9.4 Pattachitra painting

Pattachitra painting, originating in Odisha, India, is a vibrant folk art tradition with centuries of history. Known for its bold outlines, vivid colors, and intricate details, Pattachitra often depicts Hindu mythology and religious themes on cloth canvases.

This traditional art form is closely tied to Odia culture and religious practices, particularly those associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri. Pattachitra artists, known as patuas, use natural pigments and follow unique stylistic conventions to create these stunning visual narratives.

Origins of Pattachitra painting

• Pattachitra is a traditional form of painting that originated in the eastern Indian state of Odisha
• It is one of the oldest and most renowned forms of folk art in India, with a history spanning several centuries
• The name "Pattachitra" is derived from the Sanskrit words "patta" meaning cloth and "chitra" meaning picture, reflecting the traditional use of cloth as a canvas for these paintings

Pattachitra vs other Indian folk art

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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Top images from around the web for Pattachitra vs other Indian folk art

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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  Pattachitra Painting | Mike Prince | Flickr View original

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• Pattachitra is distinct from other Indian folk art styles such as Madhubani, Warli, and Kalamkari
• It is characterized by its use of bold outlines, vivid colors, and intricate details, which set it apart from the simpler, more minimalistic styles of some other folk art traditions
• Pattachitra often depicts religious and mythological themes, particularly those associated with Hinduism, whereas other folk art styles may focus on different subjects or have more secular themes

Geographic roots in Odisha

• Pattachitra painting has its roots in the coastal regions of Odisha, particularly in the areas surrounding the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri
• The art form is closely tied to the culture and traditions of Odisha, and many of the themes and motifs in Pattachitra are specific to the region
• Pattachitra has also spread to other parts of Odisha and beyond, but it remains most strongly associated with its place of origin

Distinctive style of Pattachitra

Vivid colors and bold outlines

• One of the most striking features of Pattachitra painting is its use of bright, vibrant colors
  • The colors are often derived from natural sources such as minerals, plants, and even shells
  • Common colors include red, yellow, blue, green, and black
• The paintings are characterized by bold, black outlines that define the forms and shapes of the figures and objects depicted
  • These outlines are typically drawn using a fine brush made from the hair of a buffalo's tail

Intricate details and patterns

• Despite the bold outlines, Pattachitra paintings are also known for their intricate details and patterns
• The clothing and jewelry of the figures are often adorned with elaborate designs and motifs
  • These may include floral patterns, geometric shapes, and stylized representations of animals or mythical creatures
• The backgrounds of the paintings are also frequently filled with detailed patterns and designs, creating a rich and complex visual tapestry

Influence of religious iconography

• Many of the stylistic elements of Pattachitra painting are derived from traditional Hindu religious iconography
• The figures in the paintings are often depicted with large, almond-shaped eyes, similar to those seen in Hindu temple sculptures and other religious artwork
• The use of bright colors and intricate patterns is also reminiscent of the decorative elements found in Hindu temples and religious texts

Traditional Pattachitra themes

Depictions of Hindu mythology

• A significant portion of Pattachitra paintings depict scenes and characters from Hindu mythology
• These may include stories from the great Hindu epics, such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata
  • For example, a Pattachitra painting might depict the battle between Rama and Ravana, or the marriage of Shiva and Parvati
• Other mythological themes may include the exploits of various Hindu gods and goddesses, such as Krishna, Durga, or Ganesha

Jagannath and Vaishnava motifs

• Given the close association between Pattachitra and the Jagannath Temple in Puri, many paintings feature themes related to Lord Jagannath and the Vaishnava tradition of Hinduism
• Depictions of the annual Rath Yatra festival, in which large chariots bearing the idols of Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are pulled through the streets, are particularly common
• Other Vaishnava motifs, such as the depiction of Krishna and Radha or the ten avatars of Vishnu, are also frequently seen in Pattachitra paintings

