Published Paper Details:

Pattachitra is one of the most popular traditional paintings of India and is mainly practiced in the states of Odisha and West Bengal. The name "Pattachitra" comes from the words "patta" (cloth) and "chitra" (picture), in Sanskrit, referring to the origin of the work as a kind of cloth-based scroll painting. The present research is aimed to understand the historical evolution, aesthetic richness and cultural significance of Pattachitra art and to explore its relevance and application in contemporary fashion design. This study is a post-colonial study of Pattachitra art in Bengal and how it evolved from a religious storytelling medium to a vibrant visual medium that recognizes the contemporary socio-political issues. The research was conducted using a theme-based visual content analysis approach. The study has discussed six Pattachitra paintings ranging from traditional mythological narrative to modern socio-political representations. The artworks were selected through purposive sampling. Pattachitra is famous for its detailed work, bold outlines and bright use of natural colors. It is based on mythological and religious stories. Traditionally, artists have illustrated stories from epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata, and themes related to Lord Jagannath and the Vaishnavite tradition. Making Pattachitra is a very detailed process,The word Pattachitra is made up of two Sanskrit words patta meaning cloth and chitra meaning picture, meaning that originally it was a form of painting on cloth which was rolled up in scrolls. The study aims at understanding the historical development, aesthetic richness and cultural significance of Pattachitra art, exploring its relevance and application in the field of contemporary fashion designing. The research identified three main aspects that emerged from the themes on the colonial period, the post-colonial period, the debate on hybridity, changing techniques and the mixing of Pattachitra with Western art. These include gender representation, national identity and the response to global crises. Through a gender lens, artists had reimagined the female figures in bold contours, expressive colour. A theme-based visual content analysis method has been used in this study.