History of Pattachitra Art

Stories Painted in Lines and Colour

Pattachitra Art

Explore one of India’s oldest art forms, where mythology, temple traditions and folk tales unfold in vibrant detail.

  • 1. West Bengal
  • 2. Odisha
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The Making of Pattachitra Art

Discover the Craftsmanship Behind India’s Timeless Pattachitra Paintings

Preparing the Base : Artists coat cotton with chalk, tamarind paste and gum, forming smooth, durable Niryas Kalpa.

Sketching the Story : With homemade brushes, artisans outline gods, goddesses, folklore and temple scenes in delicate lines.

Filling the Colours : Layered natural dyes from stones, shells, soot and plants add vibrancy and depth.

Highlighting the Details & Polishing : Fine black and white lines enrich expressions and motifs; sun-drying, polishing add gentle sheen.

Final Touches : Natural protective varnish is applied, safeguarding colours and preserving fine detailing for generations.

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Pattachitra Art Collection
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Our Bestselling Pattachitra Pieces

Explore our most-loved Pattachitra paintings, palm leaf engravings, and temple-inspired artwork; each created using traditional storytelling techniques and natural colours.

A Tribute To Skilled Hands

Artists Who Paint Stories of the Past

With generations of practice, Odisha’s and Bengal’s Pattachitra artists bring myths, deities, and folklore to life through powerful colours and intricate linework. Their devotion preserves an art that continues to speak to the modern world.

Origins of Pattachitra

A Journey Through Time

How It Began

Pattachitra originated over 800 years ago in Odisha, closely connected to the Jagannath Temple traditions of Puri. Artists known as Chitrakars would narrate epics and divine stories through scrolls and cloth paintings used in temples and festivals. The art gradually flourished in Bengal as well, gaining its own themes and styles.

The Craft Today

Today, Pattachitra thrives in the artisan villages of Raghurajpur (Odisha) and Midnapore (Bengal). Each region brings its own identity; Odisha focuses on sharp detailing and mythological themes, while Bengal showcases bold figures and narrative scrolls. Together, they preserve one of India’s most celebrated folk art traditions.

“Pattachitra blends storytelling, hand-painting, natural colours, and traditional canvas-making;  a harmony of techniques passed down through generations.”

Keeping the Tradition Alive

The Enduring Artistry of Pattachitra Painters

Whether engraved on palm leaves or painted on cloth, Pattachitra remains a cherished part of India’s artistic heritage. These artworks adorn homes, prayer spaces, and cultural corners, adding colour and meaning to modern décor.

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    Painted Scrolls

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    Palm Leaf Engravings

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    Home Décor Panels

Art Shaped by Hand and Heart

A Craft Handed Down Across Generations

Handcrafted with devotion, precision, and timeless technique, our Pattachitra artworks carry ancient storytelling in every stroke. Each piece is a labour of patience, culture, and inherited skill.

Ethnic India Handicrafts

Shop the Finest Pattachitra Art

Our Pattachitra collection celebrates India’s storytelling legacy, with every piece hand-painted using traditional cloth bases, palm leaves, and natural colours. Discover art that brings culture, divinity, and folklore to your home.

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All About Pattachitra Art

Frequently Asked Questions

Discover the beauty behind every hand-painted Pattachitra piece; find all your answers here!

What themes are most commonly depicted in Pattachitra paintings?

Pattachitra artworks often portray scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, Jagannath traditions, village life, and nature-inspired motifs.

What materials are used to create natural colours in Pattachitra?

Artists prepare colours using crushed minerals, seashells, lamp soot, tree bark, and plant extracts — all sourced locally.

How is Pattachitra different from other Indian folk arts?

Its identity lies in its precise linework, mythological storytelling, and the use of traditional cloth or palm leaf canvases, making every piece distinct.

Can Pattachitra paintings be framed or hung easily at home?

Yes. These artworks work beautifully in living rooms, pooja rooms, corridors, and gallery walls. Cloth pieces can be framed, while palm leaf engravings often come ready to hang.

How durable are traditional Pattachitra artworks?

When kept away from moisture and harsh sunlight, these paintings can last for decades. The natural pigments and handmade base make them surprisingly long-lasting.