The Gonds are a prominent tribal community primarily found in Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, with smaller populations in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Odisha. They refer to themselves as Koi or Koitur, a term that means "unclear." As one of India's largest tribal groups, the Gonds have been significantly influenced by Hindu culture and traditions. They worship Janani as their mother goddess and also venerate Pharsa Pen, symbolised by a nail or a piece of iron chain.

Much like the Santhals, the Gonds believe that all elements of nature are inhabited by spirits that must be appeased through sacrifices. These rituals are conducted by a priest, known as a devari. Gond paintings, traditionally created on the walls of their homes, serve not only as decorative art but also as expressions of their religious beliefs and emotions. These artworks often depict themes from daily life, local festivals, deities, and the natural surroundings of the Gonds.

In recent times, Gond artists have transitioned to painting on paper and canvas, making their art more accessible to a wider audience. Their distinctive technique involves creating textures with intricate patterns of dots and lines, reminiscent of Australian Aboriginal art. This shared style, where brushes form dots or lines as fillers, gives Gond paintings a unique and universal appeal.