Traditional Art, Famous Indian Art From, State Wise List 2026

Traditional Art in India represents a continuous cultural heritage shaped by thousands of years of history, religions, communities, regions and artistic practices. It includes visual, performing and literary expressions. Indian art developed from prehistoric rock paintings and ancient sculptures to temple architecture, classical dance, folk music, puppetry, theatre and literature. Its forms reflect daily life, religious beliefs, social customs, regional identities and changing cultural influences across different historical periods.

What is Traditional Art?

Traditional Art refers to artistic practices preserved and transmitted across generations through established techniques, themes, materials, stories, performances and cultural customs. In India, these traditions include painting, pottery, architecture, sculpture, dance, music, puppetry, theatre, martial arts and literature. Their development reflects interactions among Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam, regional cultures, foreign influences, royal patronage, community traditions and changing social conditions.

Types of Traditional Art

Traditional Art in India can be broadly understood through three major categories based on its mode of expression and transmission.

• Visual Arts: Visual arts include painting, pottery, architecture, sculpture, textiles, jewellery and other material forms that communicate ideas through visible designs and objects.
• Performing Arts: Performing arts include dance, music, puppetry, theatre and martial traditions presented through movement, sound, acting, storytelling and physical performance.
• Literary Arts: Literary arts include poetry, prose, epics, sacred texts, devotional compositions, chronicles, plays, novels, short stories and regional literary traditions.

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Famous Art Forms of India

Traditional Art Forms are commonly passed between generations through families, communities, teachers, performers, craftsmen, religious institutions and the guru-shishya tradition. Different geographical regions developed distinctive artistic styles because of variations in language, environment, history, religious traditions, communities and royal patronage.

The major famous Art Forms of India including Paintings, Architecture, Sculpture, Dance, etc has been discussed below:

Painting

Indian painting developed across prehistoric, religious, courtly, folk, tribal, colonial, modern and contemporary traditions, leaving important regional styles and historical records.

• Prehistoric Paintings: Bhimbetka rock shelters contain paintings dating back about 10,000 years, showing humans, animals, hunting activities and scenes connected with early community life.
• Rock Art: India has about 1,300 rock art sites with more than a quarter of a million figures and figurines, demonstrating the antiquity of visual expression.
• Ajanta Paintings: The Ajanta Caves preserve important murals, including some of the oldest surviving historical period frescoes, with major surviving groups dating from the 5th century CE.
• Temple Painting: Religious painting developed alongside temple traditions, with murals, frescoes, carvings and painted surfaces associated with Hindu, Buddhist and Jain cultural traditions.
• Miniature Painting: Mughal miniature painting developed strongly during the late 16th century through interaction between Indian traditions and Persian miniature techniques.
• Mughal Patronage: Akbar expanded court painting significantly, with the number of painters increasing from about 30 during the Hamzanama period to around 130 by the mid 1590s.
• Rajput and Pahari Styles: Rajput, Pahari, Kangra and related regional schools developed distinctive themes involving mythology, nature, courtly life, festivals and religious narratives.
• Raja Ravi Varma: Raja Ravi Varma combined Indian subjects with European oil painting techniques, creating a distinctive visual synthesis during the colonial period.
• Bengal School: The Bengal School emerged during the early 20th century and was strongly associated with Abanindranath Tagore and the revival of Indian artistic themes.
• Folk Painting: Madhubani, Warli and Gond painting represent important folk and tribal traditions using distinctive colours, geometric patterns, nature based imagery, mythology and community themes.
• Pattachitra: Pattachitra developed in Odisha and West Bengal as a traditional cloth based scroll painting tradition noted for detailed compositions and mythological narratives.

Pottery

Pottery is among the oldest Indian crafts and provides important evidence of technological skill, regional traditions, daily life and changing artistic practices.

