Patangarh, a village of around 300 households in Madhya Pradesh's Dindori district, has emerged as an internationally recognised centre of Gond painting, with the traditional tribal art form now sustaining multiple families and earning a coveted Geographical Indication (GI) tag. Located in the Karanjia development block of eastern Madhya Pradesh, the village is the birthplace of the late Jangarh Singh Shyam, the pioneering Gond artist whose work first drew the world's attention to this ancient tradition.

The Legacy of Jangarh Singh Shyam

It was renowned art critic and painter J. Swaminathan who first recognised Jangarh Singh Shyam's extraordinary talent, helping give Gond painting a distinct and celebrated identity on the national art circuit. Though Shyam died young, his legacy endures through a generation of artists from Patangarh and surrounding villages who have carried his vision forward. The village, predominantly inhabited by the Gond community and its sub-groups, has since evolved into a thriving hub of practising artists pushing traditional painting beyond regional boundaries.

GI Tag and Global Recognition

Gond painting's newly awarded GI tag has strengthened its identity in both national and international art markets, lending it legal protection and commercial credibility. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has further amplified its global profile by gifting Gond paintings to distinguished personalities and foreign dignitaries, introducing the art form to audiences far beyond Madhya Pradesh. According to a state government statement issued on Thursday, 12 November 2026, this diplomatic visibility has significantly boosted awareness of the tribal community's artistic heritage.

Atmaram Shyam: Carrying the Tradition Forward

Among the younger artists carrying this tradition is Atmaram Shyam, a Gond painter from Sunpuri village near Patangarh, who has been based in Bhopal for around seven years. A postgraduate in fine arts, Atmaram's works depict the culture, folklore, festivals, wildlife, and natural surroundings of the Gond community. 'Painting is not merely about creating artworks; it is also a way of taking our culture and traditions forward to future generations,' he said.

Atmaram has participated in several national and international exhibitions and received a Gold Award in 2022 and an international art award in 2021. His paintings drew appreciation from foreign delegates — including representatives from the United States — at the BRICS summit in Indore, where some of his works were purchased. One of his paintings was also presented to the Consulate General of India in Australia.

Taking Art Education to Rural Communities

Beyond his own practice, Atmaram has taken up the responsibility of mentoring the next generation. He conducts workshops for college students and recently organised a series of art workshops in Dindori to encourage local children and youth to explore their creative potential. 'Art education should not remain confined to big cities and institutions. It should reach young people in rural and tribal areas so that they can develop their creativity and explore opportunities in art entrepreneurship,' he said.

Government Support and Livelihood Impact

The Madhya Pradesh government has been actively encouraging tribal artists and promoting traditional art forms as a means of both cultural preservation and livelihood creation. Several families in and around Patangarh are now earning their primary income through Gond artwork, demonstrating how a centuries-old art form can be a viable economic engine for rural tribal communities. With the GI tag in place and growing diplomatic exposure, Patangarh's story signals a broader model for sustainable cultural entrepreneurship in India's heartland.