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What kinds of folk art are associated with India and Pakistan?

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Watch and hear a person playing the mridangam drum of the Carnatic music tradition — South Asian arts The *mridangam*, the principal drum of the Carnatic music tradition.

Folk art in India and Pakistan is deeply rooted in local customs, traditions, and regional identities, often blurring the lines between tribal, provincial, and sophisticated cultural expressions.12

Folk Art in India

Indian folk art is characterized by its immense variety and skill. Notable forms include:1
* Visual and Decorative Arts: These include toys (such as fertility-related mother-and-child figures), masks, and papier-mâché works like votive figures and dancing dolls.1
* Symbolic Painting: Houses in poorer communities often feature symbolic motifs painted on their walls, reflecting local beliefs.1
* Sculpture: Southern India is particularly noted for its production of small religious and secular sculptures created in a distinct folk style.1
* Tribal Traditions: Distinctive tribal arts are found in various regions, such as those in Assam.1

Folk Art in Pakistan

Folk art in Pakistan is highly regional, reflecting the diverse geography and cultural heritage of the country:1
* Crafts and Ornamentation: Notable examples include fine house carving and ceremonial fans from Swat, as well as silver ornaments from Gilgit.1
* Regional Objects: The arid regions of Balochistan are known for their unique tombstones and matrimonial objects.1

While these traditions are distinct, they are part of a broader South Asian cultural landscape where folk and elite arts have historically shared common elements.3