In the modern era, it is observed that people’s interest in Patachitra (traditional scroll painting) has significantly increased. From VIP lounges and corporate offices to meeting halls and the walls of star hotels, Patachitra can be seen adorning various spaces. Both domestic and international tourists show a strong interest in Patachitra.
During the tourist season, a large crowd of tourists from both India and abroad can be seen in Raghurajpur, a village in Puri district. Just as customers feel delighted when they purchase a Patachitra, the artisans feel equally happy when their creations are sold. Raghurajpur, located in the Puri district of Odisha, is a vibrant heritage village celebrated for its rich cultural legacy, especially the ancient art of Patachitra. This traditional style of painting on cloth has been practised here for centuries, making the village a living repository of artistic heritage.
In 2000, Raghurajpur was declared India’s first heritage crafts village, but it is more than a mere destination, it is a community where every home serves as both a residence and an art studio, and every resident is an artist.
Village of artists
Walking through the two narrow streets of Raghurajpur, visitors are greeted by over 160 houses adorned with colourful murals, each telling a unique story of artistic excellence. Nestled among lush coconut groves, these homes double as open-air galleries, showcasing artistic traditions passed down through generations. The village is a testament to the people’s commitment to preserving and nurturing their ancestral art forms.
Craft of Patachitra
The name “Patachitra” comes from the Sanskrit words ‘Patta’ (cloth) and ‘Chitra’ (painting), representing the painstaking process of creating art on clothe. The canvas is prepared through an elaborate process: cotton cloth is soaked in tamarind-seed water, coated with chalk and gum, layered, dried, and finally smoothened with stones to form a strong base for the intricate art work. Each piece, crafted with meticulous detail, can take weeks or even months to complete.
The 18th Pravasi Bharatiya Divas (PBD) Convention is set to take place from January 8 to 10, 2025, in Bhubaneswar, Odisha, in collaboration with the State Government of Odisha. The theme for the convention is ‘Diaspora’s Contribution to a Viksit Bharat’. The event will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
Artists from Raghurajpur, renowned for their traditional crafts, eagerly anticipate showcasing their skills to the approximately 7,500 delegates expected to attend. Serving as ambassadors of their heritage on the global stage, they are ready to present their exquisite creations for appreciation and sale.
Saline Prava Sahoo, a postgraduate student in Political Science, who continues her family’s tradition of Pattachitra painting, remarked on the challenges faced after the COVID-19 pandemic in 2014.
While international tourist numbers dwindled, visitors from across Indian states, particularly West Bengal, Maharashtra, Delhi, and the southern regions, began frequenting Raghurajpur.
Gopal Das, a young artist, shared that the peak tourist season typically spans October to March. “This is the time when we do good business,” he noted, expressing enthusiasm for welcoming visitors and showcasing their artistry during the PBD Convention.
Palette from nature
Traditionally, Patachitra artists use pigments sourced from nature. White is derived from powdered conch shells, yellow from Hartal stones, red from geru clay, blue from indigo, and green from various leaves. They prepare different type of natural and organic colours. These natural colours are mixed with gum and applied with great precision, giving the paintings their distinctive vibrancy and longevity. Once finished, each painting is coated with natural lacquer, resulting in a glossy finish that enhances its visual appeal.
Rooted in mythology
Patachitra themes are deeply rooted in Hindu mythology and folklore, with popular subjects including Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra from Puri, as well as scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Stories such as the ‘Dasavatars’ (the ten incarnations of Vishnu) and the ‘Dasa Mahavidyas’ (ten forms of the Goddess)are also commonly depicted. Figures are typically shown in profile with elongated eyes and sharp features, framed by intricate borders.
Evolution and adaptation
Patta Chitra |
Patachitra was traditionally painted on large scrolls, modern artists have adapted the form to contemporary tastes. Today, smaller, framed pieces are available for display in urban homes, and artists experiment with other mediums like wooden boxes, bamboo, masks, and tussar silk. These innovations have expanded the reach of Patachitra, allowing it to find a place in modern décor and global markets.
Royal patronage
The origins of Patachitra in Raghurajpur date back to the 4th century AD. The art form flourished under the patronage of Gajapati King Prataprudra Dev of Puri in1497 AD, who invited 20 families of Chitrakaras (painters) to settle in the village. Their primary task was to create paintings of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra, and Subhadra during the Anasara period when the deities were hidden from public view. This tradition has endured for centuries, making Raghurajpura vital centre for this sacred art.
Challenges and future
Despite gaining international recognition, the village still depends heavily on tourism and the support of art lovers for its livelihood. Though Patachitra continues to attract admiration, economic challenges remain. Abhiram Das, an artist and the village’s tourism committee secretary, notes that each of Raghurajpur’s 160families is involved in creating Patachitra. While tourism peaks between October and March, bringing over 300 daily visitors before the pandemic, tourist numbers have since declined, affecting sales.
Artists earn around ₹80,000 to ₹90,000 annually, though middlemen often take a significant portion of the profits. Patachitra artist Purushottam Swain (Chandan) highlights that the craftsmen, despite their dedication, do not always receive fair compensation for their labour. Tourists from around the world — Italy, Japan, Germany, Russia, and the US – continue to seek out this unique art form. Raghurajpur is more than just a village; it is a living gallery that preserves the essence of a timeless tradition. It offers visitors a rare opportunity to witness the intersection of creativity, culture, and heritage in the heart of Odisha Madhab Swain, Patachutra painter said.
