Redefining Gender Identities: Women as Change-Makers in Revitalizing Patachitra of West Bengal.

Agomoni Sen

Patachitra, Women Artists, Art-Integrated Learning, Folk Art Education, Gender and Culture, Social Advocacy, Cultural Sustainability

This study examines the evolving role of women artists in vulnerable art forms across India, with a special focus on the Patachitra tradition of West Bengal. Long rooted in patriarchal structures, Patachitra has undergone a transformative shift as women from marginalized communities step forward as artists, storytellers, and cultural ambassadors. These women are reshaping Patachitra into a tool for education, social advocacy, and economic empowerment, ensuring its preservation and evolution in a rapidly changing cultural landscape. The integration of Patachitra into Art Integrated Learning (AIL) frameworks has been a significant catalyst for this transformation. Supported by initiatives like Bangla Natok dot com's "Art for Life," women artists are leveraging this art form to address contemporary themes such as gender equality, health awareness, and sustainable development. The digitization of Patachitra into graphic novels, brochures, and multimedia platforms has expanded its reach and relevance, transitioning it from mythological storytelling to a medium for addressing critical social issues. These initiatives have elevated women artists as "change-makers," enabling them to become community leaders and advocates for social transformation. Their work has been showcased on global platforms, connecting traditional art with contemporary educational and social initiatives. These efforts have shifted the focus of the art from mythology to contemporary societal issues, amplifying its impact as a medium of education and advocacy. By blending ethnographic research with project outcomes, the study underscores the dual impact of these developments: the revitalization of endangered art forms and the empowerment of women as cultural and social pioneers. It emphasizes the critical role women play in preserving and modernizing traditional art, fostering a sustainable future where cultural heritage and gender equality coexist, and redefining the trajectory of vulnerable art forms in India. Keywords: vulnerable art, social advocacy, gender, Patachitra Title: Women Artists and the Revitalization of Patachitra: Gender, Pedagogy, and Cultural Sustainability in Bengal Abstract: This paper investigates the evolving role of women artists in the revitalization of Patachitra, the scroll painting tradition of West Bengal. Once sustained within patriarchal structures, the practice is now being reshaped by women from marginalized communities who function as artists, educators, and agents of advocacy. Their participation has redirected the art form from its conventional focus on mythological narratives to socially engaged themes, making it relevant to present-day contexts. Drawing on ethnographic evidence and case studies, including Bangla Natok dot com's Art for Life, the study demonstrates how women artists employ Patachitra as a communicative and pedagogical tool. Scrolls and performance are increasingly used to address issues such as gender equity, environmental sustainability, public health, and community rights. The incorporation of Patachitra into Art-Integrated Learning (AIL), aligned with India's National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, further situates the art within formal education. Here, it strengthens interdisciplinary teaching, fosters narrative thinking, and deepens cultural awareness among learners. The digitization of Patachitra into graphic novels, brochures, and multimedia formats expands both its reach and its adaptability. These processes illustrate a dual outcome: the safeguarding of a vulnerable art form and the redefinition of women's cultural roles. Women artists emerge not only as custodians of tradition but also as participants in broader frameworks of education and social advocacy. By situating women at the center of this transformation, the study highlights a sustainable model of cultural preservation that integrates folk art into contemporary pedagogical and social practice. The analysis contributes to discussions on gender, intangible heritage, and the intersections of traditional knowledge with modern educational reforms.

Volume 13 Issue 12, December-2025

Pages : a399-a412