Kalighat Painting: Bengal’s Culture Through Art and Satire
In the bustling city of Kolkata lies a quaint village called Kalighat, the birthplace of a unique art style known as Kalighat Patachitra. The term ‘Patachitra’ comes from the Sanskrit words– ‘Pata’ (cloth) and ‘Chitra’ (picture), and is an art that has been a means of storytelling for artists for over a century.
The tradition of Kalighat Patachitra emerged in the 19th century in Bengal, where it is primarily practiced by the Patua Community. These hand-painted scrolls are made with colors obtained from leaves, flowers, and minerals.
It was initially used to depict religious themes from Hindu mythology, such as the epic stories of Ramayana and Mahabharata. The goddess Kali was the main focus, portrayed with a fierce expression, holding weapons, and wearing a garland of skulls around her neck.
The artists also painted other deities such as Lord Shiva, Ganesha, and Goddess Durga. The art form also covered themes of Christianity and Islam, including depictions of prophets, angels, and taziyas. As Kolkata grew as a commercial centre, the artists took the benefits of the cosmopolitan melting pot.
However, Kalighat Patachitra was not just limited to religious themes; it also depicted scenes from daily life, fictional literature, and drama. The paintings offered a glimpse into the lives of people in Bengal during the 19th and 20th centuries. From women cooking to farmers working in the fields, and people performing their daily chores, these paintings reflected everyday life in Bengal.
One of the unique features of Kalighat Patachitra is the use of humour and satire in storytelling. The artists used caricatures and exaggerated facial expressions to depict the flaws and foibles of people in society. Satirical paintings often featured local politicians or businessmen, making a commentary on the social and political landscape of the time.
To understand the globalised nature of Kalighat paintings, it’s necessary to look at them through the lens of British colonisation and increased commercialisation in the Indian sub-continent. European lithographs heavily influenced the works, along with evidence showing the background style was influenced by British natural history paintings. At the same time, Kalighat paintings also drew inspiration from traditional Indian art forms like Madhubani and Pattachitra.
The fusion of these different influences gave rise to a unique style that appealed to both Indian and Western audiences. In fact, Kalighat paintings became so popular that they were exported to Europe and America, where they were exhibited in art galleries and museums. Currently, the largest collection of Kalighat Paintings resides in the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.
However, over time, their popularity dwindled among mainstream Indian art circles. One reason for this decline was the emergence of other art forms that aligned with the Indian nationalist movement, which promoted traditional Indian values and culture. Another reason for the decline in interest in Kalighat paintings was that they became associated with low-brow, commercial art rather than artistic expression.
Today, Kalighat Patachitra is recognized as an essential form of folk art and has found a place in modern homes as a decorative item. Despite its evolution over time, it still holds true to its roots as a storytelling tradition, carrying forward the rich cultural heritage of Bengal.