“I learned the art of Cheriyal scroll paintings from my grandfather and father. My father, Danalakota Chandrayya, who used to create scroll paintings, masks, and toys, encouraged me to pursue this beautiful craft. My grandfather, Danalakota Venkataramayya, who was born in Vemulawada but later moved to Cheriyal, was a key figure in passing down this tradition. When he was 72, he suffered from paralysis, leaving many of his works half-finished. He taught my father everything he knew, allowing him to carry forward this rich legacy despite being in the tailoring business at the time.
In 1975, after my grandfather passed away, my father became deeply involved in the development of Cheriyal paintings. In 1978, the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts reached out to us, helping us showcase Telangana’s art and culture to a global audience through exhibitions and workshops. This recognition brought new life to our work, and in 1983, my father received the National Award from President Giani Zail Singh for his incredible painting of the Mahabharata. My father, alongside his younger brother, Danalakota Vaikuntam garu, played a key role in ensuring that Cheriyal paintings became world-renowned.
While pursuing my higher education, I remained dedicated to this craft. As a family, we worked on several prominent projects, creating paintings that narrated stories from the Markandeya Puranam, Mahabharata, Ramayana , Katamula Katha, as well as depicting several other stories from different communities and mythologies. However, with the advent of television in 2000, interest in our art declined during 2000 -2012. Fortunately, after the formation of Telangana in 2014 brought renewed attention to our work. Conducting a workshop at the Salar Jung Museum was a significant moment for me, as it gave me an opportunity to train students from Sri Venkateswara College and connect with people like Vani Madam, the daughter of former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao.
In 2016, the Telangana state honored us with a State Award for our contribution to this traditional art form.
My wife and I, along with a neighbor, are continuing to preserve Cheriyal scroll painting. A particularly proud moment for us was when the Secunderabad Railway Station beautification project came our way. The Railway DRM approached us in 2017, and by 2018, we had completed Cheriyal paintings on platforms 1 and 10. Today, corporate gifting orders have also given us a new avenue to showcase our art.
Despite pursuing higher studies and family responsibilities, I remain dedicated to this art form. My wife and I are constantly working on new projects, conducting workshops across India—in Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai. We’ve received recognition from the government at both state and national levels, and we hope for continued support to sustain this art and pass it on to future generations.
Cheriyal scroll painting isn’t just about art; it’s about storytelling and preserving our cultural heritage. This is the legacy I inherited, and I will continue to ensure its survival for years to come.”
- Pavan Nakash, Nakashi artist