Patachitra of Purulia: Stories Painted on Scrolls

In the quiet corners of Purulia, West Bengal, lives an ancient art form that sings as much as it paints — Patachitra. Literally meaning “cloth painting,” Patachitra is a traditional storytelling medium where artists, called Patuas, paint narrative scenes on long scrolls and narrate the stories through folk songs as they unfurl the paintings.

Purulia’s version of Patachitra carries a rustic charm, often focusing on local legends, episodes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, village folklore, and moral tales. The scrolls are made from handmade paper or cloth, stitched together, and coated with a natural gum and chalk mixture to create a sturdy painting surface. The natural pigments — derived from plants, stones, and earth — give the paintings their vibrant, earthy colors.

What sets Patachitra apart is the magical marriage of visual art and oral tradition. As the Patuas slowly roll down the scroll, panel by panel, they sing accompanying ballads in a melodic voice, bringing the characters and stories to life for their audience. This fusion creates an immersive storytelling experience that has been entertaining and educating villages for centuries.

However, with the rise of modern entertainment and changing lifestyles, the number of traditional Patuas is dwindling. Thankfully, in recent years, renewed interest from cultural organizations and art enthusiasts has helped spark a revival. Today, Patachitra artists are experimenting with contemporary themes — social issues, health awareness, and even global concerns — while maintaining the traditional essence.

The Patachitra of Purulia is more than just folk art; it’s a living, breathing history book — sung, painted, and lovingly passed from one generation to the next. Saving it means preserving not just an art form, but an entire way of seeing and sharing the world.