• Early Evidence: Archaeological evidence from Neolithic sites in present day Pakistan demonstrates sophisticated clay pottery production around 6000 BC.
• Major Varieties: Indian pottery traditions include ochre, red and black, Painted Grey Ware, Northern Black Polished Ware, glazed pottery and unglazed pottery.
• Regional Craft: Different regions developed specialised clay traditions based on locally available materials, community practices, functional needs, decorative preferences and inherited techniques.
• Cultural Role: Pottery has served both practical and artistic purposes, producing household objects, ritual articles, decorative pieces, toys, figurines and other community specific objects.

Architecture

Indian architecture records the evolution of civilizations, kingdoms, religious traditions, technological practices and cultural interactions from antiquity to the colonial period.

• Harappan Architecture: Harappan settlements demonstrate organised urban planning and provide some of the earliest major architectural evidence from the Indian subcontinent.
• Mauryan Architecture: Mauryan architecture is associated with monumental stone work, pillars, stupas, polished surfaces and strong artistic influences from indigenous, Persian and Hellenistic traditions.
• Post Mauryan Architecture: Buddhist architecture expanded through stupas, railings, toranas, monasteries, prayer halls and rock cut structures during the post Mauryan period.
• Gupta Architecture: The Gupta period witnessed important developments in temple architecture and religious sculpture and is widely regarded as a classical phase of northern Indian art.
• South Indian Architecture: Pallava, Chola, Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara traditions produced distinctive temples, sculptures, monuments, gateways and architectural forms.
• Delhi Sultanate: The Delhi Sultanate introduced and developed architectural traditions combining Indian construction practices with Islamic architectural elements.
• Mughal Architecture: Mughal architecture developed through Persian, Central Asian and Indian influences and produced major monuments, gardens, mosques, tombs, forts and palaces.
• Indo-Gothic Style: Colonial architecture incorporated European Gothic elements with Indian features, producing hybrid architectural forms during British rule.
• Neo-Roman Style: Neo-Roman architectural influences also formed part of the wider range of European derived architectural styles introduced during the colonial period.

Sculpture

Indian sculpture developed from small Indus Valley objects to monumental religious sculpture, temple carvings, bronze images and sophisticated regional traditions.

• Indus Valley Sculpture: Indus Valley sites produced terracotta figures, stone objects, seals and bronze figures, including the famous Dancing Girl from Mohenjo daro.
• Mauryan Sculpture: Mauryan sculpture became prominent through polished stone pillars, animal capitals, religious monuments and monumental representations associated with imperial patronage.
• Lion Capital: The Lion Capital of Ashoka at Sarnath became the official State Emblem of India after independence.
• Buddhist Sculpture: Sanchi, Bharhut, Amaravati, Mathura and Gandhara became important centres of Buddhist sculptural development.
• Mathura Tradition: Mathura developed a major sculptural tradition involving Buddhist, Hindu and Jain imagery and later influenced artistic development across northern India.
• Gupta Sculpture: Gupta sculpture established influential forms of Buddha, Hindu deity and Jain Tirthankara representations and became an important classical phase.
• Chola Bronzes: Chola artists became renowned for bronze sculpture and the lost wax casting technique, including the iconic representation of Shiva as Nataraja.
• Temple Sculpture: Temple architecture across India integrated sculpture into pillars, walls, gateways, sanctums and other architectural elements.

Dance

Indian dance combines movement, expression, music, storytelling, religious themes and regional traditions, with classical forms shaped by long established performance principles.

