Pattachitra: The Scroll Painting Tradition of Odisha's Temple Artisans

The Sacred Scrolls of Odisha

Pattachitra is one of India's oldest and most exquisite traditional painting traditions, originating from the state of Odisha. The word 'Pattachitra' is derived from the Sanskrit words 'Patta' meaning cloth and 'Chitra' meaning picture, referring to the cloth-based scrolls on which these paintings are created. This ancient art form has been practiced for centuries by the Mahapatra and Moharana communities of Odisha, particularly in the town of Raghurajpur near Puri. The tradition is intimately connected with the worship of Lord Jagannath at the famous Jagannath Temple in Puri. Pattachitra artists, known as 'Chitrakaras,' are considered custodians of a sacred tradition, creating these paintings as acts of devotion and as visual aids for storytelling.

The Technique and Process

The creation of a Pattachitra painting is a meticulous and time-consuming process that involves multiple stages. The canvas is prepared by coating a piece of cloth with a mixture of chalk powder and tamarind seed paste, which is then polished with a smooth stone to create a fine, durable surface. The artists use natural colors derived from mineral and vegetable sources: white from conch shells, yellow from turmeric or harital, red from hingula, green from plant leaves, and black from lamp soot. The colors are mixed with a binding medium, typically the gum of the karanja tree or groundnut oil. The painting is executed using fine brushes made from the hair of buffaloes, goats, or squirrels.

Pattachitra is not merely an art form but a sadhana, a spiritual practice. The Chitrakara must follow strict rules of purity while painting, and the process itself is considered a form of worship. Each line drawn and each color applied is an offering to the divine.

Pattachitra paintings are characterized by their distinctive visual style. The compositions are highly detailed, with every available space filled with intricate patterns and designs. The figures have distinctive features including large, almond-shaped eyes, pointed noses, and elaborate jewelry and costumes. The colors are bold and vibrant, dominated by red, yellow, white, black, and green. The paintings typically depict themes from Hindu mythology, with particular emphasis on the stories of Lord Jagannath, the ten incarnations of Vishnu, the Ramayana, the Mahabharata, and the life of Lord Krishna.

The Unique Themes of Pattachitra

While Pattachitra encompasses a wide range of mythological themes, certain subjects are particularly characteristic of the tradition. The 'Jagamohan' paintings depict the playful pastimes of Lord Krishna. The 'Panchamukhi' paintings show the five-faced form of Lord Shiva. The 'Nabagunjara' is a unique composite creature with parts from nine different animals, symbolizing the cosmic form of Lord Krishna. The 'Dashavatara' panels depict the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu. The 'Rasa Lila' paintings portray the divine dance of Krishna with the Gopis.

• Raghurajpur, the heritage crafts village of Odisha, is famous for its Pattachitra artists
• The art form received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008
• Pattachitra styles vary between different regions including Puri, Raghurajpur, and Sonepur
• The palm leaf Pattachitra (Talapatrachitra) is a related tradition using engraved palm leaves

Preserving and Evolving the Tradition

In contemporary times, Pattachitra has gained international recognition while continuing to be a living tradition in Odisha. The art form has adapted to new materials and applications, with artists creating works on paper, canvas, silk, and other surfaces. Pattachitra designs are also applied to pottery, textiles, and home decor items. The tradition provides livelihoods for thousands of families in Odisha's craft communities. Government initiatives and non-profit organizations support the preservation and promotion of Pattachitra. The timeless beauty and spiritual depth of Pattachitra ensure its continued relevance in the modern art world, connecting contemporary audiences with the rich cultural heritage of Odisha.

The Social Organization of Pattachitra Artists

Pattachitra artists belong to traditional communities that have practiced the art for centuries. In Odisha, the 'Chitrakara' families of Raghurajpur and nearby villages have preserved and transmitted the art through generations. These families maintain ritual purity while working, as the creation of sacred images is considered a religious act. The community follows traditional norms regarding apprenticeship, with skills passed from father to son or from guru to disciple. Women in Chitrakara families participate in the preparation of materials and sometimes in the painting process, particularly in filling colors and creating decorative borders. The traditional organization of Pattachitra production ensures quality control and the preservation of authentic techniques. In recent decades, the establishment of craft cooperatives and government support has helped sustain the community economically while preserving its traditional social organization. The survival of Pattachitra depends on the continued vitality of these traditional communities and their ability to adapt to changing market conditions.

Pattachitra in the Global Art Market

Pattachitra has found a significant place in the global art market, with collectors and enthusiasts appreciating its unique aesthetic and spiritual quality. International exhibitions in Europe, America, and Asia have showcased Pattachitra to diverse audiences. The art form has been featured in prestigious art fairs and museum collections worldwide. The demand for authentic Pattachitra has created economic opportunities for artists while also presenting challenges. The pressure to produce for the commercial market can sometimes compromise traditional standards of quality and authenticity. The art form has also faced competition from mass-produced reproductions that lack the spiritual quality of original works. Despite these challenges, the global interest in Pattachitra has helped sustain the tradition and provided livelihoods for thousands of families in Odisha. The continued appreciation of Pattachitra in the global market depends on maintaining the authenticity and spiritual depth that distinguish this ancient art form.