Vol. 11, Issue 3, Part A (2025)

Abstract
India is home to thousands of distinct cultures, many of which are represented through various forms of art and craft, particularly in rural areas where livelihoods often depend on these traditions. Rajasthan, located in northwestern India, is renowned for its artistic expressions, including printings, dyeing, embroidery, and painting. This study focuses on Mandana painting, a traditional folk and tribal art primarily practiced by women of the Meena community, which has historically been applied to walls and floors but is now being adapted to other mediums such as canvas and paper. The objective of this research was to document the history, origin, and processes of Mandana painting, including motifs and their cultural significance, and to explore surface ornamentation techniques for product development to enhance the popularity of this art form. A descriptive research design was implemented, with data collected through personal interviews and observations across six villages in the Sawaimadhopur district of Rajasthan. Findings indicate that Meena women create intricate decorative motifs using a paste made from white khadi and gerru to adorn their homes. To transition this craft onto textiles, four different application techniques were explored. The design development retained the original motifs and colors of Mandana painting. Layouts for textile products were created and subsequently printed on fabric using a discharge screen printing technique. Evaluation of these products revealed their uniqueness, cost-effectiveness, and appealing aesthetics, suggesting that they could successfully contribute to the identity of Mandana painting through a new range of motifs and designs tailored for the consumer market.