Introduction

Peeth Art, a traditional painting art form of Uttarakhand, stands as an age-old testimony to the state’s cultural heritage. It is known for its detailed designs, colours, and intricate motifs. Peeth Art reflects the Himalayan region’s natural, spiritual and cultural aspects. Although as compared to other Indian art forms, Peeth Art is lesser known, it holds significance for its part in rituals and storytelling.

Image Source: Uttarakhand Haat

Origin of the Peeth Art

Peeth Art derived its name from the word “Peeth”, which means ‘seat’ or ‘base’, due to its traditional ceremonial platforms for worshipping and placing divine idols. We can trade back its origin from the early mediaeval period, especially to the religious practices of the holy regions of Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. It was an art form typically created during festivals and important life events like weddings, to invoke blessings and protect from evil.

As per evidence, the Peeth Art comes from local scriptures and oral traditions and was used mostly during community rituals. In the beginning, it was purely for auspicious events or rituals. But with time this art has evolved into painting and it has deeply intervened with the state’s religious and social fabric.

How Peeth Art Flourished 

If we study the history of this art, it flourished during the reign of local rulers. It later came under the cusp of the Katyuri and Chand kingdoms, who patronised the artist and used this art form in many places, especially in temples for decorations. This led to its association with local festivals in Almora and religious gatherings in the Nanda Devi temple. Apart from this, it is also associated with local festivals like Nanda Devi Raj jat and Harela, where its intricate patterns are displayed.

Image Source: India InCH

If you look at its designs, its creation was primarily organic, artists use different colours mostly natural pigments from flowers stones and minerals ensuring it is sustainable and environmentally friendly. 

Details about the motifs

The motifs of the Peeth Art are symbolic and rooted in people’s beliefs.

1. Nature-inspired patterns: The Peeth Art has floral designs, rivers, mountain landscapes and different animals like peacocks and deer that reflect the harmony of animals with nature
2. Divine Symbols: different motives like Om and representation of deities like Vishnu, Shiva and other local gods and goddesses are displayed
3. Geometric Patterns: if you look closely at the paintings, there are symmetrical circles, triangles and grids based on the artworks as they represent balance and cosmic order.
4. Folk Narratives: numerous scenes from folk tales, mythology and the Ramayan and Mahabharat are depicted occasionally as they blend visual stories with artistry

Cultural and Symbolic Significance

1. 

   Image Source: India InCH

   Religious Associations: The motif often embodies the divine seat of deities in temple carvings and sacred objects. It is also used in yantras (sacred geometric diagrams) to invoke spiritual energy during rituals.

2. Architectural Use: In Indian temple architecture, Peeth motifs appear in plinths, altars, and base designs, serving structural and symbolic purposes. The motif represents stability and the grounding of spiritual energy.
3. Textiles and Art: Frequently employed in saree borders, block prints, and embroidered patterns, the Peeth motif lends a regal and auspicious appeal to traditional attire. It is also a prominent design in rangoli (floor art) during festivals and ceremonies.

Image Source: Uttarakhand Haat

Regional Variations

1. North India: The motif is heavily influenced by Mughal designs, incorporating Persian floral aesthetics.
2. South India: In South Indian temple art, the motif often includes elaborate drapery and stylized representations of divine thrones.
3. Western India: Found in Gujarati and Rajasthani textiles, Peeth patterns feature vibrant colours and mirror work.
4. Eastern India: In Odisha and West Bengal, the motif appears in Pattachitra paintings and terracotta works, reflecting local mythologies.

Apart from this, the technique of the art involves the usage of brushwork and layering with the artist focusing more on the intricate fine brushes made from bamboo and animal hair. The canvases are based on Temple walls, ceremonial cloth and wooden panels. It is decorated with a specific Tantrik motif known as Yantra. A yantra is a representation of the deity it consists of geometrical permutations and patterns based on the terrestrial places where the local God resides.

According to the history of Uttarakhand for gods like Shiva and Vishnu, the Peeth is more of a square figure and it is drawn by putting 12 to 19 dots both transverse and longitudinally. The Vishnu Peeth has a total of 19 dots. These dots hold a religious and cosmic field at the Central point. The centre is where God resides. The Shakti Peeth is represented by God Shiva and is interlocked with triangles forming a hexagon. The circle depicts the lotus specs which are between 12 to 64. The circle also symbolises the totality or the completeness and it depicts the Earth or the quality of nature.

Image Source: Yatradham

There is also a common Peeth with gods like Ganesh and Panch Devatas known as Swastik Peeth. It is based on geometrical designs. The dots are joined together to make nine Swastik symbols within its square. 

Current status of Peeth Art

Despite its prominence and history, Peeth’s art is facing numerous challenges to its traditional identity. With the advent of industrialisation, there is a decline in the demand for this intricate painting. However, there are a few NGOs that have tried to revive this art and preserve its cultural treasure through exhibitions, digital platforms and workshops. This art has adapted and has now been given a modern touch through textiles, souvenirs etc.

We must understand that by embracing the legacy of the Peeth art, we not only preserve this art form but also honour its cultural tapestry and the region’s rich history.