Culcutta Babu in Kalighat by Manoranjan Chitrakar

Manoranjan Chitrakar’s Kalighat painting brilliantly captures the essence of the Calcutta Babu, a flamboyant and affluent Bengali gentleman of colonial-era Kolkata, renowned for his extravagant lifestyle and Western influences. The central figure, adorned in a richly detailed polka-dotted coat with red and white accents, embodies the archetype of the Anglicized Bengali elite, leisurely holding a cane and a delicate rose, symbols of refinement and indulgence. His pleated dhoti sways dramatically, emphasizing his aristocratic elegance, while his strikingly exaggerated facial features—sharp mustache, elongated eyes, and a confident smirk—exude an air of sophistication and self-importance. Above him, a bat with outstretched wings hovers ominously, perhaps an allusion to the looming decadence and idleness associated with the Babu culture. The painting’s left section features a framed scene of fish and corn, meticulously arranged with vibrant strokes, hinting at the Babu’s lavish feasts and love for gourmet delicacies. The theatrical use of negative space enhances the composition’s clarity, drawing the viewer’s focus to the interplay of symbols that define colonial Bengal’s social fabric. The bold red border enclosing the artwork intensifies its dramatic effect, reinforcing the signature stylistic elements of the Kalighat tradition. With its satirical yet elegant depiction, Manoranjan Chitrakar masterfully encapsulates the paradox of the Calcutta Babu—a figure at once enamored by colonial modernity and deeply rooted in indigenous traditions, embodying the cultural duality of 19th-century Bengal with remarkable artistic finesse.

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