KALIGHAT- "Kalighat paintings are a window to Bengal's rich cultural heritage."

 KALIGHAT PAINTING: ( West Bengal)

Kalighat painting was originated in West Bengal, India. These are still found in Temples in Kolkata. Composed of bold outlines, vibrant colour tones, these paintings and drawings were done on both machines manufactured paper and hand made. These artists were inspired by Kalighat art - paintings that adorned the walls of the temple and began creating their own paintings to sell to the temple visitors marking the beginning of the famous Bengali folk art. Because of the rise of British rule subject matter of these paintings shifted towards criticism. 

                                        Goddess Kali

Materials used for paintings.

     Traditionally Bengali folk art used organic vegetable dyes for the paintings. Blue from Aparajita flower. Red colour from beetroot, and black was produced from common soot by burning an oil lamp under a pot. Traditional artists use gold and silver colours for ornamentation.

They mix the dye either with water or gum to create paint and used on paper or textiles, Squirrel fur and goat hair are used to make paintbrush.

How are they used now?
    In recent years, there has been growing interest in Kalighat paintings in the international art world. Kalighat paintings are a testament to the rich cultural heritage of East India. They provide a glimpse into the lives of the people living in Kolkata during the 19th century and showcase the social norms and practices prevalent at the time. The Kalighat patachitra are highly sought after by art collectors and enthusiasts, and their popularity has only grown with time.

                                        Kalighat painting