Rangoli (Rang - Colour, Aavalli - rows of colours) is a Sanskrit word which means "creative expression of art through the use of colour”. It is an ancient art form, originated in the Indian subcontinent, in which various patterns are created on the floor or the ground using common household materials. It is usually made during festivals and while performing religious rituals and other celebrations.
This form of art is believed to have originated even before it found it’s place in the Hindu literature. The origin of this art is yet vague, but some of the scholars have dated it back to about 2000 years.
Rangoli is regarded as an auspicious and a sacred art form, that beautifies a place, brings positive vibrations and good luck. It is believed that these patterns called rangolis were drawn on floors and walls to welcome gods and goddesses during special occasions. Some historians have quoted in their research literature about the earliest forms of rangoli being created for the deities, were with flower petals and particles of gems and pearls, and decorations of Kumkum, Haldi & Kesar. This tradition was further continued through the use of other materials like quartz or limestone powder, rice powder or paste, wheat or jowar flour, ash and so on.
The recurrence of patterns, specific motifs, proportion, symmetry & significance of figures and liveliness through vibrant color combinations, or contrast with the ground are few of the characteristics of this ephemeral art form. The most important being the "Dot". It forms the base of any rangoli design, especially in Maharashtra and South India. A grid made of calculated dots serve as the guideline for the design.
It is known with different names in
different parts of India, Rangoli in Maharashtra, Sathiya in Gujarat, Kolam in Tamilnadu, Muggulu in Andhra Pradesh, Rangavali in Karnataka, Chowkpurana in Northern India, Mandana in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, Aripana in Bihar, Alpana in Bengal, Osa or Jhunti in Orissa, Aipan in the Himalayan region, Poovidal in Kerala and so on. The rangoli designs are traditional and historic in nature and are mostly passed on from one generation to the other, following the Indic tradition of Embodied Knowing...Know More
Thus RANGOLI has truly established its importance as a unique art form, which has not only survived the test of time, from ancient prehistoric period till date, but also by being recognized as one common art form holding together the various cultural traditions of India from north to south & east to west.
Soulart is a small initiative towards propelling this ancient Indian ephemeral art form RANGOLI, by transforming it to a more permanent nature in order to carry forward this cultural heritage of India for generations to come and spread its beauty and significance globally.
Each “Soulart Rangoli” is inspired from traditional designs and are made through specialized grid of calculated dots. It is uniquely hand-crafted with gold & silver outlines, filled with vibrant colors and studded with diamonds, pearls and mirrors, whereby each rangoli resembles a piece of jewel. These can be used as ready made floor rangoli’s in front of your entrance doors or can be placed on walls as Rangoli Paintings to beautify your living and bring in positive vibrations.
Rangoli art is highly practiced in rural India daily, especially by women and girls, who draw rangoli in front of their houses everyday morning and evening. It comes very naturally to them, as this art is passed on from one generation to the other through embodied knowing. Apart from its aesthetic value and spiritual significance, it has a lot of physical and mental health benefits. Bending along your spine or on your knees and channelizing your creativity to draw a design with auspicious figures and motifs, is a healthy exercise for your mind and body. It develops your hand and eye coordination and mathematical skills, of numbers, counting, symmetry, shapes, and angles, while working in the specialized grid of calculated dots, through a defined set of, repeated curved and straight lines. Women and girls of ancient India practiced this art daily, without any formal education in math or geometry.
We aim to popularize "Soulart Rangolis” globally and train rural women artisans on the same, to help them generate a livelihood option, through their daily art practice. Lovers of this art, from India as well as overseas, unable to practice it due to limitations of space, time, art skills, or any ailments, would cherish such a traditional possession. We truly welcome and value your suggestions and support towards this initiative.
Visit www.soulartonlinegallery.com to shop your rangoli or share a pick of your family rangolis and we will convert it into an exclusive personalized traditional possession for you...Contact Us
For more information on various rangoli types, visit our other blogs on "Types of Rangoli in India"... Click here
