BULDHANA

"Bhil art" is a designation that is used to refer to the artistic traditions of the Bhil community. The Bhils are one of the largest indigenous communities in India, who primarily reside along the borders of Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra. The community holds immense significance in Buldhana, and it is believed that the district’s name originates from ‘Bhil Thana,’ meaning ‘the abode of the Bhils.’

The Bhils are a closely knit community, and art plays a fundamental role in their culture. Music, dance, and painting are deeply woven into their traditions, serving as a means of celebration, storytelling, and emotional expression. Their artwork is rich in symbolism and deeply connected to nature, reflecting their heritage and way of life.

Bhil paintings possess a distinct visual language that sets them apart from others. They can perhaps be easily identified by the use of multi-hued dots arranged in rhythmic patterns of uniform sizes. This technique is associated with various traditional Bhil art forms, including Pithora Painting, Gatlas, and Kothi Relief Work. These works are created by badwas (Bhil priests) or specially designated male members of the community.

The craft of murti making is a long-standing tradition. Its process, which involves the creation of cultural and religious iconography through materials such as clay, stone, wood, or metal, follows established techniques and aesthetic principles that have been passed down through generations. Many of these murtis display intricate craftsmanship, with some reaching colossal proportions, resembling monumental statues. Buldhana is home to several remarkable murtis and sculptures.

Located in Mehkar tehsil within the Ajanta mountain range, the Sharangadhar Balaji Mandir is believed to be over 120 years old. The mandir houses what is said to be the largest sculpture of Shri Balaji in Asia, which was carved from a single block of black stone. 

Historical records indicate that this 15 ft. long and 2½ ft. wide murti was discovered in a wooden casket on December 7, 1888. Alongside it were a smaller murti and a copper plate inscribed with historical details. These documents, written on copper, were found alongside the sculpture and are now preserved in the British Museum, England. The presence of such archival material adds historical depth to the sculpture, in many ways, linking it to a broader cultural and artistic heritage of the region.

Anjaneya Murti is a 205 ft. tall Hanuman statue which is the main tourist attraction in the town of Nandura. It is a stunning structure made completely out of white marble and stands on National Highway 6. The murti has been mentioned in the Limca Book of World Records and has witnessed many programs on the occasion of Hanuman Jayanti, one of which was placing a garland of flowers weighing up to 5 quintals.

The Sheshshayi Vishnu is a detailed sculptural panel measuring 1.70 meters in length and 1 meter in height. It is distinctive for being carved from chlorite schist, a relatively softer stone that was commonly used during the reign of the Hoysala Empire (ruled from 1006 to about 1346 CE) in South India. Unlike the basalt stone typically found in the Marathwada region, this material allowed for more intricate detailing, as noted by iconography expert Saili Palande-Datar. The presence of such a sculpture in Buldhana perhaps points to a fascinating story that is yet to be unravelled.

This panel was discovered on June 20, 2024, during conservation work at Lakhuji Jadhav’s (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s grandfather) Chhatri in the town of Sinkhed Raja by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI). The panel features Vishnu reclining on Shesha Naga, with Devi Lakshmi massaging his feet; the intricate carving around them depicts the scene of the Samudra Manthan, showcasing jewels like Ashwa, Airavat, and the Dashavatara.

Lomesh Bodhankar is an Indian artist known for his expertise in three-dimensional art, murals, and sculptures. Born into a farming family in Buldhana, he is the youngest of four siblings, with an elder brother and two sisters. From an early age, he displayed a strong passion for drawing, particularly sketches of Indian devtas and devis. His talent led to opportunities to decorate homes in his village for festivals and special occasions such as weddings.

Bodhankar pursued formal art education at the Babasaheb Naik College of Arts in Khamgaon, located in his home district. He completed a general diploma in Art before obtaining a diploma in education. Over time, Bodhankar transitioned from traditional artistic mediums such as canvas and oil painting to exploring fiber, acrylic, and three-dimensional art forms. Through continuous experimentation and innovation, he has gained recognition as a leading figure in 3D art, encompassing painting, murals, and sculptures. His distinct style blends traditional folk art elements and spiritual symbolism with modern artistic techniques. 

Bodhankar has actively participated in art competitions at both local and national levels, earning several accolades, including a gold medal from the Hyderabad Art Society in 2000. He has also curated solo and group exhibitions, gaining recognition as an emerging artist while successfully establishing a professional career in the field.