Folk Art, Craft and Culture of Odisha | Odisha State PSC (OPSC): Preparation - OPSC OCS (Odisha) PDF Download

 Page 1


The cultural heritage of Odisha is very rich due to its varied art
and crafts culture. The state depicts its rich tradition through its
paintings, sculptures and different handicrafts.
From rock paintings to Jhoti paintings, palm leaves paintings,
Pattachitra paintings, tribal paintings as well as beautiful
applique work, wood and stone carvings, metal work and
bamboo work, the state reflects its amazing craftsmanship.
Painting is a common artwork in Odisha. This art of Odisha is very old which is
dated back to early historic period. The theme of these paintings are mainly deities,
tribal culture, nature and so on. Among the different types of paintings, rock
paintings, tribal paintings and pattachitra paintings are very famous in Odisha.
Paintings of Odisha
Some of the important style paintings in Odisha are discussed below:
Rock Paintings
l
These paintings date back to prehistoric era. The painted rock shelters of
pre-historic times are found in the Western part of Odisha, Ulapgarh and
Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda district, Manikmada and Ushakothi in Sundargarh
district, Gudahandi in Kalahandi and Yogimath in Nuapada district.
l
These paintings depict small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs
and human figures which show hunting, dancing, fighting and doing their
domestic works.
l
Most of the walls and caves follow a sequential and horizontal pattern which are
painted by different colours like red (extracted from iron), white (extracted from
lime compounds) and brown (from copper).
Page 2


The cultural heritage of Odisha is very rich due to its varied art
and crafts culture. The state depicts its rich tradition through its
paintings, sculptures and different handicrafts.
From rock paintings to Jhoti paintings, palm leaves paintings,
Pattachitra paintings, tribal paintings as well as beautiful
applique work, wood and stone carvings, metal work and
bamboo work, the state reflects its amazing craftsmanship.
Painting is a common artwork in Odisha. This art of Odisha is very old which is
dated back to early historic period. The theme of these paintings are mainly deities,
tribal culture, nature and so on. Among the different types of paintings, rock
paintings, tribal paintings and pattachitra paintings are very famous in Odisha.
Paintings of Odisha
Some of the important style paintings in Odisha are discussed below:
Rock Paintings
l
These paintings date back to prehistoric era. The painted rock shelters of
pre-historic times are found in the Western part of Odisha, Ulapgarh and
Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda district, Manikmada and Ushakothi in Sundargarh
district, Gudahandi in Kalahandi and Yogimath in Nuapada district.
l
These paintings depict small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs
and human figures which show hunting, dancing, fighting and doing their
domestic works.
l
Most of the walls and caves follow a sequential and horizontal pattern which are
painted by different colours like red (extracted from iron), white (extracted from
lime compounds) and brown (from copper).
l
Characters in rock paintings resemble a mix of Mohenjodaro and Brahmi scripts.
l
Examples of these paintings are the paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock at Sitabinji
in Keonjhar district. The paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock depicts a procession
scene of a king riding a caparisoned elephant with horse riders and soldiers holding
shafts and banners, followed by a female attendant.
l
These painting carries collection of Ajanta murals. Many splendid murals are
placed inside the Lakshmi temple and the Jagannath temple, like the Buddha Vijay
painting in the Jagmohana of the Lakshmi temple and the Kanchi Vijay painting
in the Jagamohana of the Jagannath temple. The caves of Khandagiri and
Udayagiri also have evidence of mural paintings.
Tribal Paintings
Tribal paintings of Odisha depict a rich tribal culture of the state. Different tribal
communities of Odisha have different types of tribal painting, which are as follows:
l
Saura Paintings It is a style of mural paintings which are associated with Saura
tribal community of Odisha. These paintings are also known as ‘ikons’ or ‘Idital’,
which are mainly found in Rayagada, Gajapati and Koraput districts. ‘Idital’ is the
tribal deity of this tribe, thus, these paintings are dedicated to Idital. These
paintings are originally drawn on the walls of Saura’s huts. These people show
people, horse, elephant, Sun, moon, theme of life and so on.
