Kalighat Painting or Bengal Pat

Kalighat painting , also known as Bengal Pat, it is a style of art that is originated in the 19th century in the region of Bengal, India. It takes its name from the famous Kali Temple in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), which was a major center for the production and sale of these paintings. Kalighat paintings are known for their bold lines, vibrant colors, and simple forms. They were usually created on paper or cloth using watercolors and ink. The subjects of these paintings were varied and included religious, mythological, and social themes. Initially, Kalighat paintings depicted mythological and religious figures such as gods, goddesses, and scenes from Hindu epics. However, as the style evolved, it started to reflect contemporary social and political issues of that time. Kalighat paintings became a medium for social commentary and satire, portraying everyday life, customs, and social practices of the Bengali society.

One of the distinctive features of Kalighat paintings is the use of bold and flat colors. The artists employed a limited color palette, often using bright hues to create visual impact. Black outlines were used to define the forms, giving the paintings a distinctive graphic quality.

Kalighat paintings were created by a community of scroll painters, known as "patuas," who were traditionally itinerant artists. They would sell these paintings to pilgrims and visitors at the Kali Temple as a means of income. Over time, the popularity of Kalighat paintings spread beyond the temple, and the art form gained recognition and patronage. 

Today, Kalighat paintings are highly regarded as an important part of India's artistic heritage. They provide valuable insights into the social, cultural, and political milieu of 19th-century Bengal. Many Kalighat paintings can be found in museums and private collections, serving as a testament to the artistic prowess and cultural significance of this unique art style.

The history of Kalighat paintings:   

The history of Kalighat paintings dates back to the 19th century in Bengal, India. It emerged as a distinctive art form in the vicinity of the Kalighat Kali Temple in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta). The temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, attracted a large number of pilgrims and visitors, creating a market for religious art and souvenirs. 

The origins of Kalighat paintings can be traced to the traditional scroll painting tradition of Bengal, known as "patachitra" or "patua art." The patuas were itinerant artists who traveled from village to village, telling stories and selling their painted scrolls. They were skilled in narrative art and had expertise in depicting religious and mythological themes.

In the early 19th century, some patuas began to create smaller, portable versions of their scrolls on paper or cloth to cater to the growing demand of the visitors to the Kalighat Temple. These smaller paintings, with their simplified forms and bold colors, became known as Kalighat paintings or Bengal Pat.Initially, Kalighat paintings primarily depicted religious and mythological subjects, focusing on gods, goddesses, and scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. However, as the style evolved, it started to incorporate elements of everyday life and social commentary.

During this time, Bengal was undergoing significant social and cultural changes due to the influence of British colonialism, urbanization, and social reform movements. Kalighat painters, being keen observers of society, began to depict contemporary themes and issues in their artworks. They captured scenes from everyday life, social customs, urban fashions, and even caricatures of British rulers and colonial figures. These paintings became a means of social commentary and satire, providing a window into the cultural and societal changes of the time.

The popularity of Kalighat paintings grew beyond the temple premises. They were in high demand not only among the local Bengali population but also among European residents and visitors in Kolkata. The British patrons often commissioned personalized Kalighat paintings that depicted themselves or their Indian counterparts in various situations.

However, by the late 19th century, the popularity of Kalighat paintings declined due to the introduction of photography and mass-produced prints. The market for hand-painted artworks dwindled, and many of the traditional Kalighat painters had to seek alternative means of livelihood.

Nevertheless, Kalighat paintings gained recognition as a unique art form with historical and cultural significance. Today, they are celebrated as an important part of India's artistic heritage, and many examples can be found in museums, galleries, and private collections, serving as a testament to the rich artistic tradition of Bengal.

 How Kalighat paintings are painted :

Kalighat paintings were typically painted using watercolors and ink on paper or cloth. Here is a general overview of the process involved in creating Kalighat paintings:

• Surface Preparation: The artist would start by selecting a suitable surface, which could be paper or cloth. The surface would be cleaned and prepared by smoothening or applying a base coat if necessary.
• Outlining: The artist would then begin by creating the basic outline of the subject using a fine brush or pen. The outlines were typically done using black ink, and they played a crucial role in defining the forms and giving the paintings their distinct graphic quality.
• Color Application: After outlining, the artist would proceed to apply colors to the painting. Kalighat paintings often employed a limited color palette, consisting of bold, vibrant hues. The colors were usually applied in flat, solid blocks without much shading or gradation.
• Pigment Mixing: The artist would mix watercolors with water to achieve the desired intensity and consistency. Traditional pigments derived from natural sources were commonly used, such as plant extracts and mineral-based colors.
• Filling Colors: Using a brush, the artist would fill in the outlined areas with the chosen colors. The colors were applied in a controlled manner to stay within the defined boundaries. Multiple layers of color could be applied to achieve the desired vibrancy.
• Details and Highlights: Once the basic colors were applied, the artist would add finer details and highlights to the painting. This step involved adding intricate patterns, facial expressions, jewelry, and other embellishments to enhance the visual appeal of the artwork.
• Finishing Touches: After completing the painting, the artist might add final touches, such as decorative borders or inscriptions. These additional elements added aesthetic value and provided context or commentary to the artwork.

• It is important to note that the exact techniques and materials used in creating Kalighat paintings might vary from artist to artist. Over time, individual artists developed their own distinctive styles and approaches, contributing to the diversity within the Kalighat painting tradition.Overall, the process of creating a Kalighat painting involved a combination of skilled outlining, bold color application, and attention to detail. The result was a visually striking artwork that captured the essence of the subject, be it religious, mythological, or a reflection of contemporary life and society.

