Bengal Handicraft. Wooden Toys. Pair of Lord Jagannath

The Patachitra of Bengal has its unique style of using simple lines creating intricate details. The subjects are drawn mostly from Hindu mythology. The all natural colours are made from elements like leaves, soil, flowers and seeds. The choice and use of colours are also very unique and soothing to the eyes and the soul of the viewers. This painting comes from the brush of Rajesh Chitrakar. 

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 fishing. Their hunts are always accompanied by Madal (a kind of drum) the beats of which brings the animals and the birds out of their hide outs.