Important Scroll Paintings | UPSC 2021

Scroll paintings as the name suggests are the paintings done on scrolls. Scroll painting is used as a tool for storytelling. The different types of scroll paintings from different geographical places show how India is rich in its diverse culture. 

Kalamkari: Andhra Pradesh

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• Derived its name from 'Kalam' meaning pen and 'Kari' means Craftmanship.
• The painting is done using Bamboo reed and Pen.
• Natural earthy colours, vegetable dyes are used like Indigo, Mustard etc.
• Depicts deity, Buddha, mythology.
• It involves 23 steps process.
• It is widely used on sarees and ethnic wear.

 Kalighat Painting: Bengal

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• It is known as Kalighat painting because painters were mainly settled around temple of Kali at Kolkatta.
• The predominent theme is the story of ram- sita, Durga, Laxmi.
• These were done Cloth or pata
• It is a type of Pattachitra, In Bengal it is known as Kalighat Painting.

 Phad Paintings: Rajasthan

• Phad painting is a religious style painting.
• Mainly practised in Rajasthan (originated from Bhilwara district).
• Long cloth (Scroll) on which it is made called 'Phad'.
• It depicts the story of various local gods and deities.
• It is a mix of Rajput style and Mughal painting.
• An internationally recognised art form.

 Cheriyal Paintings: Telangana

• This painting is a form of Nakshi art which is an art form practised in Telangana.
• These are mainly narratives of mythology and folklore.
• The theme and characters are identified by story of Ramayan, Mahabharat and other mythological stories.
• Cheriyal paintings were given GI tag in 2007.
• Bright colours were used by artists and were mainly made on canvas which is made up of Khadi.

Pichwai: Rajasthan

• This painting is not taught in school or any institute, they are learned under a master.
• Main colours were Red, Yellow and Green (Organic colours).
• Painting requires pure gold which adds value to it.
• These depict various deities and festivals like Janmashtami, Diwali, Sharad Purnima etc.

Pattachitra: Odisha

• The oldest form of a painting dated back to the time of the establishment of the Jagannath shrine in Puri.
• The theme revolved around Lord Jagannath.
• Cloth is used as a canvas.
• The painters of Pattachitra are known as chitrakara.