Tikuli Art: A Unique Heritage of Bihar
Tikuli art is a remarkable and unique traditional art form rooted in Bihar, India, with a profound history spanning over 800 years. The term “Tikuli” refers to a “Bindi” or a decorative dot that women traditionally wear on their foreheads, between the eyebrows. Originally, the bindi symbolized intellect, modesty, and devotion. Patna, Bihar’s capital, is the birthplace of Tikuli art, which flourished under the patronage of the Mughal era, marking it as a cherished cultural gem distinct to Bihar.
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The crafting of Tikuli art is an intricate and labor-intensive process. In the past, Tikuli were crafted by melting glass in a furnace to create a delicate, balloon-like shape, which was then cut into small pieces using special tools. Gold foil was applied, and skilled artisans used pointed bamboo tools to etch intricate designs of flowers, leaves, and deities, later painting them with vibrant colors. A final coating of acacia glue and polishing gave each piece a glossy finish. Three artisans were involved in producing a Tikuli: one to shape the glass, another to apply gold work, and a third to paint detailed designs. This meticulous process could take seven to ten days for a single piece, symbolizing the skill and dedication of the artists.
Historically, Tikuli art was reserved for royalty and high-born women, cherished as prized possessions. Over time, however, Tikuli art evolved to meet modern tastes. Fused with elements of Madhubani painting, it has expanded to decorative items like wall plates, coasters, table mats, trays, and pen stands. This fusion has enhanced the appeal of Tikuli art and contributed to its economic value, offering artists new creative possibilities.
A significant development in Tikuli art came with the introduction of hardboards. Initially, Tikuli pieces were painted on wood, but transporting these was challenging. Ashok Biswas, an artist, pioneered the use of hardboards, which became a favored medium for Tikuli art. Recently, Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) has also gained popularity for creating these intricate artworks. Artists cut the hardboard or MDF into desired shapes, apply enamel paint, and meticulously sand and polish it to achieve a smooth surface before adding detailed designs with fine 000-size brushes. This precision work, using ultra-thin lines, creates a captivating effect and gives each piece a lifelike quality.
Modern Tikuli art reflects strong influences from Mithila painting, leading some to mistakenly assume they are the same. However, there are notable differences. Mithila art is typically done on paper or cloth, while Tikuli art is executed on hardboard or MDF, making it more durable and waterproof. Mithila paintings tend to be larger and focus on religious themes, while Tikuli art embraces both religious and daily life themes, often depicting common people in vivid, miniature forms.
In preserving this traditional art, Bihar has retained a piece of its rich cultural heritage, adapting Tikuli art to contemporary demands while celebrating its origins. Tikuli continues to enchant art lovers and collectors with its beauty, attention to detail, and historical significance.