Shantiniketan Batik & Leather Craft

Shantiniketan Batik & Leather Craft

Tucked into the artistic heart of West Bengal, Shantiniketan is more than a university town—it’s a living studio of heritage crafts. Among its most cherished contributions are Batik textiles and embossed leather goods, two distinct art forms that beautifully combine tradition, functionality,...

READ MORE
Jatra Poster Art Revival: Folk Theatre’s Graphic Comeback

Jatra Poster Art Revival: Folk Theatre’s Graphic Comeback

In the villages and small towns of West Bengal, Jatra—a form of folk theatre—once ruled the nights with roaring drama and mythological tales. But it wasn’t just the performances that captured attention. The bold, hand-painted posters advertising these shows were iconic—filled with oversized...

READ MORE
Graffiti & Street Murals in Kolkata: A City’s Walls That Speak

Graffiti & Street Murals in Kolkata: A City’s Walls That Speak

Kolkata’s streets are alive—not just with people, traffic, and chai stalls—but with walls that whisper stories, shout slogans, and celebrate culture through vibrant graffiti and murals. What began as a fringe, underground form of expression is now gaining recognition as a powerful urban art...

READ MORE
Preservation and Revival: Bardhaman Art in the 21st Century

Preservation and Revival: Bardhaman Art in the 21st Century

As time transforms palaces into ruins and oral traditions fade with aging storytellers, Bardhaman’s artistic legacy stands at a critical juncture. Yet, the 21st century has also brought a renewed interest in preserving and reviving the art of this historic town. From government-backed heritage...

READ MORE
Bardhaman as a Provincial Art Hub

Bardhaman as a Provincial Art Hub

Bardhaman, historically one of Bengal’s most important princely states, was more than just a center of governance—it was also a thriving hub for regional art. Nestled between the cultural capital of Kolkata and rural Bengal’s vibrant folk traditions, Bardhaman became a melting pot where...

READ MORE
Courtly Costume and Pageantry in Bardhaman Art

Courtly Costume and Pageantry in Bardhaman Art

The visual culture of Bardhaman’s royal courts was defined not only by architecture and painting but also by the grandeur of costume and pageantry. In traditional Bardhaman art—especially portraiture, sculpture, and festival tableaux—the attire of royals and nobles became an expressive language...

READ MORE
Palace Murals and Muralism in Bardhaman Estates

Palace Murals and Muralism in Bardhaman Estates

Bardhaman, a princely stronghold in Bengal, boasts a rich heritage not only in politics and tradition but also in art. Among its most enchanting yet lesser-known treasures are the murals found within its grand palaces and estates. These wall paintings, often hidden in aging halls and corridors,...

READ MORE
The Bahurupi Legacy: Tribal Face‑Painting and Performance Art

The Bahurupi Legacy: Tribal Face‑Painting and Performance Art

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Bardhaman, the Bahurupi community stands out as a living tradition of performance, transformation, and artistry. The term “Bahurupi” means “many forms” or “many faces,” which perfectly captures the essence of this tribal performance art rooted in Bengal’s...

READ MORE
19th‑Century Company Style Portraiture in Bardhaman

19th‑Century Company Style Portraiture in Bardhaman

In the 19th century, Bardhaman (Burdwan), a princely state in Bengal, emerged as a significant center for hybrid art forms born from the interaction between Indian traditions and British colonial influence. One such artistic movement was the Company Style portraiture, a genre that flourished...

READ MORE
Pichwai Art: Devotion in Every Detail

Pichwai Art: Devotion in Every Detail

Pichwai paintings, rooted in Rajasthan’s Nathdwara temple traditions, are more than art—they are offerings. Dedicated to Lord Krishna as Shrinathji, these works are displayed as temple backdrops and changed seasonally to suit festivals. Pichwai is known for its symmetry, detailed floral...

READ MORE
error: Content is protected !!