Cheriyal Scroll Gets a Makeover for Survival

The famous centuries-old Cheriyal scroll painting tradition is taking a new shape and form to adapt to changing preferences and appeal to modern connoisseurs of visual arts in the country and the world over.

Speaking to Deccan Chronicle, Hyderabad-based Cheriyal artist Madhu Merugoju said he has been working to keep the art alive by creating paintings on ceramic plates, wooden items, and canvas to use as decorative items and gift pieces.

Although demand has declined, he has been preserving the 50-100-year-old scrolls, which he displays only on special occasions.

Until about two decades ago, a single Cheriyal scroll, often spanning 60 to 70 feet in length, travelled from village to village across Telangana, disseminating mythological knowledge and social awareness among people. These massive paintings are preserved by being rolled up like a mat and hence they are referred to as scroll paintings.

Ceramic-based paintings, he said, have gained wide recognition worldwide and are being presented to foreign delegates at events. "A few years ago, even villagers had limited knowledge about it, and very few families around seven are currently in it," he said.

The art form traces its roots to the 16th century, when the artists from Rajasthan migrated to Telangana for work. Over time, the scroll paintings came to be known by the village name — Cheriyal. These paintings, Madhu said, are considered similar to Rajasthan Phad painting. They are traditionally made on khadi cloth. The canvas is prepared using a mix of rice starch, tamarind seed paste, tree gum, and clay.

For the last 20 years, Cheriyal scroll artists have also been involved in painting community-based stories related to agriculture, carpentry and local traditions. Paintings depicting festivals such as Bathukamma and Bonalu are also being created with the changing times. "We are also providing the training to interested people, but it requires dedication," he said.

According to artists, there is a need to create awareness of scroll paintings among people via workshops and social media. They urged the government to promote the art better by extending opportunities and displaying scroll paintings in public places.