Scenes from epics and folklore

• In addition to mythological themes, Pattachitra paintings may also depict scenes from regional epics and folktales
• These may include stories from the Odia epic "Lakshmi Purana" or popular folktales such as "Tapoi" and "Kanchikala"
• These paintings often serve as a means of preserving and transmitting these traditional stories to younger generations

Pattachitra painting techniques

Preparation of patta canvas

• The traditional canvas for Pattachitra painting is a piece of cloth known as a patta
• The patta is typically made from cotton or silk and is treated with a mixture of chalk and gum to create a smooth, durable surface for painting
  • This process can take several days, as multiple layers of the mixture are applied and allowed to dry
• Once the patta is prepared, it is cut to the desired size and shape for the painting

Natural dyes and pigments

• The colors used in Pattachitra painting are traditionally derived from natural sources
• These may include minerals such as ochre and cinnabar, plant extracts such as indigo and turmeric, and even shells and stones
  • For example, the vibrant red color often seen in Pattachitra is derived from the gum of the Kaitha tree
• The pigments are ground into a fine powder and mixed with a binder, such as gum arabic or tamarind seed, to create a paint that can be applied to the patta

Unique stylistic conventions

• Pattachitra painting follows a set of unique stylistic conventions that distinguish it from other forms of Indian art
• One of these conventions is the use of a "double-lined" technique, in which the outlines of figures and objects are drawn twice, with the space between the lines filled in with color
• Another convention is the use of "reverse perspective," in which objects that are farther away are depicted as larger than those that are closer to the viewer
  • This creates a sense of depth and dimensionality in the painting

Social context of Pattachitra

Pattachitra in religious rituals

• Pattachitra paintings play an important role in various religious rituals and ceremonies in Odisha
• During the annual Rath Yatra festival, for example, Pattachitra paintings depicting the deities Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra are displayed on the chariots and in temples
• Pattachitra paintings are also used in other religious contexts, such as in the decoration of temple walls and in the performance of religious dramas and dances

Patuas: Pattachitra artist communities

• The creation of Pattachitra paintings is a skill that is passed down through generations in specific artist communities known as patuas
• Patuas are typically members of the Chitrakara caste, a community that has traditionally been associated with the creation of religious art and artifacts
• Patua communities are often centered around villages or temples, where they work together to create Pattachitra paintings and other forms of religious art

Pattachitra in Odia culture

• Beyond its religious significance, Pattachitra painting is also an important part of Odia culture and identity
• The themes and stories depicted in Pattachitra paintings are deeply rooted in Odia history, literature, and folklore
• Pattachitra paintings are often used to decorate homes and public spaces, and they are also given as gifts to mark important occasions such as weddings and religious festivals

Evolution of Pattachitra style

Impact of British colonialism

• Like many other forms of Indian art, Pattachitra painting was influenced by the period of British colonial rule in India
• The introduction of new materials and techniques, such as the use of watercolors and paper, led to some changes in the traditional style of Pattachitra
• However, many patuas resisted these changes and continued to use traditional methods and materials, helping to preserve the unique character of the art form

Pattachitra in modern times

• In recent years, there has been a growing interest in Pattachitra painting both within India and internationally
• Many contemporary Pattachitra artists have begun to experiment with new themes and styles, while still maintaining the traditional techniques and aesthetic of the art form
  • For example, some artists have begun to create Pattachitra paintings that depict modern social and political issues, or that incorporate elements of contemporary art and design
• There have also been efforts to promote and preserve the art form through workshops, exhibitions, and other cultural initiatives

Pattachitra as cultural heritage

• Today, Pattachitra painting is recognized as an important part of India's cultural heritage
• In 2000, the Indian government awarded Pattachitra painting the status of a "National Handicraft," recognizing its significance as a traditional art form
• Efforts are being made to support and promote the Pattachitra artist community, and to ensure that this unique and vibrant art form continues to thrive for generations to come