“Long before television and other forms of entertainment reached villages, stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and local folklore were narrated through songs and performances. Travelling storytellers carried painted scrolls with them, unrolling them as they narrated each episode. Our ancestors were among the artisans who created these scrolls.

Our family comes from Cheriyal, a historic town in Telangana known for this distinctive art form. We have grown up practising Cheriyal scroll painting as our profession. Though we are now based in Hyderabad, our work remains closely connected to the traditions of our hometown.

Apart from scrolls, our community of artists is also known for making traditional Cheriyal masks. These represent characters from mythology and regional folklore and are used in folk performances such as Bhagavatham and other forms of village theatre.

Making these masks involves a traditional process. We use tamarind seed paste, sawdust, cloth and natural adhesives to shape them by hand before painting them in vivid colours characteristic of Telangana’s visual traditions.

Our father, Dhanalakota Vaikuntam garu, is a master craftsman and a National Awardee from Telangana. Our mother and brother are also part of this practice. Today, only a handful of families continue this centuries-old craft, and we consider it our responsibility to carry it forward.

Our subjects range from mythology and folklore to stories of different communities and scenes from everyday life. Whether through scrolls or masks, we try to preserve the stories, traditions and cultural identity of Telangana through our work.

Through exhibitions and collaborations across the world, we have been able to introduce Cheriyal scrolls and masks to wider audiences. We hope to take this art to more people and younger generations, ensuring that the tradition continues to evolve without losing the identity that makes it unique.”

— Dhanalakota Rakesh & Dhanalakota Vinay, Cheriyal Nakashi Artisans