The wall paintings of Gujarat, a form of representative art that traces its origins back to the seventeenth century, are vibrant depictions of the culture of the land and the times in all its manifestations. The author’s extensive travels through the small towns, villages and cities of north and central Gujarat have helped him build a collection as comprehensive as it is varied and particular. The book is a pictorial record of an art form that is now almost completely extinct. The range of these painting is truly awe-inspiring. They not only portray various mythological situations and instances from local folk tales but even daily chores and sometimes just images from nature. This range, which makes it a truly representative art form, betrays its popularity and relevance in its time. Culled from temples, mansions, havelis and houses, these paintings are artifacts of great socio-historical importance. They are an integral part of the nation’s artistic and cultural heritage.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR Pradip Zaveri
Pradip Zaveri, with vast experience in the polyethylene processing industry, has always been interested in various art forms, especially Indian paintings. His passion for travelling and photography helped him travel to the interiors of Rajasthan where wall paintings are found in abundance. So, when he observed wall paintings in Kachchh (Gujarat), his native place, he started photo documenting them. The first photography exhibition was held at Kutch museum. The Indira Gandhi Manav Sangrahalaya, the Bhopal based museum of mankind, appreciated his work and sponsored many exhibitions and workshops to help create awareness about the now extinct art of wall paintings. The Kutch museum at Bhuj also sponsored the cause through exhibitions and seminars. Udaipur based West Zone Cultural Centre sponsored his seminal documentation of the damage done to wall paintings in the aftermath of the 2001 earthquake in Kachchh. This publication inspired Pradip Zaveri to explore and document wall paintings in other regions including north and central Gujarat. His work will go a long way in preserving this three-century old heritage of wall paintings through archives as well as publications.
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