GS Bangle

The Chitrakars of Pingla are born to Muslim origin but their paintings and songs tell the tales of Hindu mythology. Thus they prove that art can rise above all religious bias and connect humans on an aesthetic plane. Surprisingly, most of these artists have no so called academic credentials. They learn from life and narrate their thoughts through their art. Bahadur Chitrakar created this art piece.

The location of these Patachitra Shilpi or artists falls in a place, popularly known as Jangal Mahal in West Bengal. The area is home to a number of indigenous tribes like Santhals, Vills, Mundas. The paintings, for obvious reasons, depict the tribal culture. One such example by Nazra Chitrakar, who learnt the art from her older generations and is now passing it on to her successors. This painting shows the courtship of a young tribal couple, surrounded by their friends and playmates.