Ink Of The Ancients: 5 Artists Reviving India’s Tattoo Traditions

While tattoos may be synonymous with modern subcultures today, in India, they carry a legacy that spans centuries. In certain societies, getting tattooed is not a fashion statement. It is rather, a culture, an identity, a discipline to live by. Artists across India are bridging the gap between ancient traditions and modern practices, breathing new life into indigenous tattoo art that has long been marginalised by colonial forces. Here are five that are democratising India’s tattoo heritage, making it accessible to a new generation. They remind us that tattoos are a powerful connection to our roots; a way to carry our stories on our skin, wherever we go.

Mumbai-based Shomil Shah’s (@shlo_poke)  journey began with a fascination for the tattoos of his great-grandmother from Kutch, Gujarat. These tattoos of the Mer and Rabari tribes of Gujarat and Rajasthan, known as Trajva, were used as a form of permanent jewelry for those who couldn’t afford any. Ornamental in essence and minimalistic in design, Shah’s Trajva are dot-and-line motifs inspired by all things cosmological and Earth-bound. 

Shah’s work is not just about preserving the aesthetics of traditional tattoos but also about acknowledging the cultural context from which they arise. Through his project, the India Ink Archive, he documents and shares stories of traditional and indigenous tattoos from around the subcontinent while encouraging others to explore and replicate these motifs.

You can check out their work here.

Utsavi Jhaveri (@border.line.tattoos) is on a mission to revive and reinterpret India’s traditional tattoo practices. Jhaveri’s tattoos often resemble jewelry, with delicate dot and line work that pays homage to ancient designs. She incorporates elements from textile patterns, bindi designs, and Dori compositions, bringing back to life practices that were nearly lost to colonialism. For Jhaveri, tattoos are not just art; they are a form of storytelling; a way to connect with the past and carry it into the future.

In addition to her tattooing, she runs India Street Tattoos, an Instagram account dedicated to documenting the sidelined world of street tattooing. Through this platform, she explores the caste and class dynamics that influence the tattoo landscape, highlighting the incredible artistry of street tattoo artists who are frequently marginalized. Her zine 'Gali ki Sher' showcases the designs and stories of these artists. 

You can check out their work here.

Miriam (@woodblocktattoo) brings the traditional craft of block printing into tattooing at her studio in Jaipur. Her work combines contemporary designs rooted in tradition and symbolism and utilizes the hand poke technique. She repurposes traditional textile blocks, hand-carved in India, as stencils for tattooing. With bold lines and rich textures that evoke a sense of timeliness, her work is intricate, yet minimal. Each piece she creates is a meticulous exploration of form and detail, where the precision of woodblock printing meets the fluidity of skin.

Despite being an outsider to Indian culture, Miriam approaches her work with a deep respect for the traditions and customs that inspire her. She is mindful of the cultural significance behind the designs she incorporates, striving to honour their origins, rather than simply adopting them. By thoroughly researching the history and meaning of the motifs she uses, and by engaging in thoughtful dialogue with those who are part of these traditions, she ensures that her work remains authentic.

You can check out their work here.

Arjel Amit (@bluebloodtreetattoo) has spent years learning the craft and significance of Gond tribal tattoos. Amit’s work is heavily inspired by nature and the harmony it represents. He crafts his own wooden ‘godhana yantra', a traditional tool for tattooing. His designs are dense and elaborate, drawing from the rich symbolism of Gond art and other tribal traditions.

For him, it’s about more than just recreating traditional designs — it’s about truly connecting with the cultures behind them. He knows these tattoos carry deep significance for his community, and as an artist, he strives to reflect that authenticity in his work, rather than merely commercialising their art.

You can check out their work here.

Mo Naga, a Manipur-based artist, has dedicated his career to preserving the tattoo traditions of the Naga tribes. His work goes beyond mere replication. Mo Naga’s neo-Naga tattoos are a blend of traditional styles with modern interpretations, ensuring that this ancient art form continues to thrive. His Godhna Gram project in Manipur is an ambitious effort to create a physical space where tribal art and design culture can be preserved and celebrated.

He is wary of the ways in which indigenous tattoo designs can be commodified by outsiders, turning sacred symbols into trendy fashion statements. By creating a space where these traditions can be practiced and passed down, Mo Naga is working to ensure that the benefits of this resurgence go to the people who actually own these art forms.

You can check out their work here.

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