About the Artwork +
This intricate Bengal Pattachitra by Anwar Chitrakar presents a multi-paneled visual narrative centered on Goddess Durga and her divine family. Through a structured grid composition, the artwork weaves sacred mythology, Bengali folklore and scenes of contemporary social life.
Bengal Pattachitra is a traditional scroll painting and storytelling art from West Bengal, created on cloth or handmade paper using natural pigments. It is characterized by intricate linework, vibrant colours, narrative panels and depictions of mythological tales, folk legends and social themes, often accompanied by oral storytelling traditions.
The heart of the composition is dominated by a large, arched central shrine depicting Goddess Durga in her ten-armed form slaying the buffalo demon Mahishasura. Dressed in a rich red patterned sari, Durga stands with her right foot pressed onto her lion vahana (simha), which fiercely bites into the green-skinned demon Mahishasura, while the Goddess thrusts her trishul (trident) downward. The demon's buffalo form lies below the simha. In her other arms she holds dhanushya-baan (bow and arrow), shankha-chakra (conch shell and discuss), gada (mace), padma (lotus) and khadga (curved sword).
Flanking the goddess are her four children. Standing on the lower left is Lord Ganesha with mushak (mouse), holding pasha and ankusha (noose and goad). Above him stands Goddess Lakshmi carrying a kalas that symbolises wealth, accompanied by her vahana white pehcha (owl). Standing on the upper right is Goddess Saraswati playing the veena, accompanied by her vahana hamsa (swan). Below her is the handsome warrior-god Kartikeya with mayura (peacock), holding a dhanushya-baan (bow and arrow).
The crowning arch, directly above Durga, sit divine celestial observers, including Lord Shiva, Lord Vishnu, Lord Brahma, Radha-Krishna and Rama-Sita, who bless the divine victory below. Encircling the central shrine are fourteen distinct rectangular panels that, blend classical myths with everyday Bengali life.
Several panels depict episodes from the Chandi Mangal epic, including the miraculous vision of Kamale Kamini (Goddess sitting on a lotus in the ocean holding Ganesha, appearing before merchant Srimanta Sadagar's boat) and repeated vignettes of Durga conquering evil, including the scene from the central panel. Panels highlight cultural traditions, such as a traditional Dhaki (festive drummer) playing a large drum (dhak) during Durga Puja while villagers watch, alongside peaceful scenes of village households set outside thatched mud huts.
In a hallmark of Anwar Chitrakar’s contemporary storytelling, the top-right panel features a village classroom scene showing a teacher at a desk with students in front of a chalkboard marked with "ABC 123", reflecting modern themes of education and community development.
The artwork utilizes a vivid, high-contrast palette of marigold yellow, forest green, crimson red, teal and cobalt blue. Every figure is defined by the artform’s signature bold, unbroken black contour lines and expressive, large almond-shaped eyes. The entire composition is organized by a continuous, decorative green border filled with repeating red floral blossoms and leafy vines. This elaborate grid framework separates each narrative vignette while unifying the sprawling story into a single, cohesive composition.
Authentication and Certification +
Each of our artworks are hand painted by master artists across India. We provide a digital authentication
certificate with this artwork signed by the artist which will be sent over email after 3-4 days of delivery of the
artwork.
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The sizes mentioned are excluding the borders of the artwork. Frames shown are for visual representation only and are not included with the artwork.
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Delivery Timelines and Returns +
Returns and Replacements
We offer replacements or repairs if your artwork arrives damaged or has a quality issue. As each artwork is handcrafted, we do not accept returns or refunds for orders received in the expected condition.
Delivery Timeline
This artwork will be Made to Order and will take
3 weeks
to be made and shipped.
Once your order is placed, our team stays in constant communication with the artist to track the progress and
ensure the quality of your order. You will receive regular updates from us throughout this process.
All MeMeraki artworks are hand-painted. In rare occasions, artist may face delays due to weather, health, prior commitments or force majeure. Our team will reach out to you with revised timelines in case of such delays. We appreciate your understanding and patience in such situations.
Colour Disclaimer+
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.