Chitrakathi: The Art of Storytelling Through Vibrant Paintings

Imagine sitting under a starry sky in a small village in Maharashtra, the air filled with the soft hum of traditional instruments. A crowd gathers around a storyteller who begins to unravel the epic tales of the Ramayana or Mahabharata, holding up vibrant paintings that come to life with each word. This is the magic of Chitrakathi, an ancient Indian art form that has been enchanting audiences for centuries with its seamless blend of visual art and narrative performance.

Chitrakathi painting by CHETAN GANGAVANE

History

Chitrakathi has roots that stretch back to the 17th-18th century, though some believe its origins could be even older. The art form flourished in the Thakar community of Maharashtra, especially in the villages of Pinguli and Paithan where artists—known as Chitrakars—would travel from village to village, carrying painted scrolls to narrate stories from the epics. This tradition was spread in Western Deccan, Maharashtra, North Karnataka and some parts of Telangana. Picture a time when entertainment meant more than just a click on a screen; it was an experience shared with your neighbours, where the storyteller’s voice and the vivid paintings were the heart of the evening.

An interesting historical anecdote by R.V. Russel in his book “The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India”, highlights the significance of Chitrakathi. During a hunting excursion deep in the jungle, Shivaji Maharaj and his entourage heard a nomadic tribe reciting stories through their paintings. Fascinated by their artistry and storytelling, Shivaji Maharaj published a public notice allowing the Thakkars to perform outside Hindu temples during Dussehra, ensuring that their performances did not disturb the Brahmins and priests by scheduling them after temple hours. This event marked a significant moment in Chitrakathi's history, establishing it as a celebrated cultural tradition.

However, as time passed, the number of practising Chitrakars dwindled due to the loss of royal patronage and changing times. Yet Chitrakathi’s spirit never died. Today, efforts are underway to bring this art form back into the spotlight, with passionate artists and cultural enthusiasts working tirelessly to preserve it.

Characteristics

Raja Janak’s Palki in Chitrakathi

What draws people to Chitrakathi, you ask? It is the simplicity and expressiveness of the art. Imagine paintings with bold black outlines, flat, vibrant colours, and minimal backgrounds—this is Chitrakathi. The focus is always on the characters and their emotions, conveyed through exaggerated expressions and dramatic gestures. However, the Pinguli and Paithan styles are different and form the two types of Chitrakathi. The Pinguli style, named after the village where it originated, shows a blend of Maratha, Deccan, and Mughal influences, visible in its ornate detailing and colour palette. On the other hand, the Paithan style draws inspiration from the ancient murals of Ajanta, with more fluid lines and softer hues, reflecting the serenity and grace of classical Indian art.

Chetan prepares the Chitrakathi painting bundle

Each Chitrakathi story is brought to life through a series of pictures called a "pothi." These pothis are bundles of 50 to 60 paintings that sequentially narrate the chosen tale. The pictures are held up one by one as the storyteller narrates, making it an interactive and immersive experience. The images themselves resemble the string puppets of the region, with their distinct, expressive features and postures that add a dynamic, almost animated quality to the storytelling. The figures in these paintings are often shown in profile, adding a distinct, almost theatrical feel to the scenes. These are not just static images; they are part of a dynamic performance, where each painting is carefully revealed as the story unfolds.

The human figure is central in these artworks, with men depicted as imposing figures with powerful chests and narrow waists, while women are adorned in beautiful clothes and jewellery. Emotions are conveyed through the posture and stance of the characters, making each painting not just a visual treat but a narrative in itself. In addition, the arrangement of figures within the scenes is highly symbolic. The main character often appears larger than the others, emphasizing their importance, while other figures flank them in positions of support or opposition.