Patachitra is a traditional art form of painting that originates from the eastern state of India, Odisha. The word "Patachitra" is derived from two Sanskrit words "Pata," meaning canvas, and "Chitra," meaning picture. Patachitra art is usually created on cloth, paper, or dried palm leaves, using natural colors extracted from stones, vegetables, and flowers.
The history of Patachitra can be traced back to the 5th century BCE, during the reign of Emperor Ashoka, who promoted the spread of Buddhism through art. The art form gained popularity during the 12th century when it was used to illustrate the stories of Lord Jagannath, the presiding deity of Odisha. The Patachitra artists were employed by the temple authorities to create intricate paintings depicting the lives of Lord Jagannath, his siblings, and other deities
During the medieval period, the art form evolved to depict stories from the Hindu epics, Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Patachitra artists used vivid colors and intricate designs to create stunning narrative paintings. These paintings were also used to spread social messages, such as the importance of education, women's empowerment, and environmental conservation.
Patachitra painting reached new heights during the British era, when artists started to experiment with new themes and techniques. They began to incorporate elements of British culture and colonial architecture into their paintings, creating a unique fusion of traditional and contemporary art.
Today, Patachitra is recognized as one of the most important art forms of Odisha and is practiced by a large number of artists across the state. The government of Odisha has taken several initiatives to promote and preserve this ancient art form, including setting up Patachitra villages and organizing exhibitions and workshops. The art form has also gained international recognition, with several artists showcasing their work at exhibitions and art fairs across the world.
Famous artists of odisha patachitra:
Odisha is home to several talented Patachitra artists, and many of them have gained international recognition for their unique style and creativity. Here are some of the famous Patachitra artists of Odisha:
Raghurajpur Artist Village: Raghurajpur, a small village in Puri district of Odisha, is famous for its rich cultural heritage and traditional Patachitra art. The village is home to several famous Patachitra artists, including Padma Shri Award winner
Jagannath Mahapatra, who has been instrumental in promoting this art form globally.
Bijay Parida: Bijay Parida is a renowned Patachitra artist who has been practicing this art form for over 30 years. He is known for his intricate designs and vibrant colors, which bring life to his paintings.
Bhaskar Moharana: Bhaskar Moharana is another famous Patachitra artist who has gained international recognition for his exquisite paintings. He is known for his unique style, which combines traditional Patachitra art with modern techniques and themes.
Sashikanta Maharana: Sashikanta Maharana is a young and talented Patachitra artist who has won several awards for his exceptional artwork. He is known for his innovative designs and use of vibrant colors, which make his paintings stand out.
Pramod Kumar Maharana: Pramod Kumar Maharana is another talented Patachitra artist who has gained popularity for his exceptional artwork. He is known for his intricate designs and use of natural colors, which give his paintings a unique look and feel.
These are just a few of the famous Patachitra artists of Odisha, and there are many others who have contributed to the rich cultural heritage of this art form.
How to save patachitra art of odisha:
Patachitra art is an important part of Odisha's cultural heritage, and it is essential to take steps to preserve and promote this art form. Here are some ways to save Patachitra art of Odisha:
Promote awareness: It is essential to create awareness about Patachitra art and its significance among people. This can be done through art exhibitions, workshops, and cultural events that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of this art form.
Support Patachitra artists: Patachitra artists face several challenges in terms of livelihood, and it is important to support them financially and morally. One way to do this is by purchasing their artwork directly from them or through NGOs and government organizations that promote traditional art forms.
Provide training: It is important to provide training to aspiring Patachitra artists to keep this art form alive. Training programs can be organized to teach traditional techniques and use of natural colors to young artists.
Preservation of natural resources: The use of natural colors extracted from stones, vegetables, and flowers is an important aspect of Patachitra art. Therefore, it is important to preserve natural resources and create sustainable methods of obtaining these colors.
Government initiatives: The government of Odisha has taken several initiatives to promote and preserve Patachitra art, such as setting up Patachitra villages, organizing workshops and exhibitions, and providing financial assistance to artists. It is important to support and encourage such initiatives to promote this art form.
By taking these steps, we can preserve and promote Patachitra art of Odisha and ensure that it continues to thrive for generations to come.
