Ancient Storytellers: Tree of Life Pattachitra on a Wooden Plate by Apindra Swain

Pattachitra

Pattachitra is a traditional art form practiced in the eastern states of Odisha, West Bengal, and parts of Bangladesh. Typically it is a scroll painting where stories are painted in panels on a long scroll made of cloth. In Odisha, this centuries-old tradition is the ode to lord Jagganath and mainly illustrates the stories from Hindu mythologies like Ramayana, Mahabharatha, Geet Govind, and Bhagwad Geeta amongst others. One of the distinguishing features of Pattachitra is the meticulous and fine line work. The lines are precise and intricate, contributing to the detailed and elaborate nature of the paintings.  Pattachitra artists often adhere to traditional canons of beauty and representation, with deities being portrayed in stylized forms, large eyes, and elaborate costumes. Natural elements like flora and fauna are also commonly depicted in a stylized manner. History of Pattachitra  Pattachitra has a long and illustrious history dating back over a thousand years, with its roots intertwined with the Jagannath cult in Odisha. The tradition of Pattachitra is believed to have started in the 12th century, revolving around the worship of Lord Jagannath in the Puri temple. The paintings were originally created as religious offerings to the deities, especially during the Rath Yatra festival when the main deities of the temple were taken out in procession. During this period, Pattachitra paintings of the deities would replace the idols inside the temple sanctum. In West Bengal, Pattachitra evolved differently, with local artists known as ‘Patuas’ creating scroll paintings that narrated folklore, religious stories, and social messages. These paintings are sometimes accompanied by songs called ‘Pater Gaan’, sung by the artists as they unroll the scroll. The themes of Pattachitra revolve mainly around mythology and religious stories. In Odisha, the paintings frequently depict episodes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the Krishna Leela. The life of Lord Jagannath and his various avatars are also recurring subjects. The paintings often serve as visual aids for telling stories from Hindu epics and Puranas. In West Bengal, the themes are more diverse, covering not just religious stories but also folklore, social themes, and even contemporary issues. Artists use Pattachitra to convey moral lessons, societal critique, or spread awareness about various causes. Materials and Method Pattachitra artists use natural materials for both the canvas and the paints. Traditionally, the canvas is made from old cotton cloth, which is treated with a mixture of chalk and tamarind seed paste to create a smooth surface. Once the surface dries, it is rubbed/ polished, making it ready for painting. The colors used are derived from natural sources. White is made from powdered conch shells, black from burnt coconut shells or lamp soot, yellow from turmeric or yellow arsenic, red from cinnabar, and blue from indigo. The brushes used by the artists are made from animal hair, often squirrel or goat hair, tied to a bamboo stick. The process of creating a Pattachitra painting is meticulous and time-consuming. Artists begin by sketching the outlines of the figures, followed by filling in colors and finally adding the intricate details and borders. The entire painting is finished with a coating of lacquer for durability and shine. Apaindra Swain, Manoranjan Chitrakar, and Gitanjali Das are some of the notable artists actively practicing this art form.  Significance Pattachitra holds great cultural and religious significance in India. It serves not only as an artistic expression but also as a means of preserving and transmitting cultural narratives and religious stories. These paintings are used in temples and homes as devotional objects and are also considered auspicious. In addition to its religious significance, Pattachitra is a reflection of the cultural identity of Odisha and Bengal. It plays a key role in festivals like Rath Yatra and is an important craft that sustains many artisan families in these regions. The art form has also gained recognition globally, with Pattachitra paintings now being sought after by collectors and art lovers worldwide. FAQs Is Pattachitra a tribal art? No, Pattachitra is not classified as a tribal art. It is a traditional art form from Odisha and West Bengal that primarily focuses on religious and mythological themes, particularly related to Hindu gods and goddesses. Although not tribal, it is deeply rooted in local culture and practiced by skilled artisans who have passed down the techniques through generations. How old is Pattachitra art? Pattachitra art is over a thousand years old, with its origins traced back to the 12th century. It evolved in connection with the Jagannath temple in Puri, Odisha, and has since been used to depict stories from Hindu epics, Puranas, and the life of Lord Jagannath. Which district is famous for Pattachitra painting in Odisha? The district of Puri, particularly the village of Raghurajpur, is famous for its Pattachitra paintings. Raghurajpur is renowned as a heritage crafts village where many artisans have mastered the art of Pattachitra, contributing to its preservation and popularity. Why is Pattachitra painting famous? Pattachitra is famous for its vibrant colors, intricate detailing, and religious significance. The paintings depict mythological stories, Hindu deities, and episodes from the epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. The use of natural materials and the traditional techniques passed down through generations contribute to its uniqueness and cultural value. Which god is Pattachitra painting dedicated to? Pattachitra paintings are primarily dedicated to Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of the Jagannath Temple in Puri, Odisha. Other depictions include various avatars of Lord Vishnu, Lord Krishna, and episodes from Hindu mythology, including Rama and Sita, among others.