Chitrakathi Storytelling Tradition of India

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By MeMeraki Collaboration

5 min read

  • Art
  • India
  • Culture
  • Storytelling

    • Table of Contents

    The term "Chitrakathi" encapsulates its essence, translating to "picture-story." The visual language of Chitrakathi draws from both mural traditions and miniature painting practices from Maharashtra. This art form presents a visual journey through history, mythology, and culture, providing a profound and immersive storytelling experience.

    The roots of Chitrakathi lie deep within India's storytelling heritage, where the marriage of visual aids and spoken tales was a common practice. Early textual evidence, including the Bhagavati Sutra and the 8th-century Kuvalayamala, offer insights into the use of images to communicate narratives. These texts hint at an early stage of what would later evolve into the intricate tradition of Chitrakathi. Such early instances foreshadowed the evolution of Chitrakathi's unique fusion of visuals and oral storytelling.

    Chitrakathi blossomed in the 17th and 18th centuries, finding its true expression in the towns of Paithan and Pinguli, Maharashtra which this article explores in detail. This art form thrived through the delicate application of organic colors derived from nature onto handmade paper. The storytellers, often belonging to the Thakar tribal community, embarked on journeys as traveling performers equipped with a repertoire that included songs, puppetry, mime, and vivid paintings as they animated Indian mythology and epics such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata.

    A Glimpse of Ramayana: Chitrakathi Painting by Chetan Gangavane

    Pinguli Style

    Painted on individual sheets, these masterpieces were thoughtfully grouped into "Pothis," usually forming a cohesive series of 40 to 50 paintings, each dedicated to a distinct legend. Located in Pinguli, the Gudhipurwadi enclave is home to over 200 Thakar families, and this community has upheld a rich heritage encompassing 11 unique art forms, with a special focus on artisanal handicraft.

    For more than three centuries, the Thakar community has safeguarded an array of paintings that vividly depict timeless tales. These narratives encompass the sagas of Ramayana, Mahabharata, and Nandi Puran. The canvases, typically measuring 12" x 18", come alive with hues sourced from nature's palette. As the sutradhar, or narrator, takes center stage, the stories unfold through melodic verses accompanied by music played on the Veena, the Taal and the Huduk.

    According to local tales, a fascinating incident unfolded when Shivaji journeyed through the Sahyadri forests. Amidst the wilderness, he caught wind of melodious mythological tunes resonating through the air—songs from the Ramayana. Intrigued, he ventured closer, only to discover that the performers were not only singing but also showcasing vibrant Ramayana paintings. These artworks were crafted on sizable tree leaves, utilizing the unique combination of soot derived from oil lamps and lime. Subsequently, the community was reputed to have served as informants for the Maratha king, later gaining favor with the Sawant Bhonsales of Sawantwadi, who rewarded them with land in Pinguli.

    The Pinguli style of Chitrakathi art is a remarkable fusion that draws from the artistic heritage of three distinct regions: Maratha, Deccan, and Mughal. Maratha aesthetics land the imagery a sense of valor and regional pride, resonating with the heroic spirit of Maratha rulers. From the Deccan region came intricate ornamentation, vibrant colours, and a synthesis of Persian, Indian and indigenous motifs that form a distinctive visual language. The elegance of the Mughal empire contributes meticulous attention to detail, naturalistic depictions, and a refined approach to portraiture. Together, these influences shape the distinctive visual identity of Pinguli Chitrakathi.

    Paithan Style

    The enchanting realm of Paithan paintings reveals a journey both captivating and complex. Interestingly, despite their name, Paithan paintings are believed to have originated far from the town of Paithan itself. Scholars suggest their roots lie closer to the Andhra Pradesh-Karnataka border region, with the term “Paithan” emerging due to their early acquisition in Paithan, which continues to shape the terminology used today.

    Within the realm of Paithan paintings, the legacy of Sri Kelkar is a resplendent beacon. In the 1960s, Sri D.G. Kelkar (1896-1990) made a significant discovery of around 150 paintings, and he notes how the figures portrayed in Paithan paintings exhibit a remarkable resemblance to the traditional puppets of Karnataka, highlighting a symbiotic relationship between the narrative painting and performative traditions.

    It has also been proposed that the political climate of the era when these artworks were created was marked by conflicts among the Deccan Sultanates, Mughal invasions, and Maratha-Mughal battles might have cast its shadow over the artistry, subtly reflecting the prevailing historical dynamics.

    Sita's Palki in Chitrakathi Painting by Chetan Gangavane

    Reviving an Ancient Legacy

    Amidst the fading echoes of a dwindling Chitrakathi art form, Parshuram Gangavane in 2006, this visionary embarked on a transformative journey to breathe new life into the ancient Chitrakathi art, a tradition spanning over four centuries. Guided by unwavering determination, Gangavane's mission extended both within his homeland and across international horizons, infusing vibrancy into an art form teetering on the brink of obscurity.

    With the establishment of the TAKA Museum & Art Gallery, Gangavane's vision transcended preservation; it became a testament to his commitment to sharing the enchantment of this artistry far and wide. The gallery now stands as a sanctuary where the legacy of Chitrakathi art comes to life, captivating visitors with intricate narratives and vibrant strokes. Pioneering a unique homestay initiative in sync with the ethos of the social tourism organization Culture Aangan, the Gangavane family exemplifies a holistic approach to nurturing culture and fostering unity, as they navigate the delicate balance between preserving tradition and embracing the future.

    Click here to see the painting collection of Chetan Gangavane.

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