• Natya Shastra: The Natya Shastra, traditionally associated with Bharata Muni, is an important treatise describing dance, drama, music, emotions, gestures, stagecraft, costumes and performance techniques.
• Classical Dances: There are officially recognised 8 Classical Dances in India:
  • Bharatanatyam: Originating in Tamil Nadu, Bharatanatyam is known for expressive movements, sculpturesque poses, devotional themes and detailed facial and bodily expressions.
  • Kathak: Associated with northern India, Kathak uses rapid footwork, spins, expressive gestures and storytelling, often presenting Radha Krishna themes and Persian and Urdu poetic traditions.
  • Kathakali: Originating in Kerala, Kathakali combines dance, acting, music, elaborate costumes, detailed makeup and gestures to present stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
  • Odissi: Originating in Odisha, Odissi is recognised for lyrical movements, devotional expression and the distinctive tribhanga posture.
  • Kuchipudi: Originating in Andhra Pradesh, Kuchipudi combines graceful dance with dramatic storytelling and includes the distinctive practice of dancing on the rim of a brass plate.
  • Manipuri: Originating in Manipur, Manipuri is characterised by fluid and soft movements and frequently presents the Raas Lila of Radha and Krishna.
  • Mohiniyattam: Originating in Kerala, Mohiniyattam is traditionally performed by women and emphasises graceful movements, facial expression, love and devotion.
  • Sattriya: Originating in Assam, Sattriya developed within the Vaishnavite monastery tradition and later became an established stage performance.
• Folk Dance: Bhangra of Punjab, Garba of Gujarat and Lavani of Maharashtra demonstrate regional traditions connected with celebrations, community life, rituals and local cultural identity.

Music

Indian music includes classical, folk and devotional traditions, with distinctive systems of performance, regional forms, instruments, compositions, rhythms and inherited knowledge.

• Hindustani Music: Hindustani classical music is mainly associated with northern India and is recognised for the raga system, improvisation and expressive performance.
• Carnatic Music: Carnatic classical music is mainly associated with southern India and places strong emphasis on structured compositions and systematic performance traditions.
• Folk Music: Indian folk music varies across regions and communities and commonly reflects daily life, local stories, occupations, celebrations, beliefs and social experiences.
• Devotional Music: Bhajans, Kirtans and Qawwalis represent important devotional traditions that express spiritual devotion, religious themes and community participation.
• Sama Veda: Early literary references to Indian music occur in Vedic literature, while the Sama Veda is particularly associated with musical recitation and seven notes.
• Gandharva Veda: Gandharva Veda is traditionally described as the science of music associated with the Sama Veda.
• Musical Tradition: Classical music traditionally follows established principles and the guru shishya tradition, while folk music generally develops through community practice without a fixed universal system.

Puppetry

Indian puppetry is an old storytelling and entertainment tradition that combines craftsmanship, movement, narration, music, local stories, mythology and performance.

• Ancient Evidence: Puppets with sockets have been discovered at Mohenjo daro and Harappa, indicating that puppet traditions existed during the Indus Valley period.
• Literary References: References to marionette theatre occur around 500 BC, while puppetry is also mentioned in the Mahabharata and the Tamil epic Silappadikaram.
• String Puppets: String puppetry uses suspended puppets controlled through strings and has developed distinctive regional forms across India.
• Shadow Puppets: Shadow puppetry creates figures through silhouettes projected against a screen and traditionally presents stories, myths and regional narratives.
• Glove Puppets: Glove puppetry involves puppets worn and controlled by performers using their hands and fingers.
• Rod Puppets: Rod puppets are manipulated through rods and have developed as an important form within Indian traditional theatre and storytelling.

Theatre

Traditional Indian theatre developed as a combined form of acting, dance, music, narration, storytelling, ritual and regional cultural expression.

• Natya Shastra: The Natya Shastra is regarded as the foundational Indian treatise on dramaturgy and describes ten types of dramatic forms.
• Sanskrit Theatre: Sanskrit theatre developed as a classical dramatic tradition combining dialogue, acting, music, dance and structured performance.
• Ramlila: Ramlila presents episodes from the Ramayana through community based dramatic performances and remains an important traditional theatre form.
• Yakshagana: Yakshagana of Karnataka combines dance, music, dialogue, costumes, makeup and storytelling, commonly drawing upon mythological narratives.
• Kathakali Theatre: Kathakali functions as a dance drama tradition in Kerala and communicates stories through acting, movement, music, elaborate costumes and facial expression.
• Folk Theatre: Regional theatre traditions preserve local languages, customs, beliefs, social practices, myths and community histories through performance.
• Modern Theatre: Modern Indian theatre absorbed Western influences and increasingly explored social, political, cultural and individual experiences through new dramatic forms.

