The Illicit Affair In Kalighat by Uttam Chitrakar

This is a beautiful Kalighat painting by the artist Uttam Chitrakar. It portrays the infamous Tharakeshwar affair, capturing a significant event in Bengal's folktales. The painting shows the Mahant, a respected religious leader, tending to Elokeshi, who sits in a chair. The scene radiates, with reverence and infatuation, the Mahant dressed in traditional clothes and sacred ornaments, holding a fan that he waves with dedication. Elokeshi, sitting gracefully, represents a devotee seeking comfort and delight. Her posture and expression reflect the fondness and intimacy towards the mahant. The use of vivid watercolors and shaded figures brings the scene to life, emphasizing the emotional and cultural importance of this historical moment.
Kalighat paintings began in the 19th century in Bengal. They evolved from the folk art of Pattachitra practiced by traveling scroll painters. As these rural artists moved to Calcutta, they adapted their art to the new urban environment, influenced by British settlers, Mughal revivalism, theatre, and the use of Sanskrit on stage.The period of Kalighat paintings coincided with the rise of mechanical reproduction methods like woodcut, lithography, and printing, which made images widely available in cities. Kalighat paintings responded to these changes, incorporating new materials such as watercolors and machine-made paper. The influence of Western theatre and art schools added to the unique style of Kalighat paintings. In this painting by Uttam Chitrakar, the rich history and cultural depth of Kalighat art are beautifully depicted, highlighting an important part of Bengal’s artistic heritage.

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