Pattachitra Painting : History, Geographical, Themes
- History of Pattachitra Painting
- Geographical Distribution of Pattachitra Painting
- Themes and Subjects in Pattachitra Painting
- Techniques of Pattachitra Painting
- Materials Used in Pattachitra Painting
- Iconography and Symbolism in Pattachitra Painting
- Famous Artists of Pattachitra Painting
- Pattachitra Painting in Modern Times
- Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
History of Pattachitra Painting
Ancient Origins: Pattachitra portray is assumed to have originated over 1,000 years in the past in Odisha, with deep connections to Hindu non secular practices and temple traditions, mainly across the Jagannath Temple in Puri.
Sanskrit Meaning: The term “Pattachitra” is derived from Sanskrit words—`Patta’ (canvas) and ‘Chitra’ (picture), that means artwork carried out on fabric or dried palm leaves.
Religious Influence: The artwork shape has sturdy ties to Hindu mythology, with many Pattachitra artwork depicting tales from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the lifestyles of Lord Krishna and Lord Jagannath.
Development Around Jagannath Temple: The Pattachitra lifestyle flourished in Puri, Odisha, wherein artists (referred to as ‘Chitrakars’) created complicated artwork for temple rituals, mainly the ones associated with Lord Jagannath.
Bengal Variation: Alongside Odisha, Pattachitra additionally evolved in Bengal, wherein it have become referred to as Patua or Kalighat artwork, mixing nearby folklore with the classical topics of Hindu epics.
Scrolls and Storytelling: In in advance times, Pattachitra became used as a storytelling medium, with artists narrating mythological stories at the same time as unrolling painted scrolls in a exercise referred to as Pata Yatra.
Traditional Materials: Historically, the artwork have been carried out on fabric or dried palm leaves the usage of herbal pigments derived from stones, minerals, and plants, keeping green and sustainable practices.
sixteenth-Century Flourish: The Pattachitra artwork shape won big reputation and improvement at some point of the sixteenth century, specially below the guideline of thumb of King Prataprudra Dev of Odisha, a sturdy client of the arts.
Link to Temple Festivals: Pattachitra have become an essential a part of the non secular gala’s of Odisha, mainly the yearly Rath Yatra of Lord Jagannath, wherein artwork are used to enhance the deities’ chariots.
Geographical Distribution of Pattachitra Painting
Odisha:
- Odisha is considered the birthplace of Pattachitra, with the artwork shape deeply rooted withinside the temple traditions of the state. The village of Raghurajpur, close to Puri, is in particular well-known as a hub for Pattachitra artists. This village is famend for retaining the conventional strategies and sorts of the artwork, surpassed down thru generations.
- Other tremendous areas in Odisha for Pattachitra encompass Dandasahi and Chandanpur, wherein artisans hold to provide lovely scroll artwork the usage of herbal pigments.
- The Odishan fashion of Pattachitra is intently related to the Jagannath Temple in Puri, with topics focused round Lord Jagannath, Vaishnavism, and different mythological memories.
West Bengal:
- In West Bengal, Pattachitra is likewise broadly practiced, aleven though the fashion right here differs from that of Odisha. It is regularly known as Patua Art or Kalighat Painting, the latter named after the well-known Kalighat temple in Kolkata.
- The Medinipur, Birbhum, and Murshidabad districts of Bengal are regarded for his or her precise variation of Pattachitra, which blends nearby peoples topics with non secular and mythological narratives.
- The Bengali version of Pattachitra additionally consists of scroll artwork used for storytelling, wherein itinerant artists known as Patuas could narrate memories from the epics even as displaying their scrolls.
Key Differences Between Odisha and Bengal Styles:
- Odisha Pattachitra: Focuses on precise linework, complex details, and shiny colors, regularly the usage of non secular and mythological topics focused on Lord Jagannath, Krishna, and different Hindu deities.
- Bengal Pattachitra: Incorporates extra peoples elements, with a looser and extra fluid fashion. Kalighat artwork additionally have become extra prompted through colonial topics and concrete life, other than the standard non secular stories.
Themes and Subjects in Pattachitra Painting
Mythological Themes:
Pattachitra artwork are frequently primarily based totally on Hindu mythology, with tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata usually illustrated. These epic memories are depicted in intricate and bright detail, showcasing vast characters and occasions from the tales.
