During the recent BRICS Summit, held in Kazan, Russia, Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the opportunity to highlight Indian tribal art and its major cultural value. By showcasing these traditional art forms on a global stage, he aimed to promote India’s unique heritage and support the artisans whose livelihoods are tied to preserving these ancient crafts. The initiative not only showcased India’s vibrant cultural diversity but also echoed the BRICS Summit 2024 theme of strengthening multicultural ties among member nations. This cultural diplomacy further strengthened India’s position in BRICS, fostering closer ties and mutual respect among Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Importance of Showcasing Indian Tribal Art at the BRICS Summit
Indian tribal art forms such as Warli, Madhubani, Pattachitra, Bhil, and Gond represent a vast array of indigenous cultures across India, each with unique styles, stories, and traditions. PM Modi’s emphasis on these art forms at the BRICS Summit underlined their relevance not only as forms of aesthetic beauty but also as reflections of India’s deep-rooted traditions, values, and philosophies. Highlighting them at a prestigious platform like BRICS showcased India’s commitment to promoting and preserving its traditional handicrafts and tribal arts.
By promoting these art forms internationally, PM Modi encouraged the global recognition of Indian tribal artisans and underscored the need to invest in preserving these traditions. This move aligns with India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (Self-Reliant India) initiative, which includes empowering artisans and enabling economic growth through cultural exports. Art and handicraft exports from India contribute significantly to the economy, and raising awareness about these crafts on a global stage can increase their demand.
The Richness of Indian Tribal Art: A Glimpse into Indigenous Cultures
The diverse art forms showcased at the BRICS Summit have deep historical and cultural roots. For instance:
- Warli Art originates from the Warli tribe in Maharashtra and often depicts nature and village life with geometric patterns.
- Madhubani Painting from Bihar is famous for intricate designs and mythological stories, traditionally created using natural dyes.
- Pattachitra Art, native to Odisha, uses scroll paintings to narrate stories from Hindu mythology, particularly focusing on Lord Jagannath.
- Bhil Art from Madhya Pradesh is vibrant and usually inspired by the flora and fauna of the region.
- Gond Art of central India is known for its bright colors and detailed patterns, with each piece telling a unique story.
By displaying these art forms, PM Modi invited the global audience to appreciate India’s cultural heritage and supported the preservation and global recognition of these art styles. This move also provided an opportunity to discuss the challenges tribal artists face, such as lack of resources, recognition, and access to markets.
Cultural Diplomacy: Strengthening Ties within BRICS
At the BRICS Summit, showcasing Indian tribal art was a strategic move to promote cultural diplomacy. It created a shared cultural understanding among member nations, helping bridge cultural gaps and encouraging collaboration beyond economic and political ties. The promotion of indigenous art also sparked conversations on sustainable development, as many tribal art forms are created using eco-friendly methods and natural resources, resonating with global calls for sustainable practices.
India’s cultural diplomacy strategy, led by PM Modi, has often included promoting traditional arts and crafts at various international platforms. This approach aligns with India’s soft power diplomacy, enhancing India’s image as a nation that values and preserves its rich heritage while being committed to empowering the communities behind it.
The BRICS Summit 2024 was not only a platform for economic discussions but also a showcase of diverse cultural heritage from each member country. Leaders from Brazil, Russia, China, and South Africa acknowledged the beauty of Indian tribal art, and many appreciated India’s initiative to bring its indigenous culture into the spotlight. The artworks served as conversation starters, leading to exchanges on how traditional art and culture can be integrated into socio-economic development agendas across BRICS nations.
This initiative set an example for other BRICS nations to consider incorporating their indigenous and traditional art forms into diplomatic platforms, promoting shared values, and enhancing mutual understanding. By celebrating cultural heritage, the BRICS nations collectively recognized the importance of preserving local identities while fostering global unity.
Promoting Indian Tribal Art: A Push Towards Economic Empowerment
PM Modi’s emphasis on tribal art also aligns with India’s goals to empower artisans and strengthen the handloom and handicrafts sector. The government has introduced various initiatives, such as the Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED), to support indigenous communities and boost the handicrafts industry. The tribal art industry provides livelihood to thousands of artisans across India, and showcasing their work on an international stage is a step toward providing them with better market access and opportunities.
Global appreciation of tribal art can open doors for export opportunities, collaborations, and tourism centered around these art forms. By promoting these crafts at the BRICS Summit, PM Modi highlighted the potential of tribal art as an economic asset that can contribute to the self-reliant India initiative by driving local development.
Moving forward, India’s focus remains on empowering its artisans, preserving traditional crafts, and promoting them on global platforms. The BRICS Summit 2024 was a meaningful milestone in this journey, highlighting India’s commitment to integrating cultural heritage with socio-economic development. India’s dedication to preserving these arts is evident in its policies and support systems for artisan communities, which are essential for sustaining these art forms.
In addition to government efforts, private sector partnerships and international collaborations can further boost the tribal art industry. By investing in tribal art and promoting it through digital platforms, the reach of these crafts can extend globally, attracting new audiences and customers. Educational initiatives to train young artisans and support traditional art communities are also crucial for long-term preservation.
The showcase of Indian tribal art at the BRICS Summit 2024 is a testament to PM Modi’s dedication to promoting India’s cultural heritage. It serves as a reminder of India’s vast cultural diversity and the depth of its artistic traditions. This initiative has not only elevated India’s status in BRICS but also drawn attention to the country’s tribal art as a valuable asset, contributing to economic growth, cultural pride, and global influence.