Pattachitra: The Traditional Art of Odisha
In Indian art, Pattachitra of Puri occupies a distinct space, weaving together history, culture, mythology, and spirituality on patti or specially prepared cloth. Predominantly practiced in the craft village of Raghurajpur and Dandasahi, nestled within Puri district, this art form has garnered widespread acclaim for its vibrant depictions of mythological narratives. The Ganjam style of Pattachitra originated from Viranchi Narayan Temple in Buguda, Ganjam.
Origin
The Pattachitra originated in the 12th century for painting the Gods and the temple walls during the rituals of the Jagannath temple, Puri, when Gajapati King Anang Bhima Deva, the chief administrator of the temple, appointed Chitrakaras (hereditary artist castes) as one of the Chhatisha Nijoga (Thirty-six orders) to serve the temple in painting images of Gods and Goddesses during various temple rituals. The chitrakars were also assigned job of painting chariots and Anasar Patti or the Patti Dian of Narayan for Jagannath, Anant for Balabhadra and Bhubaneswari for Subhadra. The Anasar Patti is worshipped by the devotees as the substitute of the triad during their quarantine fortnight, after their ritual bath on Snana Purnima (fortnight from Jyestha Purnima to Asadha Amavasya).
Materials
Utilizing white stone (khadi) powder affixed with tamarind seed paste on cloth serves as the Patti or canvas for Pattachitra artists. Employing a palette derived from nature, artists employ hues like Hingula (Red), Dhau stone (saffron), stone containing arsenic sulphate (yellow), Conch powder as white, carbon black, and sirish paste or Arabian Gum as binders to create their masterpieces.
Types
Pattachitra encompasses a diverse array of styles, each with its own unique charm and narrative. From the intricate detailing of ‘Anasar Patti’ to the pilgrimage-inspired ‘Jatri Patta’, and from the mythological saga of ‘Ramayan Patta’ to the playful depiction of ‘Radha Krishna Jugal Patta’, each piece carries the essence of Odishan culture. Besides the above, some of the popular titles of Pattachitra are Thia badhia, Sankhanavi Patta, yuga Varnana Patta, Golei patta, Kanchi kaveri patta, 64 Kala Patta, Kandarpa Nouka, Kandarpa Hati, Kandarpa Rath, and Kandarpa Ashwa.