Martial Arts

Indian martial traditions developed from systems connected with warfare, physical training, self defence, ritual practices, dance and regional cultural traditions.

• Traditional Purpose: Martial arts were historically associated with combat and warfare but later became connected with physical fitness, self defence, rituals, demonstrations and cultural preservation.
• Kalarippayattu: Kalarippayattu is a traditional martial art associated with Kerala and represents the close relationship between combat traditions and physical cultural practices.
• Silambam: Silambam is a traditional martial art associated particularly with Tamil cultural traditions and is known for weapon based training.
• Colonial Period: Certain martial traditions, including Kalarippayattu and Silambam, faced restrictions during British rule before gaining renewed prominence after independence.
• Performing Connection: Several Indian martial traditions share links with dance, yoga, body movement, ritual performance and other physical cultural practices.

Literature

Indian literature represents a multilingual and historically continuous tradition that includes sacred texts, epics, poetry, drama, devotional writing, prose, chronicles and modern literary works.

• Vedas: The Vedas form an important foundation of ancient Indian literary and intellectual traditions and contain hymns, ritual knowledge, philosophical ideas and cultural material.
• Upanishads: The Upanishads contain philosophical discussions concerning knowledge, reality, ethics, meditation, existence and spiritual inquiry.
• Ramayana: Traditionally attributed to Valmiki, the Ramayana explores duty, righteousness, devotion, relationships, morality and the ideals of conduct.
• Mahabharata: Traditionally attributed to Vyasa, the Mahabharata presents themes of war, duty, morality, politics, family conflict and ethical choice.
• Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita forms a philosophical dialogue within the Mahabharata and discusses duty, action, knowledge, devotion and ethical responsibility.
• Sanskrit Classics: Kalidasa’s Shakuntala and Bhasa’s plays represent important achievements in classical Sanskrit literary and dramatic traditions.
• Bhakti Literature: Bhakti poetry developed strongly in regional languages and emphasised personal devotion, spiritual love and accessible religious expression.
• Sufi Literature: Sufi poetry contributed themes of spiritual love, devotion, mysticism and human equality to the literary traditions of the Indian subcontinent.
• Colonial Literature: Rabindranath Tagore, Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay and Mirza Ghalib made major literary contributions while responding to changing social and political conditions.
• Modern Literature: The Progressive Writers’ Movement encouraged literature addressing social reform, nationalism, human rights, inequality and wider social concerns.
• Contemporary Literature: Contemporary Indian writing explores identity, diaspora, gender, globalization, social change, regional experiences and individual realities.
• Regional Literature: Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Malayalam and other linguistic traditions possess distinctive bodies of poetry, drama, novels, short stories and other literary works.

28 States and their Art Form List

India’s 28 states preserve distinctive traditional art forms combining visual, performing, craft, literary and community based artistic traditions developed through regional histories, communities, religious traditions, local materials and inherited artistic practices.

Andhra Pradesh

Kuchipudi is the prominent classical dance tradition associated with Andhra Pradesh, alongside regional painting, craft, music and storytelling practices. Famous Art Forms of Andhra Pradesh include:

• Painting: Kalamkari. 
• Dance: Kuchipudi. 
• Puppetry: Tholu Bommalata. 
• Architecture: Amaravati architectural tradition. 
• Craft: Kondapalli Toys.

Arunachal Pradesh

Traditional artistic practices include community based crafts, textiles, masks, ritual performances, music and dance associated with its diverse indigenous communities. Famous Art Forms of Arunachal Pradesh include:

• Painting: Thangka. 
• Dance: Aji Lhamu, Ponung. 
• Music: Folk songs and Buddhist musical traditions. 
• Puppetry: Traditional Buddhist puppet traditions. 
• Craft: Monpa carpets and bamboo cane crafts.

