Pattachitra

Pattachitra is a traditional Indian painting on cloth scrolls that originated in Odisha, in eastern India. The name combines patta (cloth) and chitra (picture), reflecting the medium and purpose of the art. Pattachitra is renowned for its narrative content, often drawn from Hindu myth and folklore, and for its fine lines, bold colors, and decorative motifs.

Although closely associated with Odisha, a regional form known as Patachitra is also practiced in parts of West Bengal by itinerant artists called patuas, who tell stories as they paint successive panels. In Odisha, centers such as Raghurajpur are famous for generations of trained artisans who continue this traditional craft.

Technique and materials: Paintings are usually made on cloth prepared with a gesso-like coating and polished. Outlines are drawn in black, and natural pigments derived from minerals, vegetables, and shells provide color. The palette is earthy and vivid, with emphasis on flat areas of color and meticulous line work. Finishing often includes a varnish to protect the surface.

Subjects include episodes from the Jagannath, Krishna, Rama, and Shiva narratives, as well as Devi, Durga, and other deities, together with scenes from epics, folk tales, and daily life. Figures are typically elongated and stylized, with a decorative border and motifs drawn from nature.

Today, Pattachitra continues to be practiced as a living folk art. Raghurajpur and other villages sustain workshops for artisans who pass skills to younger generations. Works are collected for regional and international markets, and various government and non-government initiatives support training, preservation, and outreach.