The Calcutta Babu in Kalighat by Hasir Chitrakar

In this striking Kalighat painting by Hasir Chitrakar, the satirical essence of 19th-century Kalighat art comes alive, embodying the Bengali proverb, "While he shows off the pleats of his expensive dhoti outside, at home musk-rats move about at will." The artwork centers on a well-dressed male figure, the quintessential 'Calcutta Babu', impeccably adorned in a pleated white dhoti. He holds a red rose delicately in his left hand and a cane firmly in his right, symbolizing his outward elegance and perceived sophistication. Beside him, a small bat, or 'Chamchika', hovers, subtly mocking his superficiality. The bat, a nocturnal creature often associated with lowliness, underscores the painting’s satirical tone. Behind the Babu, his home is depicted in stark contrast to his polished exterior. The interior is overrun by musk rats, engaged in a whimsical music party, highlighting the chaotic and neglected reality that lies behind his ostentatious façade. This painting serves as a poignant critique of those who prioritize outward appearances over genuine substance. The Babu’s comparison to the bat accentuates his duplicitous nature, as both are creatures of the night, hiding their true selves in darkness. Chitrakar’s meticulous attention to detail and vivid portrayal of characters imbue the artwork with both humor and depth, making it a compelling commentary on societal pretensions and the hollowness that often lies beneath a polished exterior.

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All artworks on the website are hand painted from scratch by our master artists. This makes every artwork absolutely unique and the actual colour and overall artwork may vary slightly from the artwork image posted here.