264 Know Your State ODISHA
s ANEXAMPLEOFSAURAPAINTINGMADEBYSAURATRIBE
Page 3


The cultural heritage of Odisha is very rich due to its varied art
and crafts culture. The state depicts its rich tradition through its
paintings, sculptures and different handicrafts.
From rock paintings to Jhoti paintings, palm leaves paintings,
Pattachitra paintings, tribal paintings as well as beautiful
applique work, wood and stone carvings, metal work and
bamboo work, the state reflects its amazing craftsmanship.
Painting is a common artwork in Odisha. This art of Odisha is very old which is
dated back to early historic period. The theme of these paintings are mainly deities,
tribal culture, nature and so on. Among the different types of paintings, rock
paintings, tribal paintings and pattachitra paintings are very famous in Odisha.
Paintings of Odisha
Some of the important style paintings in Odisha are discussed below:
Rock Paintings
l
These paintings date back to prehistoric era. The painted rock shelters of
pre-historic times are found in the Western part of Odisha, Ulapgarh and
Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda district, Manikmada and Ushakothi in Sundargarh
district, Gudahandi in Kalahandi and Yogimath in Nuapada district.
l
These paintings depict small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs
and human figures which show hunting, dancing, fighting and doing their
domestic works.
l
Most of the walls and caves follow a sequential and horizontal pattern which are
painted by different colours like red (extracted from iron), white (extracted from
lime compounds) and brown (from copper).
l
Characters in rock paintings resemble a mix of Mohenjodaro and Brahmi scripts.
l
Examples of these paintings are the paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock at Sitabinji
in Keonjhar district. The paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock depicts a procession
scene of a king riding a caparisoned elephant with horse riders and soldiers holding
shafts and banners, followed by a female attendant.
l
These painting carries collection of Ajanta murals. Many splendid murals are
placed inside the Lakshmi temple and the Jagannath temple, like the Buddha Vijay
painting in the Jagmohana of the Lakshmi temple and the Kanchi Vijay painting
in the Jagamohana of the Jagannath temple. The caves of Khandagiri and
Udayagiri also have evidence of mural paintings.
Tribal Paintings
Tribal paintings of Odisha depict a rich tribal culture of the state. Different tribal
communities of Odisha have different types of tribal painting, which are as follows:
l
Saura Paintings It is a style of mural paintings which are associated with Saura
tribal community of Odisha. These paintings are also known as ‘ikons’ or ‘Idital’,
which are mainly found in Rayagada, Gajapati and Koraput districts. ‘Idital’ is the
tribal deity of this tribe, thus, these paintings are dedicated to Idital. These
paintings are originally drawn on the walls of Saura’s huts. These people show
people, horse, elephant, Sun, moon, theme of life and so on.
264 Know Your State ODISHA
s ANEXAMPLEOFSAURAPAINTINGMADEBYSAURATRIBE
l
Kondh Painting There are different sub groups in Kondh community like Kutia
Kondhs and Dongria Kondhs. They are an artistic community. Kutia Kondh
paintings are called ‘Tikangkuda’ which are very simple. Wall paintings of Kondhs
are known as Manji Gunda.
l
Kissan Paintings This community depicts Samlai deity and signs of agricultural
activity through their paintings. The paintings of Paudi Bhuyan, a tribal
community, are known as ‘Jhanjira’. Most of the paintings of this community
depicts agricultural activities.
l
Juang Paintings The Juang community depicts various themes through their wall
paintings like birds, animals and flowers.
