Posthumous Padma Shri Highlights Legacy of Kurumba Artist Kitna

The announcement of a Padma Shri for tribal artist Krishnan Raghavan, known by his pen name ‘Kitna’, has drawn national attention to the fragile legacy of Kurumba painting in the Nilgiris. Krishnan, who belonged to the Alu Kurumba tribal community, received the honour posthumously earlier this year. While the recognition celebrated his contribution to preserving an ancient art form, it also raised concerns about the survival of the tradition he dedicated his life to protecting.

Ancient Art of the Alu Kurumba Community

Kurumba painting is believed to be a prehistoric art form more than 3,000 years old. Historically, these paintings were created on rocks and in caves across the Nilgiri hills. Early documented references to Kurumba paintings on dwelling structures date back to the period between 1871 and 1872. The art reflects the cultural life, rituals and traditions of the Alu Kurumba people, a subgroup of the Kurumba tribe. The Kurumbas are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG), a category used by the Indian government for tribal communities that face extreme social and economic marginalisation.

Krishnan’s Role in Reviving the Art

Born in the Vellarikombai settlement in Kotagiri, Krishnan learned traditional knowledge and painting techniques from his grandfather Kithari. He began practising the art at the age of six, drawing patterns on rocks during visits to the Ezhuthuparai cave. Over time, he adapted the ancient cave drawings to cloth, paper and canvas, transforming the traditional form into a contemporary artistic style. His work, often described by scholars as the “Krishna school” of Kurumba art, depicted the community’s social life, rituals and daily activities.

Nature-Based Colours and Cultural Narratives

Kurumba paintings rely heavily on natural pigments derived from the surrounding forest ecosystem. Artists extract colours from sources such as the Vengai tree trunk for yellow and brown shades, crushed Pachaikeeda leaves for green, red sand for earthy tones and the Karimaram tree for black. Through these paintings, Krishnan documented the Alu Kurumba community’s relationship with the forests, wildlife and agricultural practices of the Nilgiris, creating a visual record of their culture and traditions.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Kurumbas are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in India.
• PVTGs are identified based on low literacy, economic backwardness and declining or stagnant population.
• The Nilgiris district in Tamil Nadu is home to all six PVTG communities in the state.
• Kurumba art traditionally used natural pigments extracted from forest plants, soil and tree bark.

Concerns Over a Fading Tradition

Despite the national recognition, Kurumba art remains endangered, with fewer than ten practitioners still actively practising the tradition. Only a few artists possess the knowledge to prepare the natural colours required for the paintings. Activists and researchers warn that without institutional support, documentation and financial incentives, the art form could disappear. Calls have been made for initiatives such as Geographical Indication status, formal training programmes and the creation of visual archives of Krishnan’s works to ensure that the cultural legacy of the Alu Kurumba community continues for future generations.