Why in the news?

Patachitra Paintings of women in Paschim Medinipur’s Pingla block in West Bengal has become popular worldwide.

About Bengal Patachitra

Patachitra, also spelled as Pattachitra, is a traditional form of scroll painting that originated in the eastern Indian states of Odisha and West Bengal, as well as parts of Bangladesh. The term “Patachitra” derives from Sanskrit, where “pata” means “cloth” and “chitra” means “picture.”
These paintings are typically created on cloth canvas, palm leaves, or paper. Artists associated with Patachitra are known as Patuas.

Origin: Bengal Patachitra is believed to have originated in rural Bengal, with some historical references suggesting its existence during the Pre-Pala period.
Themes and Style:
- The themes of Bengal Patachitra are diverse, ranging from religious and mythological narratives to secular subjects.
- Religious themes often depict stories from Hindu epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, as well as folklore such as Manasha and Chandi.
- Secular themes include important news events, accidents, scandals, and social issues.
- Each Patachitra is accompanied by a song called Patua Sangeet, sung by the artists while unfurling the scroll.

Aspects of Painting:
- Chalchitra: Background paintings associated with religious idols, such as Durga Pratima.
- Durga Pot: Special Patachitras worshiped during Durga Puja, often featuring images of gods and goddesses.
- Various Technique: Different districts have distinct techniques, colors, and designs. For example, Purulia Patachitras prefer burnt sienna with white and yellow patches, while Hooghly and Manbhum scrolls exhibit modernistic abstract linear treatment.
- Artists: Bengal Patua artists, also known as Chitrakars, are concentrated in villages like Naya in the Medinipur district.
- Colors: Bengal Patachitra typically uses natural colors derived from materials like chalk dust (for white), pauri (for yellow), cultivated indigo (for blue), bhushakali (for black), and mete sindur (for red).