Pattachitra, meaning “cloth picture,” is an ancient Indian art form from Odisha (and West
Bengal) with roots potentially as far back as the 5th century AD, closely tied to the Jagannath
Temple traditions and Vaishnavite myths, used for rituals and storytelling on cloth with natural
dyes, featuring detailed mythological narratives, especially of Lord Jagannath. Created by the
Chitrakara community, these vibrant scrolls served as portable religious art, depicting epics and
deities, continuing for centuries as a vital part of cultural heritage.
Key Aspects of Pattachitra History:
OOrriiggiinnss & Name: From Sanskrit”Patta” (cloth) + “Chitra” (picture). Believed to have devel-
oped in Odisha (ancient Kalinga) centuries ago.
Religious Significance: Deeply linked to the Jagannath Temple in Puri,
serving as ritualistic offerings and souvenirs for pilgrims.
Themes: Primarily mythological, focusing on Hindu epics (Ramayana,
Mahabharata), Puranas, and the lore of Lord Jagannath, Radha-Krishna,
and the Rath Yatra festival.
Creators: Traditionally made by the Chitrakara family (artist community)
in villages like Raghurajpur, passed down through generations.
Technique: Painted on specially prepared cloth (cotton treated with chalk/tamarind paste) using
vibrant natural colors from minerals and plants.
Evolution: Evolved from temple wall murals (like those in Bhubaneswar/Konark) and later
became scroll paintings, narrating stories with distinct profile figures and single-tone back-
grounds.
Cultural Role: Served as visual aids for storytellers (Patuas) during performances, bringing
epics to life for audiences.