Warli, a tribal community existing since a long time in the Thane district of north Maharashtra, have a significant contribution to the heritage of Indian tribal art. Like all other remote tribes living close to nature and away from the urban mechanism, Warlis are the cultivators predominantly. The art form that the world knows today by the name of this tribe appeared simply a way of decorating their home. However, when one goes a little deep into their legends, the great significance of these paintings comes into light. Initially their expression was limited to the mother-goddess and nature. In all their earlier paintings, the Gods and Goddesses associated with the different aspects of the nature were described finely on walls with white rice paste.

The region known as Warli is situated in Thane a district in the north of Maharashtra. The people of this region and their art are both known as Warli. The whole tribe paints, as it is a vital part of their day-to-day living. The artists are not a separate segment of the tribe but are mingled among them. Done by both men and women, these art works show their dedication to the nature and the superpower. The people of this region are cultivators by profession. Moreover, they all work under the rich moneylenders of the region. This situation is also associated with a legend of the Warlis. It is said that when the first seed of grain was in her way to the earth, it took the form of an old woman. When she reached Warli, she asked its people for a shelter to spend the night. All the peasants refused while the moneylender gave her shelter. It is because of her curse that today the moneylenders are ruling and the Warlis are suffering for the fault of their ancestors.

The themes chosen by the artists are predominantly from nature. Harvest is one of the major themes on which they elaborate to the maximum. The field swaying with healthy crops, the birds flying in the sky, the rats attacking the stored grains, people dancing, women cooking or busy in their other house chores, children playing, a healthy village scene all are the active themes of a Warli painting. One theme now very much elaborated on is the typical and traditional wall painting of the nuptial chamber of a couple in their wedding. It is a square structure with the figure of the fertility goddess Palghat sitting inside with various objects related to a married woman.