Art, Crafts & Dance
MP GK · कला, शिल्प और नृत्य · 18 facts
Chanderi silk sarees (Ashoknagar district): GI-tagged, known for ultra-lightweight texture and gold-zari border
Maheshwari sarees (Maheshwar, Khargone): GI-tagged, created by Ahilyabai Holkar in 18th century; cotton-silk blend
Baagh print (Dhar district): GI-tagged block-printed fabric using natural dyes; village of Baagh is its origin
Rai dance (Bundelkhand): Folk dance of Bedia community, performed at weddings; sensuous and energetic style
Karma dance: Tribal harvest dance of Gond, Baiga, Korku tribes; performed around Karma tree
Badhai dance (Bundelkhand): Performed by Badhai community at birth and wedding ceremonies; comic narrative style
Gaur dance (Maria Gond tribe): Performed wearing Gaur (Indian Bison) horns and peacock feather headdress
Jawara dance: Performed by farmers at harvest time (Navaratri); women balance pots of wheat on head while dancing
Khajuraho Dance Festival: Held every February at Khajuraho temples; classical dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Odissi
Dhokra metalcraft: Ancient lost-wax casting technique used by tribal artists to make figurines and jewellery
Bagh print received GI tag in 2021; artisans of Khatri community use natural indigo and alizarin dyes
Gond painting: Bright coloured dot-and-dash style depicting nature, mythology; GI application filed
Tansen Samaroha (Gwalior): Annual classical music festival held at tomb of Tansen in November-December
Usta Kala (Gwalior): Decorative lacquerware and camel-hide craft with gold and silver painting, centuries-old tradition
Indore's folk theatre (Nautanki and Swang): Regional theatrical tradition combining song, drama, and comedy
Patta Chitra weaving (Jabalpur region): Traditional cotton weaving with natural vegetable dye prints
Stone carving of Khajuraho style: Soft sandstone sculpture tradition; modern artisans in Panna and Khajuraho continue craft
Malwa painting tradition: Miniature paintings from 17th-18th century depicting Ragamalas and Krishna leela