Pattachitra Art – Key facts

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi applauded a girl from Odisha named Bhagyashree in his mann ki baat programme. The girl has mastered the art of creating Pattachitra on various themes using the soft stones. The girl boosted her skill during the lockdowns and created pattachitra art works on unused bottles, electric bulbs and various glass and plastic materials.

About Pattachitra

• Pattachitra or Patachitra term generally used for the traditional, cloth-based scroll painting.
• The art form is based in the states of Odisha and West Bengal.
• The art form is known for the intricate details and the mythological narratives and folktales inscribed in it.
• This is an ancient art form in Odisha which is created for ritual use and as souvenirs for pilgrims to temples.
• These art forms are a component of an ancient Bengali narrative art.
• The literal meaning of the word “Pajtta” is “cloth” and “Chitra” means “picture” in Sanskrit.
• The colours used in the Paintings are natural and the paintings are made in old traditional way by Chitrakaras (Odiya Painter).
• The painting done on canvas comprising of the rich colourful application, creative motifs, and designs.

Theme of the paintings

• The paintings are based on Hindu mythology.
• It is highly inspired by Jagannath and Vaishnava sect.
• Thus, the theme of Odia painting is kept around Lord Jagannath and the Vaishnava sect.
• The subject matter of the paintings are mythological, religious stories and folk lore.
• The individual paintings of gods and goddesses are done.
• Pattachitra style of painting is the mix of both folk and classical elements. Dress style in the paintings has Mughal influences.

Categories of the paintings

The pattachitra paintings of Odisha is divided into three categories based on the medium namely, Paintings on cloth or ‘Patta Chitra’, Paintings on walls or ‘Bhitti Chitra’ and Paintings on the palm leaf or “Tala Patra Chitra’.

GI Tag

The Geographical indication of Patachitra is registered differently in both the states because style and motif of the paintings in both the state are different. Patachitra of Odisha is registered as Orissa Pattachitra while that of West Bengal is registered as Bengal Patachitra.

Month: Current Affairs - February, 2021