Geometrical patterns as work of folk art in Haryana
-a sub regional study

Ranbir Singh

Patterns created in geometrical forms that became part of the folklore of the village communities settled long ago in various sub-regions of modern Haryana –a north Indian State of India, survived only because they became essential to observance of rituals. The latter were intimately associated with the Sămskārās and observance of festivals during which the deities were invoked. The Sămskārās were primarily associated with the life of a human being that began at the time of birth and lasted until death. In respect of the latter it was associated with seasons and festivals. The geometrical forms later manifest itself into various improved and novel patterns on cloth as costume and decorative or protective apparel as well as architecture. The vestige of the most popular forms of geometrical patterns in circular, linear, triangular, square, rectangular
and more complex forms such as 10-fold rosette have survived until this day as cultural heritage of the rural folks of the above noted subregion.