Assam

Sattriya is the major classical dance tradition, while Assamese cultural expression also includes folk music, dance, theatre, weaving and traditional crafts. Famous Art Forms of Assam include:

• Painting: Assamese manuscript painting. 
• Dance: Sattriya, Bihu. 
• Music: Bihu songs, Borgeet. 
• Theatre: Ankiya Naat, Bhaona. 
• Craft: Muga silk weaving, Majuli mask making.

Bihar

Madhubani painting originated in the Mithila region and is recognised for vivid colours, geometric patterns, mythology, nature and everyday life themes. Famous Art Forms of Bihar include:

• Painting: Madhubani or Mithila painting. 
• Dance: Jat Jatin, Jhijhiya. 
• Music: Sohar, Kajari, Chaita. 
• Theatre: Bidesia. 
• Craft: Sujuni embroidery, Sikki craft.

Chhattisgarh

Gond related artistic traditions and tribal visual expressions are important parts of the state’s wider folk and indigenous cultural heritage. Famous Art Forms of Chhattisgarh include:

• Painting: Gond painting. 
• Dance: Panthi, Raut Nacha, Sua Nacha. 
• Music: Pandavani. 
• Theatre: Nacha. 
• Craft: Bastar Dhokra, Bell Metal craft.

Goa

Traditional Goan cultural expression includes folk music, dance, theatre, religious performance traditions, decorative arts and community celebrations. Famous Art Forms of Goa include:

• Painting: Kaavi art. 
• Dance: Fugdi, Dhalo. 
• Music: Mando, Dulpod. 
• Theatre: Tiatr. 
• Architecture: Indo-Portuguese architecture.

Gujarat

Garba is a major folk dance tradition of Gujarat and is strongly associated with community celebrations and regional cultural identity. Famous Art Forms of Gujarat include:

• Painting: Pithora painting. 
• Dance: Garba, Dandiya Raas, Tippani. 
• Music: Bhavai music traditions. 
• Theatre: Bhavai. 
• Puppetry: Ravana Chhaya style traditional puppet influences. 
• Craft: Patola weaving, Rogan art.

Haryana

Folk performance traditions, music, dance, storytelling, embroidery, pottery and rural crafts form important parts of Haryana’s traditional cultural expression. Famous Art Forms of haryana include:

• Painting: Phulkari related regional embroidery traditions. 
• Dance: Dhamal, Khoria, Saang. 
• Music: Ragini. 
• Theatre: Saang. 
• Craft: Pottery, handloom weaving.

Himachal Pradesh

Pahari painting represents an important northern Indian miniature tradition associated with the Himalayan region, including the celebrated Kangra style. Famous Art Forms of Himachal Pradesh include:

• Painting: Kangra painting, Chamba painting. 
• Dance: Nati. 
• Music: Himachali folk music. 
• Architecture: Kath Kuni architecture. 
• Craft: Chamba Rumal, Kullu shawls.

Jharkhand

Tribal painting, craft, music, dance, metalwork, weaving and community rituals form significant elements of Jharkhand’s traditional artistic heritage. Famous Art Forms of Jharkhand include:

• Painting: Sohrai, Khovar. 
• Dance: Chhau, Jhumair, Paika. 
• Music: Domkach songs, Jhumair songs. 
• Craft: Dokra, Sohrai wall art.

Karnataka

Yakshagana combines dance, music, dialogue, costumes, makeup and mythology, while Karnataka also preserves Chalukya, Hoysala and Vijayanagara architectural traditions. Famous Art Forms of Karnataka include:

• Painting: Mysore painting. 
• Dance: Yakshagana, Dollu Kunitha. 
• Music: Carnatic music tradition. 
• Theatre: Yakshagana. 
• Architecture: Hoysala, Chalukya and Vijayanagara architecture. 
• Craft: Channapatna Toys, Bidriware.

