Saving Stories, One Painting at a Time
In the soft light of a Telangana morning, when the smell of coffee mixes with damp earth, an old house wakes up slowly. A rooster crows. A woman sweeps the front yard. Inside, an artisan opens a small wooden box of brushes. They are worn, some tied with thread, all precious. On the floor, a blank sheet waits. It looks quiet, almost empty. But soon, it will carry a story that has travelled through centuries.
This is how stories are saved here. Not loudly. Not in books. But one painting at a time.
In the villages of Telangana, long before televisions and phones, stories lived on walls and scrolls. Cheriyal painting grew from this land, from people who believed that stories should be seen as much as heard. These paintings were part of storytelling traditions, where songs, voice, and images moved together. Gods, village heroes, daily life, laughter, fear—everything found a place in colour.
Cheriyal did not come from palaces. It came from people. From red soil villages, temple courtyards, and open streets. The style was bold and direct, like Telangana speech. Strong lines. Bright reds. Simple forms. No empty space, because life here was never empty. These paintings shaped how communities remembered their past and understood their values.
The making of a Cheriyal painting is slow and respectful. First comes the surface—paper or cloth prepared with tamarind seed paste. The artisan spreads it gently, letting it dry under the sun. Then it is smoothened by hand, again and again, until it feels right. No machines. Only touch.
Colours are made from nature. Red from stones. Black from lamp soot. White from shells. Each colour is mixed with care, like preparing food for a festival. The brush moves steadily. Lines appear without doubt. Faces come alive. Eyes open wide, ready to speak.
This process is not rushed. It follows the rhythm of village life—steady, patient, honest.
Behind every painting is a family story. Many artisans learned this craft by watching their elders. A child sitting quietly beside a parent. A grandfather correcting a mistake with kindness. Learning happened without words. Through repetition. Through respect.
Their days are simple. Morning chores. Afternoon painting. Evening rest. Their hands carry skill, but also tiredness. Their hearts carry pride, but also worry. They do not ask for praise. They only wish their work is seen and understood.
Today, saving these stories has become harder. Income is uncertain. The market asks for speed, not depth. Handmade work struggles to compete with printed images. Many people admire the art, but do not know the effort behind it. Younger generations feel the pressure to leave the craft for safer jobs.
Modern life did not mean harm, but it brought distance. Distance from stories that take time. Distance from art that needs patience.
Government efforts have helped in some ways. GI tags, exhibitions, training programs have given recognition. Some artisans have found new platforms. But the reality on the ground is mixed. Not everyone benefits equally. Support is not always regular. Awareness still has a long way to go.
Yet, this craft matters deeply today. In a fast world, Cheriyal teaches us to slow down. It reminds us that stories are not just entertainment—they are memory, identity, and wisdom. The use of natural materials respects the earth. The themes connect us to our roots. This is not just art. It is living history.
When someone holds a Cheriyal painting, they feel warmth. The slight roughness of paper. The strength of colour. The presence of human hands. It feels like holding a piece of Telangana—a village afternoon, a temple bell, a festival song.
Saving these stories does not need loud promises. It needs care. It needs people who pause, look closely, and feel deeply. When we respect the artisans, when we understand the value of their time and skill, we help keep these stories alive.
One painting at a time. One story at a time. Like the steady flow of a village stream, Cheriyal continues—quietly asking us not to forget.
To know more about this living heritage, visit: cheriyalscrollpainting.com
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Telangana, the youngest state in India, is renowned for its rich cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and world-famous handicrafts. Its traditional arts include Cheriyal Paintings, Nirmal Toys, hand embroidery (Nagaram, Nizamabad), Bobbin Lace, Banjara Embroidery, Zari–Zardozi, cotton durries, lac bangles, Baithak paintings, Ikat, pearl jewellery, intricate stone carvings, and hand-printed cotton textiles, each deeply rooted in tradition and craftsmanship.
The Comprehensive Handicrafts Cluster Development Scheme (CHCDS), under the Ministry of Textiles, aims to holistically develop handicraft clusters across India, including Telangana.
Supported by: The Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), the nodal agency for promoting and developing the Indian handicrafts sector, focused on artisan empowerment, market expansion, and sustainable livelihoods.
Executed by: The Andhra Pradesh Productivity Council (APPC), an autonomous non-profit organization established in 1958 by the Government of Andhra Pradesh, implementing the project in Telangana through consultancy, micro-enterprise development, skill development, training, surveys, energy audits, and rural livelihood initiatives.
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