Nakashi Art Tradition నకాశీ చిత్రకళ

Nakashi Art

The Nakashi (Naqash) community are hereditary painters of Telangana, associated primarily with Cheriyal scroll painting and Warangal's narrative painting tradition.

Origins

The Nakashi artisans (Kinnera Nakashi community) trace their tradition to the courts of the Kakatiya and Golconda rulers. They served as visual storytellers, carrying painted scrolls and performing narrative songs for audiences — a precursor to cinema.

Contemporary Practice

Today's Nakashi artists work both in the traditional scroll format and in contemporary adaptations on canvas, paper, and fabric. The Telangana government has promoted Cheriyal art through Kala Bharathi (Hyderabad) and state awards.