Nirmal, a tribal town in Adilabad is a world famous center for oil paintings. Nirmal Painting is a traditional art form, which is named after Nirmal town where it is originated. The origin of the Nirmal craft can be traced back to the 'Kakatiya' dynasty. This form of lacquered woodwork has remained a fascination through the ages and is today made in both places-Hyderabad and Nirmal. The motifs used are floral designs, frescoes from Ajanta and Ellora and Mughal miniatures.
Nirmal painting was started 400 years back in Nirmal where artisan painted these beautiful painting on wood furniture and fort walls. Later, this craft is patronized by Nizam of Hyderabad. King brought few artisans from Nirmal and established the craft in Hyderabad.
The Nakkash are a community of painters residing in Andhra town of Nirmal. For centuries, artists have been making colorful Nirmal paintings on canvas. The themes of the Nirmal paintings are derived from the Indian epics, mythology and nature. The influence of Mughal miniature paintings is found in the Nirmal Paintings.