Tikuli Art
Tikuli is an ancient art form originating from Patna, Bihar, and which produced beautiful ‘bindis’ made from melted glass and gold foil. It is believed to have been in existence since the Mauryan Empire. Tikuli acquired widespread popularity and patronage, especially during the reign of the Mughal Empire where royal ladies and noblewomen from as far as Punjab and Maharashtra endorsed the same and even brought new trends with their fashion choices.
The art has since gone to near extinction and had to be coaxed back to life by few determined individuals. The art form has thus evolved into a form of painting done mainly on hardboards, inspired by the paintings done on wood in Japan, further characterized by its use of enamel paints, black background and intricate illustrations.