From The Backcover Of 'A Phulkari From Bhatinda' By Harjeet Singh Gill

FOLK ART OF THE PUNJAB presents a variety of artistic creations which conform to the collective consciousness of our young artists of a continuous heritage of innumerable centuries that has not always left its mark on the paradigmatic line of history. With the most elementary materials of cotton and clay our young girls prepared their "dowry" and contributed to the aesthetic sensibility of their surroundings. It is obvious from the extreme sophistication of form across a coherent system of content oriented transformations that these girls were not just playing with "dolls"

The plates in black and white and colour are preceded by translations from Guru Nanak (1469-1538). Guru Gobind Singh (1668-1708), Waris Shah (1710-1799). Shah Mohammad (1789-1862) and an essay on the art and philosophy of COURAGE, VOLUPTUOUS CELEBRATION and DEMYTHOLOGISING INCISION

“No better inauguration of the Institute of Punjabi Culture could be thought of than what has already been done by the publication of an-excellent. profusely Illustrated monograph on the Folk Art of the Punjab by my young friend. Professor Herjeet Singh Gill Professor Gill's introductory essay is an admirable exercise in the presentation,  in scholastic, intellectual and abstract terms, of the conceptual and philosophical background of the folk art and literature of the Punjab, his selection of the objects of art and craft has also been very sensitive and judicious, but more, very knowledgeable and imaginative at the same time. For any academic institution this publication is a matter of pride.”

NIHARRANJAN RAY