmak Arts would soon launch more products, and their products would be made available for delivery across India using online e-commerce services.

Rachnatmak Arts is not just about production – it’s about preservation. By blending traditional designs with modern utility, Rachnatmak Arts ensures that Chiteri becomes a vibrant part of everyday life. Beyond art, Rachnatmak Arts is a story of empowerment. Every brushstroke is a voice – of a woman reclaiming her heritage, financial independence, and creative freedom. In an era dominated by machine-made products, Rachnatmak Arts stands as a testament to the value of handmade, local, and meaningful craftsmanship. . It’s about preserving knowledge, promoting identity, and building sustainable livelihoods. Supporting such initiatives means investing in a story, a culture, and a purpose.