Pattachitra Paintings
l
The pattachitra of Odisha is a classical and miniature painting of Odisha based on
Hindu mythology which includes the wall paintings, manuscript painting,
palm-leaf etching and painting on cloth, both cotton and silk.
l
The largest and original chitrakars or painters of pattachitra paintings are from
Raghurajpur, Puri district.
l
The origin of this art is traced back to 5th century BC, which is still alive in this
village, thus, Raghurajpur village is declared as India’s first heritage village.
l
This art form is based on the theme of Jagannath. The other themes are about
Krishna cult, stories from Mahabharata, Radhakrishna, Vaishnav, Shaiva,
Ragachitra, Bandhachitra Yamapati and Yatripatas (sketches of Puri temples),
Navagunjara (a hybrid mythical creature of nine different creatures including both
animals and birds).
l
This painting style flourished in Konark, Bhubaneswar, Paralakhemundi, Chikiti
and Sonepur regions of Odisha.
l
These paintings can be seen through story paintings, on walls, in Ganjapa playing
cards (circular shaped pattachitra painted cards) and in many other forms.
l
The chitrakars paint the Puri temple deities and their chariots every year.
l
The pattachitra paintings are made by all the family members of chitrakars.
l
Women prepare the glue, the canvas and apply colours and give final lacquer
coating to paintings. The canvas is prepared by coating the cloth with a mixture of
chalk and tamarind seeds gum.
l
Then with the help of two stones, it is rubbed and left to dry. The cloth’s surface
gets a leathery finish by the gum and chalk, then artists paint with vegetable, Earth
and stone colours.
265 Folk Art, Craft and Culture of Odisha
Page 4


The cultural heritage of Odisha is very rich due to its varied art
and crafts culture. The state depicts its rich tradition through its
paintings, sculptures and different handicrafts.
From rock paintings to Jhoti paintings, palm leaves paintings,
Pattachitra paintings, tribal paintings as well as beautiful
applique work, wood and stone carvings, metal work and
bamboo work, the state reflects its amazing craftsmanship.
Painting is a common artwork in Odisha. This art of Odisha is very old which is
dated back to early historic period. The theme of these paintings are mainly deities,
tribal culture, nature and so on. Among the different types of paintings, rock
paintings, tribal paintings and pattachitra paintings are very famous in Odisha.
Paintings of Odisha
Some of the important style paintings in Odisha are discussed below:
Rock Paintings
l
These paintings date back to prehistoric era. The painted rock shelters of
pre-historic times are found in the Western part of Odisha, Ulapgarh and
Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda district, Manikmada and Ushakothi in Sundargarh
district, Gudahandi in Kalahandi and Yogimath in Nuapada district.
l
These paintings depict small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs
and human figures which show hunting, dancing, fighting and doing their
domestic works.
l
Most of the walls and caves follow a sequential and horizontal pattern which are
painted by different colours like red (extracted from iron), white (extracted from
lime compounds) and brown (from copper).
l
Characters in rock paintings resemble a mix of Mohenjodaro and Brahmi scripts.
l
Examples of these paintings are the paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock at Sitabinji
in Keonjhar district. The paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock depicts a procession
scene of a king riding a caparisoned elephant with horse riders and soldiers holding
shafts and banners, followed by a female attendant.
l
These painting carries collection of Ajanta murals. Many splendid murals are
placed inside the Lakshmi temple and the Jagannath temple, like the Buddha Vijay
painting in the Jagmohana of the Lakshmi temple and the Kanchi Vijay painting
in the Jagamohana of the Jagannath temple. The caves of Khandagiri and
Udayagiri also have evidence of mural paintings.
Tribal Paintings
Tribal paintings of Odisha depict a rich tribal culture of the state. Different tribal
communities of Odisha have different types of tribal painting, which are as follows:
l
Saura Paintings It is a style of mural paintings which are associated with Saura
tribal community of Odisha. These paintings are also known as ‘ikons’ or ‘Idital’,
which are mainly found in Rayagada, Gajapati and Koraput districts. ‘Idital’ is the
tribal deity of this tribe, thus, these paintings are dedicated to Idital. These
paintings are originally drawn on the walls of Saura’s huts. These people show
people, horse, elephant, Sun, moon, theme of life and so on.
