Cheriyal Scroll Painting

Cheriyal Scroll Paintings are a traditional form of narrative scroll art that originated in the village of Cheriyal, near Hyderabad in the state of Telangana, India. These vibrant, hand-painted scrolls are an integral part of the Nakashi art form, depicting mythological stories, local folklore, and social customs in a continuous storytelling format. Recognised for their vivid colours, intricate detailing, and strong folk character, Cheriyal paintings serve as a unique visual record of India’s oral traditions and rural imagination.

Historical Background

The Cheriyal scroll tradition has its roots in the ancient practice of itinerant storytelling, where bards and folk performers travelled from village to village narrating episodes from epics and local legends. These storytellers, known as Kaki Padagollu or Nakashi artists, used long painted scrolls as visual aids to accompany their performances. The art form evolved over centuries, drawing inspiration from Pattachitra of Odisha, Phad paintings of Rajasthan, and Kalamkari of Andhra Pradesh, while developing its own distinct regional identity.
The Cheriyal style flourished under the patronage of local landlords and temples during the medieval period. It reflected the rural socio-cultural life of Telangana, incorporating local heroes, deities, customs, and village scenes. In 2010, Cheriyal Scroll Painting received Geographical Indication (GI) status, acknowledging it as a distinct cultural heritage of Telangana.

Themes and Narrative Tradition

Cheriyal scrolls primarily depict stories from Indian epics and puranic literature, such as the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Bhagavata Purana, and Krishna Leela. Additionally, they illustrate tales of local folk deities and village heroes, such as Balanagamma, Potharaju, and Katamaraju, making the art form accessible and relatable to rural audiences.
The scrolls are designed to accompany oral narration and are unrolled gradually as the story progresses. Each scroll is divided into horizontal panels, representing different scenes in sequence. This continuous visual narration closely resembles ancient storytelling techniques and reflects the living link between art, performance, and folklore.
Common themes include:

• Episodes from Hindu epics and puranas.
• Local legends and moral tales.
• Agricultural and rural life depictions.
• Festivals, rituals, and social customs.
• Illustrations of gods, goddesses, and village deities such as Lakshmi, Durga, Veerabhadra, and Hanuman.

Materials and Techniques

Cheriyal scrolls are traditionally made using natural materials and indigenous methods. The preparation of the canvas and the use of organic colours are central to their authenticity.
1. Preparation of the Canvas: The base cloth, usually khadi or cotton, is coated with a mixture of tamaring seed paste, rice starch, and chalk powder. This mixture is applied in several layers to stiffen the fabric. Once dry, it is rubbed smooth with a stone or shell to achieve a fine, even surface for painting.
2. Drawing and Painting:

• Artists sketch outlines using a fine brush and then fill them with bold, opaque colours.
• The traditional colour palette is dominated by red, yellow, blue, green, black, and white, made from natural minerals and plant sources. For instance, red is derived from geru (red ochre), white from lime, and black from lamp soot.
• The background is typically painted in deep red, creating a strong visual contrast with the figures and motifs.
• The figures are stylised and expressive, with exaggerated eyes, rounded faces, and dynamic postures, designed to capture the viewer’s attention during storytelling sessions.

3. Finishing Touches: After painting, the scroll is allowed to dry and then rolled for portability. Large scrolls may reach lengths of 40–50 feet, depending on the story’s complexity. Smaller panels or single-scene paintings are also made for decorative or devotional use.

Stylistic Features

Cheriyal paintings are distinguished by their folk aesthetic, characterised by bold outlines, flat application of colours, and narrative clarity. Unlike classical miniature paintings, perspective and proportion are not strictly followed. Instead, emphasis is placed on storytelling and symbolic representation.
Key stylistic traits include:

• Bright red background symbolising auspiciousness.
• Prominent facial features—especially large, almond-shaped eyes.
• Simplified, dynamic figures representing gods, humans, and animals.
• Decorative borders separating narrative episodes.
• Vibrant and rhythmic compositions reflecting oral narration.

The art’s visual rhythm and repetition create a dramatic effect, effectively complementing the tempo of oral storytelling.

Function and Cultural Role

Traditionally, Cheriyal scrolls served as didactic and performative tools for rural storytellers. The Kaki Padagollu community performed these stories in public gatherings, often accompanied by songs, musical instruments, and dialogue. Each community or caste had its own set of stories reflecting its profession, beliefs, and cultural heritage.
For instance:

• Farmers might hear stories of agrarian heroes or deities of fertility.
• Weavers and artisans listened to myths related to creation and craftsmanship.
• Warriors and hunters were told tales of valorous kings and local protectors.

Thus, Cheriyal scrolls acted as portable temples and cultural textbooks, transmitting moral, spiritual, and historical knowledge from generation to generation.

Evolution and Contemporary Practice

With the decline of traditional storytelling due to modern entertainment and literacy, the use of long scrolls has diminished. However, Cheriyal art has successfully adapted to new contexts. Artists now produce miniature versions of scrolls on canvas, wood panels, and masks for contemporary markets and exhibitions.
Modern Cheriyal artisans, many from the Nakashi family lineage, continue to practise this art form using traditional methods while also experimenting with new materials and themes. Contemporary versions depict modern subjects, festivals, and daily life scenes, appealing to both local and global audiences.

Recognition and Preservation

The Government of India and various cultural organisations have taken steps to preserve and promote Cheriyal art. It is recognised as an important intangible cultural heritage and has been included in museum collections and academic studies.
The Lepakshi Handicrafts Development Corporation of Telangana and organisations like the Crafts Council of India support artists through exhibitions, training programmes, and fair-trade initiatives. Cheriyal artists have also received National Awards for their contribution to the continuation of this heritage art.