Pattachitra, a captivating art form, originated from the picturesque eastern regions of India, namely Odisha and West Bengal. This ancient fabric based scroll painting technique is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail. The name itself is derived from the Sanskrit words “Patta,” meaning “cloth” or “canvas,” and “Chitra,” meaning “picture.” Pattachitra paintings are a visual storytelling tradition depicting Hindu mythological tales, episodes from Ramayana and Mahabharata, folk tales, stories of Lord Krishna, and social themes. The art form is said to have emerged between the period of 5th century BC and the 12th Century AD with sources saying that 12th century being a key period for its development.
HISTORY
The history of this exquisite art form is deeply intertwined with religious practices and temple culture. It is widely believed to be associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri. In Odisha, there exists a legend that suggests the paintings were initially created as a replacement for the wooden idols of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra during their 15-day Anasara (seclusion period) following the Snana Yatra (annual ritual bath). During this time, the deities are kept from public view. Pattachitra paintings of the deities were originally created and worshipped as a substitute.
In West Bengal, Pattachitra art emerged as a narrative art form. Artists, known as Patuas or Chitrakars, travelled from village to village, unrolling lengthy scrolls that were either horizontal or vertical (Jodana chitra). While unrolling, they would recite the stories depicted in the paintings (Pater Gaan). The themes portrayed in the paintings were predominantly related to Goddess Durga, local folklore, and social concerns. Pattachitra paintings, historically, were used as a visual device by traditional artists to narrate tales from Hindu epics Ramayana and Mahabharata.
The inspiration for these paintings derived from the architectural marvels of temples in Odisha, as well as from the narratives of Hindu deities, epic tales, and Puranas. Among these, the stories of Lord Krishna, Lord Shiva, Goddess Parvati, and Goddess Durga held a particular allure.
TECHNIQUES AND STYLES:
Pattachitra art is renowned for its meticulous attention to detail, vibrant and natural colours, and bold lines. The creation of a Pattachitra painting is a demanding and multi-step process that necessitates substantial effort from the artists. The initial step involves the preparation of the canvas (patta). This is achieved by adhering two layers of cotton cloth together using a natural gum derived from crushed tamarind seeds. Subsequently, the cloth is coated with a mixture of chalk powder and the same gum, which is then dried in the sun and polished with a smooth stone and shell until it achieves a smooth, durable, and leathery finish.
Pattachitra artists primarily use natural colours derived from plants, minerals and other organic sources for example the colour white was created from crushed conch shells, red was sourced from the mineral Hingula (cinnabar stone), black was made from soot (lampblack) from a burning wick, blue was derived from Khandaneela stone. The artists used brushes made from fine bamboo sticks wrapped in cotton to paint or brushes were also crafted from hair of animals like squirrels and mice.
Artists commence the painting by delineating the initial outline, known as Rekhachitra, directly using a brush. Subsequently, colours (Bharani) are employed to fill in the painting, starting with lighter hues and progressing to darker ones. A distinctive feature of these paintings are the ornate borders framing the central composition. The borders are made with intricate designs with repetitive geometric patterns that complement the main theme of the painting. Once all the intricate details have been incorporated, a lacquer coating derived from the resin of the Kaitha (wood apple) tree is applied to the painting. This lacquer imparts a glossy finish and safeguards the artwork for preservation.
Pattachitra paintings are two dimensional and all incidents are shown in close juxtaposition, lacking landscapes elements so the viewer’s attention is solely on the narrative and characters. The figures in the paintings are always painted in profile with elongated , almond shaped eyes, pointed nose and rounded facial structures which is a style reminiscent of ancient Indian murals and palm leaf manuscripts.
The themes of the paintings are exclusively religious drawing inspiration from Hindu Puranas and Epics. Most common subject matter found in these paintings are Lord Jagannath, Krishna Leela, Dasavatara (ten incarnations) of Lord Vishnu and stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata and local folklore. This makes Pattachitra art from a powerful tool for cultural expression and preservation.
LEGACY :
Pattachitra, not only an art form but also a medium of storytelling, has been passed down through generations, often as a family craft in hereditary artisan villages especially in Odisha and West Bengal. This practice has ensured the relevance of this beautiful and culturally significant art form in the present day. While the core tradition and value of the art remains intact, the art form has evolved to meet modern sensibilities and resources as its original form and subject matter has shifted to accommodate the modern times. Earlier paintings were only made for devotional worship and culturally significant figures. Modern Pattachitra incorporates various contemporary issues and social messages along with scenes of festivals and depictions of rural settings.
Pattachitra art form has also modernised by expanding its applications beyond traditional scrolls .The intricate designs and themes of Pattachitra art have expanded and are widely used in modern fashion, such as hand-painted motifs on sarees, dupattas, kurtas, and handbags. In addition to wall hangings, it is also employed to design home décor and lifestyle products, including bedspreads, cushion covers, bookmarks, lampshades, and more. This modernisation of the art form has facilitated its global recognition and reach through museum exhibitions, cultural events, art fairs, and online platforms.
Pattachitra art embodies the rich cultural heritage of India. It is a handcrafted, labour-intensive, and environmentally friendly art form that has seamlessly adapted to modern times while preserving its traditional essence. Pattachitra is not merely a painting style; it is an art form that encapsulates India’s artistic soul, spiritual beliefs, and cultural identity.
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