264 Know Your State ODISHA
s ANEXAMPLEOFSAURAPAINTINGMADEBYSAURATRIBE
l
Kondh Painting There are different sub groups in Kondh community like Kutia
Kondhs and Dongria Kondhs. They are an artistic community. Kutia Kondh
paintings are called ‘Tikangkuda’ which are very simple. Wall paintings of Kondhs
are known as Manji Gunda.
l
Kissan Paintings This community depicts Samlai deity and signs of agricultural
activity through their paintings. The paintings of Paudi Bhuyan, a tribal
community, are known as ‘Jhanjira’. Most of the paintings of this community
depicts agricultural activities.
l
Juang Paintings The Juang community depicts various themes through their wall
paintings like birds, animals and flowers.
Pattachitra Paintings
l
The pattachitra of Odisha is a classical and miniature painting of Odisha based on
Hindu mythology which includes the wall paintings, manuscript painting,
palm-leaf etching and painting on cloth, both cotton and silk.
l
The largest and original chitrakars or painters of pattachitra paintings are from
Raghurajpur, Puri district.
l
The origin of this art is traced back to 5th century BC, which is still alive in this
village, thus, Raghurajpur village is declared as India’s first heritage village.
l
This art form is based on the theme of Jagannath. The other themes are about
Krishna cult, stories from Mahabharata, Radhakrishna, Vaishnav, Shaiva,
Ragachitra, Bandhachitra Yamapati and Yatripatas (sketches of Puri temples),
Navagunjara (a hybrid mythical creature of nine different creatures including both
animals and birds).
l
This painting style flourished in Konark, Bhubaneswar, Paralakhemundi, Chikiti
and Sonepur regions of Odisha.
l
These paintings can be seen through story paintings, on walls, in Ganjapa playing
cards (circular shaped pattachitra painted cards) and in many other forms.
l
The chitrakars paint the Puri temple deities and their chariots every year.
l
The pattachitra paintings are made by all the family members of chitrakars.
l
Women prepare the glue, the canvas and apply colours and give final lacquer
coating to paintings. The canvas is prepared by coating the cloth with a mixture of
chalk and tamarind seeds gum.
l
Then with the help of two stones, it is rubbed and left to dry. The cloth’s surface
gets a leathery finish by the gum and chalk, then artists paint with vegetable, Earth
and stone colours.
265 Folk Art, Craft and Culture of Odisha
l
Painters do not use pencil or charcoal for preliminary drawings instead they use
brush. Then colours are filled. On the occasion of Jhulana (swinging festival of
Radha and Krishna), Pattachitra paintings are made which depicts Pith flowers
with figures of charming women.
Palm Leaf Pattachitra
l
It is a type of pattachitra painting which is also known as ‘Tala Pattachitra’. It is
drawn on palm leaf.
l
The images are traced by using black or white ink to fill grooves etched on rows of
equal-sized panels of palm leaf that are stitched together. These palm leaf
illustrations are more elaborated, which have super imposing layers that are glued
together for most of the surface, but some areas are open like windows to show a
second image under the first layer.
l
Some palm leaf manuscripts are also preserved in the museum at Bhubaneswar, as
examples of traditional paintings and drawings.
Jhoti or Chita Painting
l
The folk art of Odisha is connected with its social and religious culture. In the
month of Margasira, which comes between November and December according to
Telegu calendar, women folk worship the Goddess Lakshmi and decorate the
mud walls and floors with murals in white rice paste or pithau. These are called
Jhoti or Chita.
l
It is the harvest season when grain is thrashed and stored. These paintings are
drawn not only with the purpose of decoration but also to establish a bond between
the mystical and the material, thus, these paintings are highly symbolical and
meaningful.
266 Know Your State ODISHA
s APATTACHITRAPAINTINGDEPICTINGKRISHNADANCING
Page 5


The cultural heritage of Odisha is very rich due to its varied art
and crafts culture. The state depicts its rich tradition through its
paintings, sculptures and different handicrafts.