Jagannath Cult:
A primary problem in Pattachitra is the Jagannath cult of Odisha, specializing in Lord Jagannath, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Many artwork depict the Rath Yatra (chariot festival) or the triad of deities – Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra.
Krishna Leela:
The life of Lord Krishna, in particular his early life and youth, is any other dominant theme. Scenes from Krishna Leela (Krishna`s playful acts) consist of his position as a cowherd, his playful antics with the gopis (milkmaids), and his divine dance, Rasa Leela.
Dashavatara:
The Dashavatara, or the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, is a not unusualplace problem in Pattachitra art. These artwork normally display Vishnu`s numerous forms, from Matsya (fish) to Rama and Krishna, representing the divine`s position in retaining cosmic order.
Folklore and Legends:
In addition to mythological subjects, Pattachitra additionally portrays local folklore and neighborhood legends. Stories of heroes, kings, and folks deities, together with Manasa Devi (the snake goddess) and Chandi, are frequently depicted in those artwork.
Religious Rituals and Festivals:
Paintings of spiritual rituals, in particular the ones associated with temple traditions, are not unusualplace in Pattachitra. Scenes of deities being worshiped, temple offerings, and essential fairs just like the Rath Yatra are usually depicted.
Tantric Influence:
Some Pattachitra artwork replicate Tantric traditions, incorporating mystical symbols, esoteric figures, and scenes of Tantric deities like Kali and Durga. These artwork frequently discover non secular issues of strength and protection.
Techniques of Pattachitra Painting
Preparation of Canvas:
The conventional canvas used for Pattachitra portray is crafted from cotton fabric. The fabric is first lined with a combination of chalk and gum, which makes it easy and durable. Once dried, it’s miles polished with a stone or shell to offer it a leather-like texture.
Palm Leaf Etching:
In addition to fabric, a few Pattachitra art work are completed on dried palm leaves. The leaves are stitched together, and artists use sharp equipment to create sensitive etchings. These are then packed with herbal dyes.
Use of Natural Colors:
Artists historically use herbal pigments derived from natural and mineral sources. For example, white is crafted from floor seashells, black from lamp soot, yellow from turmeric, and purple from powdered stones like purple ochre.
Bold Outlines:
One of the defining functions of Pattachitra is the usage of ambitious black outlines. Every determine and detail withinside the portray is printed in black, which offers it a sharp, precise appearance.
Lack of Perspective:
Pattachitra follows the flat fashion of portray, with little to no attitude or depth. Figures are located in dimensions, regularly organized in symmetrical patterns, emphasizing readability and order in preference to realism.
Detailed Brushwork:
Artists use first-class brushes crafted from animal hair or bamboo sticks to create complex details. The brushwork could be very precise, mainly for functions like facial expressions, jewelry, and clothing.
Layered Painting Process:
Pattachitra portray follows a layered approach. Artists first cartoon the outlines with black ink, then fill withinside the colorations one via way of means of one, beginning with the lightest and finishing with the darkest. Each layer of colour is permitted to dry earlier than the subsequent is implemented.
Symmetry and Repetition:
The compositions in Pattachitra art work regularly emphasize symmetry and repetitive patterns. Floral borders, geometric designs, and symmetrical placement of deities or figures are not unusualplace functions.
Varnishing for Durability:
Once the portray is complete, a coat of lacquer or herbal resin is implemented to decorate its shine and guard it from put on and tear. This additionally makes the portray water-resistant, including toughness to the artwork.
Materials Used in Pattachitra Painting
Canvas (Patta):
The base material, or canvas, is normally crafted from cotton fabric. The fabric is lined with a aggregate of chalk and tamarind seed gum to create a clean, leathery floor appropriate for painting. This canvas is later polished to offer a sleek end.
Palm Leaves:
Apart from fabric, dried palm leaves also are used as a canvas in Pattachitra. These leaves are cautiously stitched together, then handled with water and herbal polish to put together them for difficult etching.
Natural Pigments:
White: Derived from floor seashells or conch shells.
Black: Obtained from the soot of burnt lamps or candles.
Yellow: Made from powdered turmeric or haritala (a herbal mineral).