Kerala (Keralam)

Kathakali and Mohiniyattam are major classical dance traditions, while Kerala is also known for mural painting and traditional theatre practices. Famous Art Forms of Kerala (Keralam) include:

• Painting: Kerala mural painting. 
• Dance: Kathakali, Mohiniyattam, Thiruvathirakali. 
• Music: Sopana Sangeetham. 
• Theatre: Koodiyattam, Kathakali. 
• Puppetry: Tholpavakoothu. 
• Architecture: Traditional Kerala temple architecture.

Madhya Pradesh

Gond painting is an important tribal art tradition, known for vivid colours, bold lines, nature based themes, elaborate patterns and spiritual associations. Famous Art Forms of Madhya Pradesh include:

• Painting: Gond painting, Mandana. 
• Dance: Matki, Rai, Jawara. 
• Music: Pandavani. 
• Theatre: Mach. 
• Architecture: Khajuraho temple architecture. 
• Craft: Bagh prints.

Maharashtra

Warli painting uses simple geometric forms and white designs against red or ochre backgrounds to portray everyday life, nature, rituals and celebrations. Famous Art Forms of Maharashtra include:

• Painting: Warli painting. 
• Dance: Lavani, Lezim, Tamasha. 
• Music: Powada, Lavani music. 
• Theatre: Tamasha. 
• Architecture: Maratha architecture, rock cut architecture at Ajanta and Ellora. 
• Craft: Paithani weaving.

Manipur

Manipuri classical dance is characterised by soft, fluid movements and frequently presents the devotional Raas Lila tradition associated with Radha and Krishna. Famous Art Forms of Manipur include:

• Painting: Thangka. 
• Dance: Manipuri, Ras Lila. 
• Music: Pena music. 
• Theatre: Shumang Leela. 
• Puppetry: Manipuri string and traditional puppet traditions. 
• Craft: Longpi pottery.

Meghalaya

Indigenous artistic traditions include weaving, bamboo and cane craft, community music, dance, decorative objects and ritual cultural expressions. Famous Art Forms of Meghalaya include:

• Painting: Traditional Khasi and Garo decorative art. 
• Dance: Nongkrem, Shad Suk Mynsiem, Wangala. 
• Music: Khasi and Garo folk music. 
• Craft: Bamboo and cane crafts.

Mizoram

Traditional Mizo cultural expression includes community dances, folk music, weaving, textiles, bamboo crafts and ceremonial artistic practices. Famous Art Forms of Mizoram include:

• Painting: Traditional textile motifs. 
• Dance: Cheraw, Khuallam, Chheih Lam. 
• Music: Mizo folk songs. 
• Craft: Puan weaving, bamboo and cane crafts.

Nagaland

Traditional Naga art includes textiles, wood carving, beadwork, ornaments, ceremonial objects, community dances and distinctive indigenous visual motifs. Famous Art Forms of Nagaland include:

• Painting: Traditional Naga textile and decorative art. 
• Dance: Chang Lo, Zeliang dances. 
• Music: Naga folk music. 
• Craft: Naga shawls, wood carving, beadwork.

Odisha

Odissi is a classical dance form of Odisha, while Pattachitra provides a major traditional painting tradition based on detailed mythological compositions. Famous Art Forms of Odisha include:

• Painting: Pattachitra, Saura painting. 
• Dance: Odissi, Gotipua. 
• Music: Odissi music. 
• Theatre: Prahlada Nataka. 
• Puppetry: Kathi Kandhei. 
• Architecture: Kalinga temple architecture. 
• Craft: Pipili applique.