From rock paintings to Jhoti paintings, palm leaves paintings,
Pattachitra paintings, tribal paintings as well as beautiful
applique work, wood and stone carvings, metal work and
bamboo work, the state reflects its amazing craftsmanship.
Painting is a common artwork in Odisha. This art of Odisha is very old which is
dated back to early historic period. The theme of these paintings are mainly deities,
tribal culture, nature and so on. Among the different types of paintings, rock
paintings, tribal paintings and pattachitra paintings are very famous in Odisha.
Paintings of Odisha
Some of the important style paintings in Odisha are discussed below:
Rock Paintings
l
These paintings date back to prehistoric era. The painted rock shelters of
pre-historic times are found in the Western part of Odisha, Ulapgarh and
Vikramkhol in Jharsuguda district, Manikmada and Ushakothi in Sundargarh
district, Gudahandi in Kalahandi and Yogimath in Nuapada district.
l
These paintings depict small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs
and human figures which show hunting, dancing, fighting and doing their
domestic works.
l
Most of the walls and caves follow a sequential and horizontal pattern which are
painted by different colours like red (extracted from iron), white (extracted from
lime compounds) and brown (from copper).
l
Characters in rock paintings resemble a mix of Mohenjodaro and Brahmi scripts.
l
Examples of these paintings are the paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock at Sitabinji
in Keonjhar district. The paintings of Ravana Chhaya Rock depicts a procession
scene of a king riding a caparisoned elephant with horse riders and soldiers holding
shafts and banners, followed by a female attendant.
l
These painting carries collection of Ajanta murals. Many splendid murals are
placed inside the Lakshmi temple and the Jagannath temple, like the Buddha Vijay
painting in the Jagmohana of the Lakshmi temple and the Kanchi Vijay painting
in the Jagamohana of the Jagannath temple. The caves of Khandagiri and
Udayagiri also have evidence of mural paintings.
Tribal Paintings
Tribal paintings of Odisha depict a rich tribal culture of the state. Different tribal
communities of Odisha have different types of tribal painting, which are as follows:
l
Saura Paintings It is a style of mural paintings which are associated with Saura
tribal community of Odisha. These paintings are also known as ‘ikons’ or ‘Idital’,
which are mainly found in Rayagada, Gajapati and Koraput districts. ‘Idital’ is the
tribal deity of this tribe, thus, these paintings are dedicated to Idital. These
paintings are originally drawn on the walls of Saura’s huts. These people show
people, horse, elephant, Sun, moon, theme of life and so on.
264 Know Your State ODISHA
s ANEXAMPLEOFSAURAPAINTINGMADEBYSAURATRIBE
l
Kondh Painting There are different sub groups in Kondh community like Kutia
Kondhs and Dongria Kondhs. They are an artistic community. Kutia Kondh
paintings are called ‘Tikangkuda’ which are very simple. Wall paintings of Kondhs
are known as Manji Gunda.
l
Kissan Paintings This community depicts Samlai deity and signs of agricultural
activity through their paintings. The paintings of Paudi Bhuyan, a tribal
community, are known as ‘Jhanjira’. Most of the paintings of this community
depicts agricultural activities.
l
Juang Paintings The Juang community depicts various themes through their wall
paintings like birds, animals and flowers.
Pattachitra Paintings
l
The pattachitra of Odisha is a classical and miniature painting of Odisha based on
Hindu mythology which includes the wall paintings, manuscript painting,
palm-leaf etching and painting on cloth, both cotton and silk.
l
The largest and original chitrakars or painters of pattachitra paintings are from
Raghurajpur, Puri district.
l
The origin of this art is traced back to 5th century BC, which is still alive in this
village, thus, Raghurajpur village is declared as India’s first heritage village.