Famous artist of Kalighat painting:

While Kalighat paintings were primarily produced by a community of anonymous artists known as patuas, there are a few prominent artists who gained recognition for their exceptional work in this art form. Here are some of the notable artists associated with Kalighat paintings: 

• Bhawanipore Group: This group of artists from the Bhawanipore area in Kolkata played a significant role in popularizing Kalighat paintings. While their individual names might not be widely known, they collectively contributed to the development and dissemination of the art form.
• Gobardhan Chitrakar: Gobardhan Chitrakar was a prominent Kalighat painter known for his distinctive style. He created a large number of Kalighat paintings, often depicting mythological and religious subjects with a touch of humor and satire.
• Jamini Roy: Although Jamini Roy is primarily recognized as a renowned modern Indian artist, he also experimented with Kalighat painting techniques. He was influenced by the simplicity and boldness of Kalighat art and incorporated those elements into his own works.
• Bhabani Charan Laha: Bhabani Charan Laha was an influential Kalighat artist who worked during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His paintings focused on social themes, reflecting the changing dynamics of Bengal society during that period.
• Nandalal Bose: Nandalal Bose, a prominent figure in the Indian art world, was not directly associated with Kalighat paintings. However, he drew inspiration from the style and essence of Kalighat art, infusing it into his own works, especially in his portrayals of everyday life and village scenes.
  
  
  

These are just a few examples of the artists associated with Kalighat paintings. It is important to note that the majority of Kalighat paintings were produced by anonymous artists within the patua community, who passed down their skills and techniques through generations. Their collective contribution played a crucial role in shaping the rich artistic tradition of Kalighat paintings.

Famous paintings of  Kalighat paintings:

While many Kalighat paintings were created during the 19th century, specific attributions to individual artists and titles of paintings can be challenging due to the anonymous nature of many of these works. However, there are several iconic and widely recognized themes and subjects within the Kalighat painting tradition. Here are some examples of famous Kalighat paintings:

• "Goddess Kali": Numerous Kalighat paintings depict the fierce Hindu goddess Kali, who is the presiding deity of the Kalighat Temple. These paintings often showcase the goddess with multiple arms, adorned with a garland of skulls, and standing over the body of Lord Shiva. These portrayals capture the power and intensity associated with the goddess.

• "Krishna and Radha": Kalighat painters frequently depicted scenes from Hindu mythology, including the divine love between Lord Krishna and Radha. These paintings often showcased Krishna playing the flute, accompanied by Radha and surrounded by adoring gopis (milkmaids).

• "Social Satire": One of the distinctive aspects of Kalighat paintings was their ability to depict contemporary social issues and satirical commentary. These paintings would portray scenes from everyday life, capturing the quirks and customs of the Bengali society. They often humorously critiqued societal norms, including the influence of British colonialism and social hierarchies.

• "Bengali Women": Kalighat paintings also frequently depicted the beauty and elegance of Bengali women. These paintings showcased the traditional attire, hairstyles, and jewelry worn by women of the time, capturing the essence of Bengali culture and aesthetics.

• "British Raj Caricatures": As a response to the British colonial presence in India, Kalighat painters created caricatures of British officials and rulers. These satirical portrayals depicted them in exaggerated and often humorous ways, offering social and political commentary.

It's important to note that while these themes were common in Kalighat paintings, the specific paintings and their titles may vary. Many Kalighat paintings are not attributed to specific artists or have been lost over time. Nonetheless, these themes provide an understanding of the subjects and narratives that were popular within the Kalighat painting tradition. 

Mordenization and  Kalighat paintings :

The process of modernization had a significant impact on Kalighat paintings and the artists associated with this art form. As Bengal, and particularly Kolkata, underwent rapid social, cultural, and political changes during the 19th and 20th centuries, the traditional Kalighat painting style had to adapt to the evolving times.

With the advent of photography and the rise of mass-produced prints, the demand for hand-painted Kalighat paintings declined. The traditional patronage system that sustained the artists also underwent transformation. Many traditional artists had to find alternative means of livelihood or adapt their artistic skills to new market demands.

However, while the popularity of traditional Kalighat paintings waned, the essence and influence of the art form continued to resonate. The graphic style, bold colors, and ability to depict contemporary themes and social commentary found resonance in modern art movements.

Some artists, like Jamini Roy, adapted elements of the Kalighat style into their own modernist works. Jamini Roy, a renowned modern Indian artist, drew inspiration from folk and indigenous art forms, including Kalighat paintings. He simplified forms, used bold lines, and incorporated folk motifs into his works, creating a unique blend of traditional and modern aesthetics.In recent times, there has been a resurgence of interest in Kalighat paintings, both as a traditional art form and as an inspiration for contemporary artists. Artists and art enthusiasts have recognized the historical and cultural significance of Kalighat paintings, leading to renewed efforts to preserve and revive the art form.Contemporary artists have been exploring and experimenting with the style, incorporating elements of Kalighat paintings into their works. They draw inspiration from the themes, techniques, and social commentary aspects of Kalighat art, infusing it with their own perspectives and interpretations.

The modernization of Kalighat paintings reflects the larger shifts and adaptations in the art world as a whole. Traditional art forms often need to find new avenues for expression and relevancy in the face of changing times and artistic trends. The influence of Kalighat paintings, with its vibrant colors and socio-cultural commentary, continues to leave a mark on the art scene, both in its traditional form and in its modern interpretations.

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