Something changes inside human being on hearing repetitive music beats. Rhythm as it is called is what changes cluster of sounds into music. Indian floor patterns visualize rhythm. Be it the geometric combination of circles, lines and other shapes in Madana patterns of Rajasthan, or concentric circles of Rangoli, floor patterns in traditional Indian homes are no less then music for the eyes. The aesthetic serenity of patterns such as Kolam and Muggu make the home welcoming.
Let’s have a look at such patterns from various states of the country:
Alpana:
The word ‘Alpana’ has two different versions. As per one version, it originated from a Sanskrit word ‘Alimpana’, meaning ‘to plaster with’ or ‘to coat with’. It is a form of floral pattern practised in West Bengal. The art form of Alpana has been used since ages for religious and ceremonial purposes and is usually done on the floor. Alpana designs use rice-powder, diluted rice paste, powdered colours (produced from dried leaves), charcoal, burnt earth, etc. Materials like coloured chalk, vermilion, flower petals, grains, etc. are also used to decorate these designs.
Aripan
Aripan is a type of Mithila art that originated in the Mithila region of Bihar, particularly in the village of Madhubani. Aripan is a variation of Rangoli, practiced in Bihar. The Aripan floor painting is derived from the Sanskrit word Alepan, meaning to smear. To create an Aripan a paste of powdered rice and water, known as “pithar” is prepared. The women dip two fingers into the pithar, and by graceful and deft movements produce beautiful, geometrical patterns on the mud floor of their homes and courtyards. This art is a thanksgiving to the mother goddess Earth.
Aipan
Aipan is one of the traditional forms of Rangoli of Kumaon, and is practiced in the state of Uttarakhand. Aipan designs are mainly drawn at places of worship, main entrance to a home and the front courtyard of a home. Some of the patterns are significant from a religious point of view and are made especially at the time of ceremonies like marriages, thread ceremonies, naming ceremonies, etc. the art of Aipan is passed on from generation to generation, by passing on the patterns to the daughters and daughters-in-law in the family.
Jhoti
Jhoti or Chita is the traditional Oriya art on the floor and walls, very popular in rural areas. The Jhoti or Chita are drawn not merely with the intention of decorating the house, but also to establish a relationship between the mystical and the material, thus are highly symbolic and meaningful. Jhoti is considered as a means to attract goddess Lakshmi, hence prosperity into homes. It is a common practice for the rural women in Orissa to draw several figures and flower patterns on the mud walls of their thatched homes.
Muggu
Floor patterns in Andhra Pradesh is called as Muggu. Muggupindi is a mixture of calcium or chalk powder which is used for creating these exquisite and unique Muggu patterns. It’s a slightly heavy powder that falls thickly across the wet earth and stays in form while being used. During festivals rice flour is used to create the Muggu, instead of the Muggupindi as it is considered as an offering to the ants, insects and sparrows that tend to feed on them. No formal training is required to acquire this art. The art of Muggu creation is typically transferred from generation to generation and from friend to friend.
Kolam
Kolam is regarded as a sort of painted prayer in South India. The design usually comprises of a symmetric line drawing, which comprises of curved loops, drawn around a crisscross pattern of dots. Though the design is usually drawn with the help of dry rice flour, diluted rice paste is also made use of, especially when one intends to keep the kolam for a longer duration. It is believed that kolams drawn at the entrance of a home bestow prosperity and success to its residents.
Chowk Purana
The word ‘Chowk Purana’ is a combination of two words, Chowk means square and Purana means to fill. A Chowk is also meant as an ‘auspicious area of the home’ and Purana means ‘drawing on floors and walls’. Chowk-Purana is a traditional folk art that is practiced widely in the states of Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and some parts of Uttar Pradesh.
