Reimagining Childhood of Hanumanji with Gond and Madhubani Art Styles

This post explores how AI can bring Indian folk art to life—specifically by generating images of baby Hanuman reaching for the sun in Gond and Madhubani styles using StarryAI and ChatGPT. This experiment bridges tradition with modern tools, making epic storytelling more visually accessible.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Tradition Meets Technology

In the vibrant universe of Indian mythology, one tale stands out in its sheer wonder: the young Hanuman trying to eat the sun, mistaking it for a ripe fruit. This delightful episode has inspired painters, sculptors, and poets for centuries. Today, we reimagine this tale using AI image generation, merging India’s folk traditions like Gond and Madhubani art with modern tools like StarryAI and ChatGPT’s image-to-image model.

Background for image: This project was inspired by a post on Twitter/X by a user sharing a concept sketch of Hanumanji attempting to grasp the sun.

The Concept: Hanumanji and the Sun

We started with a simple visual idea:

“A picture of young Hanumanji leaping skyward to grasp the sun, mistaking it for a mango—rendered in Gond art with natural, earthy tones, mimicking the texture of thread and hand-woven fabric.”

This concept combines two powerful elements: a deeply rooted narrative from Indian epics, and a visual art style native to tribal India.

Tools Used: AI Meets Folk Imagination

1. StarryAI (Style: Ghibli, Luna Flux)

We used StarryAI to generate a Madhubani-style variation of the scene. The Ghibli-style softness and the Luna Flux palette gave it a dreamy texture while respecting the geometric precision and natural motifs of Madhubani art.

2. ChatGPT (Image-to-Image, Custom Prompting)

The image-to-image mode helped us enhance the prompt further. Using a reference image, we guided ChatGPT to emulate the Gond tradition—marked by dot patterns, stylised animals, and mythic vibrancy. The AI interpreted Hanuman’s childlike form, thread-like textures, and a glowing sun that looked temptingly edible.

Outcome: A Tale Retold Through Patterns and Pixels

🎨 Gond Variation

Visual Texture: Painted threads and fabric-like layering.
Colours: Bright yet earthy—ochre, forest green, brick red.
Design: Flowing patterns resembling vines and solar waves.

🖼️ Madhubani Variation

Style: Flat, symmetrical compositions.
Elements: Hanuman surrounded by floral borders and celestial animals.
Colours: Bright primaries with rich black outlines, true to Mithila tradition.

Why AI + Indian Folk Art Works

This fusion allows:

Preservation through innovation: AI offers new ways to engage younger audiences with timeless tales.
Democratisation of creativity: Anyone can now create intricate traditional-style visuals without formal training.
Custom storytelling: We can now tailor art to narratives—regional stories can be visualised in local art forms.

Next Steps: Experiment & Share

Want to try your own blend of mythology and folk art?

Use platforms like StarryAI, Leonardo.AI or Artbreeder.
Start with a story or character.
Specify Indian folk styles like Kalamkari, Warli, Pattachitra, etc.
Add texture terms: “thread-like,” “woven,” “natural dyes.”
Use ChatGPT to refine your prompts or style-match from a reference image.

Links and References

Summary

🗒️ English

🗒️ हिन्दी में

इस लेख में हमने बताया कि कैसे AI की मदद से हम पारंपरिक भारतीय कला जैसे गोंड और मधुबनी शैलियों में बाल हनुमान की सूर्य को फल समझकर पकड़ने की कथा को नया रूप दे सकते हैं। StarryAI और ChatGPT के उपयोग से हमने इस पौराणिक दृश्य को आधुनिक कला में ढाला।