Pattachitra: Ancient Indian Scroll Art

Pattachitra is an ancient cloth-based scroll painting from India.

Pattachitra art originates from Odisha, West Bengal, and Bangladesh.

The paintings show mythological stories of Hindu deities.

Chitrakaras are traditional Odia painters who create Pattachitra artworks.

Painters draw lines directly with brushes, no pencils or charcoal.

Natural colours come from minerals, vegetables, and conch shells.

Five main colours are vermilion, green, black, white, and orange.

Krishna is painted blue, while Gopis wear pink or purple hues.

Themes focus on Lord Jagannath and Vaishnava religious traditions.

Bold lines with no landscapes or perspective define this style.

Pattachitra traditions survive in Odisha’s temple towns and villages.

Raghurajpur village near Puri is famous for Pattachitra art.

Palm leaf Pattachitra paintings use stitched leaves as canvas.

Paintings are coated with lacquer to protect and give gloss.

Pattachitra blends folk and classical elements in vivid storytelling.