Punjab

Bhangra represents a major Punjabi folk dance tradition and reflects community celebration, rhythmic movement, regional identity and agricultural cultural associations. Famous Art Forms of Punjab include:

• Painting: Punjabi Phulkari. 
• Dance: Bhangra, Giddha. 
• Music: Punjabi folk music, Tappa. 
• Theatre: Nautanki. 
• Craft: Phulkari embroidery.

Rajasthan

Rajput painting traditions developed around courtly life, legends, festivals, nature, mythology and the distinctive cultural heritage of Rajputana. Famous Art Forms of Rajasthan include:

• Painting: Phad painting, Miniature painting. 
• Dance: Ghoomar, Kalbelia, Chari. 
• Music: Maand, Panihari songs. 
• Puppetry: Kathputli. 
• Theatre: Khyal. 
• Architecture: Rajput architecture. 
• Craft: Thewa, Blue Pottery.

Sikkim

Traditional Sikkimese cultural expression includes Buddhist artistic traditions, religious paintings, ritual objects, textiles, music and community performances. Famous Art Forms of Sikkim include:

• Painting: Thangka. 
• Dance: Cham, Maruni. 
• Music: Lepcha and Bhutia folk music. 
• Architecture: Buddhist monastery architecture. 
• Craft: Carpet weaving, traditional wood carving.

Tamil Nadu

Bharatanatyam is a major classical dance tradition, while Chola bronze sculpture and South Indian temple architecture represent major artistic achievements. Famous Art Forms of Tamil Nadu include:

• Painting: Tanjore painting. 
• Dance: Bharatanatyam, Karagattam. 
• Music: Carnatic music. 
• Theatre: Therukoothu. 
• Architecture: Chola and Dravidian temple architecture. 
• Sculpture: Chola bronze sculpture.

Telangana

Nakashi art and Cherial Scroll Painting represent traditional visual forms associated with storytelling, local legends, religious themes and community narratives. Famous Art Forms of Telangana include:

• Painting: Cherial Scroll Painting, Nakashi art. 
• Dance: Perini Shivatandavam, Lambadi dance. 
• Music: Oggu Katha musical tradition. 
• Theatre: Oggu Katha. 
• Craft: Bidriware, Pembarthi metal craft.

Tripura

Traditional Tripuri artistic practices include bamboo and cane work, weaving, folk music, dance, decorative crafts and indigenous community traditions. Famous Art Forms of Tripura include:

• Painting: Traditional tribal painting. 
• Dance: Hojagiri, Garia. 
• Music: Reang and Tripuri folk music. 
• Craft: Bamboo and cane craft, handloom weaving.

Uttar Pradesh

Kathak is strongly associated with northern India, while Ramlila represents an important traditional theatre form based on the Ramayana. Famous Art Forms of Uttar Pradesh include:

• Painting: Sanjhi art. 
• Dance: Kathak, Raslila. 
• Music: Hindustani classical music, Dadra. 
• Theatre: Ramlila, Nautanki. 
• Puppetry: Kathputli and glove puppet traditions. 
• Architecture: Mughal and Awadhi architecture.

Uttarakhand

Himalayan folk traditions include regional music, dance, painting, weaving, woodwork, ritual practices and community based cultural performances. Famous Art Forms of Uttarakhand include:

• Painting: Aipan. 
• Dance: Chholiya, Jhora. 
• Music: Jagar, Garhwali and Kumaoni folk music. 
• Theatre: Ramman. 
• Architecture: Traditional Himalayan temple architecture. 
• Craft: Ringaal bamboo craft.

West Bengal

Pattachitra traditions, Kalighat painting, Bengal School influences, folk theatre, music, literature and traditional crafts form major elements of West Bengal’s cultural heritage. Famous Art Forms of West Bengal include: 

• Painting: Kalighat painting, Pattachitra. 
• Dance: Chhau, Gambhira. 
• Music: Baul, Rabindra Sangeet. 
• Theatre: Jatra. 
• Puppetry: Putul Nach. 
• Architecture: Bengal temple architecture. 
• Craft: Kantha embroidery.