The Gonds are a tribal community widely spread over Madhya Pradesh, Chattisgarh, and also some parts of Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa. Gonds call themselves Koi or Koitur, which means unclear. They are one of the largest tribes of India.

Gonds have been greatly influenced by the culture and traditions of the Hindus. They are worshippers of Janani. Like the Santhals, the Gonds believe that everything in nature is inhabited by spirits and they need to be appeased with sacrifices. Gond paintings are created on the walls of their dwellings and besides being decorative, they are expressions of their religious beliefs and sentiments. The themes are closely linked with their daily lives, and depict their local festivals and Gods, as well as objects and creatures present around them. However, they have now started painting on paper and canvas as well.