Red: Sourced from geru, a form of crimson oxide stone.
Green: Extracted from leaves like neem or once in a while from copper compounds.
These colorings are combined with water and gum from the Bael fruit for clean utility.
Brushes:
Brushes are historically crafted from animal hair, along with mongoose or squirrel hair, and bamboo sticks. These pleasant brushes are used to gain detailed, difficult designs, specifically withinside the facial functions and adorns of the figures.
Gum and Adhesives:
Tamarind seed gum is regularly combined with chalk powder to coat the canvas, offering a sturdy and clean floor. Additionally, the gum from the Bael fruit is used as a binder for the herbal pigments to make certain the colours adhere well to the canvas.
Lacquer (Varnish):
A very last coating of herbal lacquer or resin is implemented to completed paintings. This offers the art work a sleek end and protects it from water, dust, and harm over time.
Etching Tools (for Palm Leaf Paintings):
For palm leaf Pattachitra, artists use sharp, pointed gear like iron styluses to etch designs onto the leaves. After etching, herbal dyes are implemented to beautify the patterns.
Bael Fruit:
The sticky gum from the Bael fruit performs an crucial function as a herbal adhesive and binder for the pigments. It guarantees clean utility and sturdiness of the colours at the canvas.
Stone and Shell Powders:
For positive colour bases, powdered stones like crimson ochre and floor seashells are combined with gum and water to create colourful pigments for the painting.
Organic Materials for Polishing:
Stone or shell is used to shine the canvas after the gum and chalk layer has been implemented, giving the floor a polished and sleek texture.
Iconography and Symbolism in Pattachitra Painting
Jagannath Triad:
Lord Jagannath, his brother Balabhadra, and sister Subhadra are crucial figures in Pattachitra, particularly in Odisha. They are regularly depicted in simplified, rounded forms, with Jagannath in black (symbolizing the mysterious and infinite), Balabhadra in white (representing serenity and power), and Subhadra in yellow (symbolizing fertility and prosperity).
Dashavatara (Ten Incarnations of Vishnu):
The Dashavatara, or the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu, is a routine theme. Each avatar symbolizes a one of a kind cosmic position of Vishnu in keeping stability withinside the universe:
- Matsya (fish) represents salvation and preservation.
- Kurma (turtle) symbolizes stability.
- Varaha (boar) stands for power.
- Narasimha (half-man, half-lion) embodies protection.
- Vamana (dwarf) symbolizes humility.
- Parashurama (warrior with an axe) represents justice.
- Rama and Krishna symbolize best kingship and divine love, respectively.
Krishna and Gopis (Rasa Leela):
Lord Krishna is regularly proven gambling with the gopis (milkmaids), symbolizing divine love and joy. The round dance, Rasa Leela, is symbolic of the everlasting cycle of existence and devotion, in which Krishna represents the divine middle of the universe.
Colors and Their Meanings:
Black: Often related to Lord Jagannath, black represents mystery, the unknown, and the infinite. It is likewise used to define figures to lead them to stand out.
- White: Signifying purity, serenity, and peace, it’s far used for gods like Balabhadra and logos just like the moon.
- Yellow: A shadeation of prosperity and fertility, yellow is used for characters like Subhadra and occasionally for Krishna in positive paintings.
- Red: Symbolizes passion, energy, and power. It is normally used for backgrounds, borders, and factors related to motion or protection.
Tantric Symbolism:
In a few Pattachitra paintings, Tantric deities like Kali and Durga are depicted with precise symbols. Kali, for instance, is proven with a garland of skulls and a sticking out tongue, representing destruction and the cycle of advent and death.
Nature Elements (Trees, Animals, Flowers):
Trees and animals preserve symbolic importance in Pattachitra. Peacocks constitute splendor and grace, even as elephants signify power and prosperity. Lotus plants are often seen, symbolizing purity and divine advent.
Temple and Ritual Scenes:
Paintings regularly depict rituals and festivals, particularly the ones associated with the Jagannath Temple in Puri. These scenes emphasize the communal and devotional components of the culture, symbolizing the relationship among the divine and the people.
