PATACHITRA PAINTING -
ART AND CULTURE
News: Naya’s women patuas are
preserving a traditional artform while also securing a livelihood &
identity
What's in the news?
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The pioneering female patachitra artists from the
village of Naya in West Bengal have embraced online platforms to market their
artwork, gaining global recognition and inspiring younger generations to
continue in the profession.
Patachitra Painting:
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Patachitra, also known as Pattachitra, refers to traditional scroll paintings found in
Odisha and West Bengal.
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Its origins can be traced back as early as the 12th century.
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In Sanskrit, "Patta" signifies
"cloth," and "Chitra" denotes "picture."
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Characteristics:
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Renowned for its intricate details, Patachitra paintings often depict mythological narratives and folktales.
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Hindu deities frequently feature in these artworks.
Cultural Significance:
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Initially crafted for ritual use and as keepsakes
for pilgrims visiting Puri and other Odisha temples.
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In Bengal, Patachitras were utilized as visual aids
during musical performances.
Process of Making:
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Patachitra paintings are created on a special
canvas composed of cotton sarees coated
with tamarind paste and clay powder.
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Both cotton and silk canvases are now used.
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Artists fill colors directly onto the canvas
without preliminary sketches, starting with the borders.
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Natural sources like lamp soot and powdered conch
shells provide the pigments.
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The creation of a single painting may take weeks or
even months to complete.
Popular Themes:
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The Badhia (a depiction of the temple of
Jagannath).
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Different “Vesas” of Shri Jagannath, Balabhadra and
Subhadra.
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Krishna Lila (an enactment of Jagannath as Lord
Krishna displaying his powers as a child).
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Dasabatara Patti (the ten incarnations of Lord
Vishnu).
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Panchamukhi (a depiction of Lord Ganesh as a
five-headed deity).