Kathputli (Rajasthani Puppet)

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. 

A narrative of a regular couple’s life where the Bibi (wife) is sulking and the Babu (man) is trying to get her back in good mood by pampering her. Such stories, back in time of no television, would serve as the source of entertainment to village women. This one is done by Bahadur Chitrakar, who in his youth, would sing along and the audience would sit together in one of the courtyards of the village to listen and enjoy. 

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. The painting shows how the tribal youth goes hunting and come back with their catch.