Gond painting, and their women artiest: journey from tradition to modernity

The central region of India, home to several tribal groups, is rich in cultural heritage, with the Gond tribe being one of the largest and most renowned for its artistic traditions. Gond painting, in particular, has evolved from wall art to canvas, gaining global recognition. This study examines the transformation of Gond painting, focusing on female Gond artists from Patangarh Mal village in Madhya Pradesh. Through 87 in-depth interviews, 3 case studies, and long-term observations, this research explores the evolution of Gond art, the challenges women face in adapting to technology, navigating markets, and interacting with media, and their current socio-economic status. The findings reveal that while the content of Gond painting has shifted to address contemporary issues, women artists struggle with patriarchal norms, low literacy, and limited mobility. These challenges hinder their professional growth and market engagement, resulting in noticeable disparities compared to male artists.