l
This art form is based on the theme of Jagannath. The other themes are about
Krishna cult, stories from Mahabharata, Radhakrishna, Vaishnav, Shaiva,
Ragachitra, Bandhachitra Yamapati and Yatripatas (sketches of Puri temples),
Navagunjara (a hybrid mythical creature of nine different creatures including both
animals and birds).
l
This painting style flourished in Konark, Bhubaneswar, Paralakhemundi, Chikiti
and Sonepur regions of Odisha.
l
These paintings can be seen through story paintings, on walls, in Ganjapa playing
cards (circular shaped pattachitra painted cards) and in many other forms.
l
The chitrakars paint the Puri temple deities and their chariots every year.
l
The pattachitra paintings are made by all the family members of chitrakars.
l
Women prepare the glue, the canvas and apply colours and give final lacquer
coating to paintings. The canvas is prepared by coating the cloth with a mixture of
chalk and tamarind seeds gum.
l
Then with the help of two stones, it is rubbed and left to dry. The cloth’s surface
gets a leathery finish by the gum and chalk, then artists paint with vegetable, Earth
and stone colours.
265 Folk Art, Craft and Culture of Odisha
l
Painters do not use pencil or charcoal for preliminary drawings instead they use
brush. Then colours are filled. On the occasion of Jhulana (swinging festival of
Radha and Krishna), Pattachitra paintings are made which depicts Pith flowers
with figures of charming women.
Palm Leaf Pattachitra
l
It is a type of pattachitra painting which is also known as ‘Tala Pattachitra’. It is
drawn on palm leaf.
l
The images are traced by using black or white ink to fill grooves etched on rows of
equal-sized panels of palm leaf that are stitched together. These palm leaf
illustrations are more elaborated, which have super imposing layers that are glued
together for most of the surface, but some areas are open like windows to show a
second image under the first layer.
l
Some palm leaf manuscripts are also preserved in the museum at Bhubaneswar, as
examples of traditional paintings and drawings.
Jhoti or Chita Painting
l
The folk art of Odisha is connected with its social and religious culture. In the
month of Margasira, which comes between November and December according to
Telegu calendar, women folk worship the Goddess Lakshmi and decorate the
mud walls and floors with murals in white rice paste or pithau. These are called
Jhoti or Chita.
l
It is the harvest season when grain is thrashed and stored. These paintings are
drawn not only with the purpose of decoration but also to establish a bond between
the mystical and the material, thus, these paintings are highly symbolical and
meaningful.
266 Know Your State ODISHA
s APATTACHITRAPAINTINGDEPICTINGKRISHNADANCING
l
The motifs used in this artwork are lotus, flowers, conch shell, the kumbh,
peacocks, elephant, fish and other floral and geometrical designs. Jhoti paintings
are also printed on saree.
Sand Art
l
In Odisha, a unique type of art form is developed at the beaches of Puri. The sand
found in the beaches is shaped into magnificent figures and shapes. To carve a sand
sculpture, the only raw material is the clean and fine grained sand mixed with water.
l
Sculpturalist of international fame, Mr Sudarshan Patnaik has popularised this art
form in Odisha. Beautiful sand sculptures made by him on the Puri beach attract
the attention of tourists from India and abroad.
Muruja Painting
l
It is a contemporary art form of India. It is generally another form of ‘Rangoli’.
Muruja is drawn on the floor with powders of different hues. White powder is
obtained from the grinding of stones, green powder is obtained from dry leaves,
black from burnt coconut shells, yellow from the petals or mariegold flowers or
turmeric and red from red clay or bricks.
l
Muruja is generally used during rituals in the forms of mandalas.
Crafts Of Odisha
Odisha is famous for its handicrafts, which exhibit skill and creativity of the artisans
and also reflect the tribal culture of the state. Some of the important crafts of Odisha are
discussed below:
Applique Craft
l
Applique work is a type of embroidery work or needlework in which smaller patch
or fabric is applied or stitched onto a larger fabric.
267 Folk Art, Craft and Culture of Odisha
s ANEXAMPLEOFSANDARTINPURIBEACH