Chittaras are intricate wall paintings traditionally done by the tribal women of Malnad in Karnataka, in their red mud-coated houses. Chittara Art has an elaborate artistic and cultural tradition, but was almost extinct until recently revived by Eshwar Naik.
Chittara Art is inextricably linked to the exotic natural surroundings of the Western Ghats rainforests. These paintings done using charred rice powder and colors made from jungle fruit represent the wildlife, history, folklore, music and tribal life of this region. Chittara paintings are now done on canvases and are commercially available.
[Source all india (116) 23-Aug-04]