Famous Artists of Pattachitra Painting
Raghunath Mohapatra:
A famend grasp craftsman and sculptor from Odisha, Raghunath Mohapatra additionally contributed substantially to the revival of Pattachitra painting. He become commemorated with the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Vibhushan for his contributions to conventional artwork forms.
Ananta Maharana:
Ananta Maharana is a well-known Chitrakar (Pattachitra artist) from Raghurajpur, a village famend for its Pattachitra culture. His mastery in depicting complicated mythological scenes has made him a reputable determine on this artwork shape.
Bhaskar Mohapatra:
Hailing from Raghurajpur, Bhaskar Mohapatra is understood for his specific and colourful Pattachitra works. He has gained severa awards for his contribution to conventional Indian artwork, together with country and country wide-degree honors.
Bijay Parida:
A famous artist in Odisha, Bijay Parida has won reputation for his progressive interpretations of conventional Pattachitra themes. He has participated in global exhibitions, selling Pattachitra globally.
Surendra Maharana:
Surendra Maharana is one of the main artists from the well-known Pattachitra village of Raghurajpur. His paintings frequently displays complicated detailing and conventional topics like Krishna Leela and mythological stories.
Krishna Chandra Sahoo:
A grasp artist of Pattachitra, Krishna Chandra Sahoo has obtained numerous country wide awards for his brilliant talent and contribution to retaining this historic artwork shape. His art work are acknowledged for his or her precision and storytelling.
Pranab Narayan Das:
Pranab Narayan Das is some other famous Pattachitra artist who has saved the culture alive thru his specific and shiny portrayals of Hindu deities and epics. His paintings is widely known for its conventional authenticity and finesse.
Sambit Mohapatra:
A distinguished modern Pattachitra artist, Sambit Mohapatra has modernized the artwork shape at the same time as staying proper to its roots. His progressive technique has made his paintings stand out in each home and global artwork circles.
Pattachitra Painting in Modern Times
Global Recognition:
Pattachitra has gained international fame for its complex designs and connection to India`s wealthy cultural heritage. Exhibitions internationally show off those works, and they’re favored for his or her conventional craftsmanship and storytelling.
Revival Efforts:
Villages like Raghurajpur in Odisha and Nayakpatna have come to be hubs of Pattachitra, in which whole groups are concerned withinside the craft. Government initiatives, NGOs, and personal companies are helping those artists via training, monetary aid, and advertising in their work.
Diversification of Art Forms:
While the conventional Pattachitra turned into ordinarily created on material or palm leaves, present day diversifications of the artwork may be visible on diverse substances along with T-shirts, bags, domestic decor items, and furniture. Artists now paint on wood, glass, or even create Pattachitra-stimulated jewelry, increasing the enchantment of the artwork shape.
Introduction of New Themes:
Though Pattachitra keeps to depict mythological stories, present day artists are experimenting with new topics along with nature, every day life, and social messages. This evolution continues the artwork shape applicable in cutting-edge times, catering to a broader target target market.
Commercialization and Market Demand:
Pattachitra art work have observed their manner into city houses and the worldwide market, in which they’re offered as luxurious works of art and ornamental pieces. The call for for those art work has elevated with the upward thrust of hobby in eco-friendly, home made artwork.
Influence of Technology:
The use of virtual structures has revolutionized the manner Pattachitra is marketed. E-trade sites, social media structures, and digital galleries have supplied artists with extra visibility and the cappotential to attain a much broader target target market with out counting on conventional means.
Freqently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Pattachitra painting?
A traditional Indian art form from Odisha and West Bengal, characterized by intricate detailing and mythological themes painted on cloth or palm leaves.
2. What materials are used in Pattachitra painting?
Natural pigments, cotton cloth, palm leaves, tamarind seed gum, and brushes made from animal hair.
3. What themes are commonly depicted in Pattachitra?
Mythological stories, religious deities, folk tales, and nature scenes, often focusing on Lord Jagannath and the Dashavatara of Vishnu.
4. How has Pattachitra evolved in modern times?
The art form now appears on various materials like bags and home decor, incorporates contemporary themes, and is marketed globally.
5. Who are some famous Pattachitra artists?
Notable artists include Raghunath Mohapatra, Ananta Maharana, and Bhaskar Mohapatra, who have contributed to preserving and promoting the art.