In the Heart of the Nilgiris, A Story Still Breathes Through Art
Until not long ago, there were no proper roads leading to Baviyur, a remote tribal hamlet nestled in the Nilgiris of Tamil Nadu. Even now, the journey to this village—home to the Ala Kurumba tribe—is a winding passage through tea plantations and undulating forest paths. But what lies at the end of this journey is far more valuable than scenic beauty: it is the living heritage of Kurumba tribal art, an ancient painting tradition dating back nearly 4,000 years.
At Meri Katha, we believe in telling stories rooted in soil, spirit, and tradition. And in the soulful strokes of Kurumba paintings, we find just that—a vibrant culture preserved through generations, now fading quietly without the world noticing.
A Canvas of Culture and Community
The art of the Ala Kurumba tribe was once etched onto rock faces and the walls of mud homes. These paintings, filled with intricate scenes of daily life—like collecting honey, praying to forest deities, or observing wildlife—are not mere illustrations. They are visual folklore, each composition steeped in meaning and memory.
Only five Kurumba artists remain today, still practicing this age-old craft. Among them is P. Balasubramanian, who has been painting for 24 years, as did his father and grandfather. He and fellow artist Krishnan now dedicate themselves to teaching local children, passing on their ancestral knowledge before it’s lost to time.
Nature’s Palette, Spirit’s Touch
Kurumba art is painted not just with hands, but with heart and earth. The colors used are extracted from trees like the Vengai, whose sap yields natural hues—yellow, brown, and black. Leaves crushed without water produce soft greens, and even the brushes are handmade.
Before venturing into the forest for pigment collection, the community performs a ritual to honor their deity, invoking blessings and safety. In this way, every color on their canvas carries spiritual essence and ecological awareness.
Why Kurumba Art Needs Us Now
While Kurumba art is often mistaken for Warli, Balasubramanian is quick to clarify: “Our art carries our community’s identity. It is not just patterns—it is prayer, livelihood, and storytelling.”
Unfortunately, unlike Warli art, which has received significant state support and popular inclusion in textbooks, Kurumba painting remains obscure, vulnerable to imitation, and neglect. The few remaining artists must travel 50 kilometers just to buy canvas, with no formal gallery or support structure in place.
At Meri Katha, we see this not just as a fading art form, but a call to responsibility. Supporting these artisans isn’t charity—it’s cultural preservation. It’s acknowledging that their stories, painted in earth tones and tribal song, deserve to be seen and heard by the world.
The Next Generation: A Glimmer of Hope
Balasubramanian’s children—Kalpana and Bharath—are learning the art, determined to carry their heritage forward. Kalpana now leads community workshops, paints her tribe’s stories, and gently modernizes her father’s style without losing its essence.
“There are small differences in how I paint, like the broom or the shape of a house,” she says, “but the soul of the painting remains the same.”
Meri Katha: More Than Art. It’s Ancestry Preserved.
At Meri Katha, we collaborate with artists like the Kurumbas not just to sell art, but to celebrate the unseen hands and unheard voices that shape India’s diverse creative soul. Every wall plate, canvas, and hand-painted mask in our collection tells a true story of resilience, roots, and reverence.
We invite you to bring home not just decor, but living history. Support Kurumba artists. Share their story. Let’s make sure the next generation not only hears the tale—but paints it, lives it, and passes it on.
Meri Katha – Because Every Home Deserves a Story That’s Been Lived.