Imagine sitting under a starry sky in a small village in Maharashtra, the air filled with the soft hum of traditional instruments. A crowd gathers around a storyteller who begins to unravel the epic tales of the Ramayana or Mahabharata, holding up vibrant paintings that come to life with each word. This is the magic of Chitrakathi, an ancient Indian art form that has been enchanting audiences for centuries with its seamless blend of visual art and narrative performance.
Chitrakathi painting by CHETAN GANGAVANE
History
Chitrakathi has roots that stretch back to the 17th-18th century, though some believe its origins could be even older. The art form flourished in the Thakar community of Maharashtra, especially in the villages of Pinguli and Paithan where artists—known as Chitrakars—would travel from village to village, carrying painted scrolls to narrate stories from the epics. This tradition was spread in Western Deccan, Maharashtra, North Karnataka and some parts of Telangana. Picture a time when entertainment meant more than just a click on a screen; it was an experience shared with your neighbours, where the storyteller’s voice and the vivid paintings were the heart of the evening.
An interesting historical anecdote by R.V. Russel in his book “The Tribes and Castes of the Central Provinces of India”, highlights the significance of Chitrakathi. During a hunting excursion deep in the jungle, Shivaji Maharaj and his entourage heard a nomadic tribe reciting stories through their paintings. Fascinated by their artistry and storytelling, Shivaji Maharaj published a public notice allowing the Thakkars to perform outside Hindu temples during Dussehra, ensuring that their performances did not disturb the Brahmins and priests by scheduling them after temple hours. This event marked a significant moment in Chitrakathi's history, establishing it as a celebrated cultural tradition.
However, as time passed, the number of practising Chitrakars dwindled due to the loss of royal patronage and changing times. Yet Chitrakathi’s spirit never died. Today, efforts are underway to bring this art form back into the spotlight, with passionate artists and cultural enthusiasts working tirelessly to preserve it.
Characteristics
Raja Janak’s Palki in Chitrakathi
What draws people to Chitrakathi, you ask? It is the simplicity and expressiveness of the art. Imagine paintings with bold black outlines, flat, vibrant colours, and minimal backgrounds—this is Chitrakathi. The focus is always on the characters and their emotions, conveyed through exaggerated expressions and dramatic gestures. However, the Pinguli and Paithan styles are different and form the two types of Chitrakathi. The Pinguli style, named after the village where it originated, shows a blend of Maratha, Deccan, and Mughal influences, visible in its ornate detailing and colour palette. On the other hand, the Paithan style draws inspiration from the ancient murals of Ajanta, with more fluid lines and softer hues, reflecting the serenity and grace of classical Indian art.
Chetan prepares the Chitrakathi painting bundle
Each Chitrakathi story is brought to life through a series of pictures called a "pothi." These pothis are bundles of 50 to 60 paintings that sequentially narrate the chosen tale. The pictures are held up one by one as the storyteller narrates, making it an interactive and immersive experience. The images themselves resemble the string puppets of the region, with their distinct, expressive features and postures that add a dynamic, almost animated quality to the storytelling. The figures in these paintings are often shown in profile, adding a distinct, almost theatrical feel to the scenes. These are not just static images; they are part of a dynamic performance, where each painting is carefully revealed as the story unfolds.
The human figure is central in these artworks, with men depicted as imposing figures with powerful chests and narrow waists, while women are adorned in beautiful clothes and jewellery. Emotions are conveyed through the posture and stance of the characters, making each painting not just a visual treat but a narrative in itself. In addition, the arrangement of figures within the scenes is highly symbolic. The main character often appears larger than the others, emphasizing their importance, while other figures flank them in positions of support or opposition.
The themes of Chitrakathi are rich with mythology and folklore. Imagine tales of gods, demons, and heroes—stories that are not just entertaining but also carry deep moral lessons. You might witness the bravery of Ram or the cleverness of Krishna, each scene painted with vibrant colours and narrated with dramatic flair. It is not just the grand epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana; Chitrakathi also captures local legends and social themes, making it a mirror of the community's values and beliefs. This makes every performance not just a spectacle but a deeply personal experience for the audience.
Creating a Chitrakathi painting is an art in itself, steeped in tradition and care. Imagine an artist sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by handmade paper and natural pigments. The colours—derived from local sources like stones, soil, and plants—are mixed with water and a natural binder, creating a palette that is as eco-friendly as it is beautiful. The artist begins with a rough sketch using a simple bamboo stick or a brush made from animal hair. Bold black outlines form the skeleton of the painting, and then the colours are filled in, one by one. The result? A vibrant, expressive image that’s ready to tell its part of the story.
Chitrakathi is more than just painting—it’s a performance art. The Chitrakar isn’t just an artist but a storyteller, holding up each panel while narrating the tale with the help of traditional instruments like hiroba, taal, veena, and huduk. The rhythm of the narration and the sequential display of paintings make the story come alive, engaging the audience in a way that feels both ancient and immediate.
Chitrakathi Storytelling by Parshuram Gangavane, Padma Shri awardee
Conclusion:
Chitrakathi is an art form that preserves the oral traditions and collective memory of communities, making it a living, breathing archive of stories and values. In a world dominated by digital media, Chitrakathi offers a refreshing return to the basics: a human voice, a painted image, and a shared experience. Today, there’s a renewed effort to revive Chitrakathi, with workshops, exhibitions, and educational initiatives bringing this art form to new audiences. Some contemporary artists are even experimenting with Chitrakathi by blending traditional techniques with modern themes or digital mediums. These efforts ensure that Chitrakathi doesn’t just survive but thrives, adapting to the times while staying true to its roots.
So, the next time you come across a Chitrakathi painting or performance, take a moment to immerse yourself in the experience. Let the stories draw you in, the colours captivate you, and the rhythm of the narration transport you back to a time when storytelling was a shared, human connection.
And who knows? You might find yourself not just watching a story but becoming a part of one.
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