Art floats in the air of East India. Although simple forms derived out of natural resources define handicrafts of this region, the beauty and variety are way beyond the capacity of words to describe. Most forms are also deeply inter-related with the history and religious beliefs and practices of the places.
Patta Chitra from Orissa has evolved from the age old practice of communication written on palm leaves. Also to maintain secrecy, pictorial representations were often used. At present, mythological representations are popular.
The fantastic pictorial conceptions, the idiosyncratic conventions, the extra-ordinary system of line formations and vibrant use of colors make this art form stand by itself. It is assumed that the uniqueness of this school of painting was derived from some primitive forms of aboriginal art from Orissa and its neighboring states.
A similar painting form is seen in West Bengal, called “Pata” or “Patua”, painted on cloth or handmade paper. They are unmounted panels sewn together to depict a story, which may be mythological, or related to natural calamities, or any other topic, which flows through vertical divisions of the individual panels. The sewn pieces are then rolled into a long scroll which varies from four to fifty feet. It would be unfair not to mention Madhubani paintings of Bihar in this flow. The source of colours is very innovative: black is derived from soot and cowdung, yellow from turmeric, blue from indigo, white from rice powder, etc.
Nandalal Bose and Jamini Roy are two famous painters from West Bengal who brought in a revolution in painting styles. Rebellions to break free from conventional practices have been seen in works of R. N. Tagore, who was also a nobel laureate for literature and a very talented poet and story teller. Shantiniketan is an institute set up by this great personality where his art forms and styles, his music and teachings are imparted.
Woodcrafts is unique in West Bengal, as is handloom. “Tnat”, a form of weaving cloth from cotton threads is very popular here. Also Baluchari silk with bold motifs and bright colours is famous from this state. Knatha, a form of fine stitches to form beautiful designs, Batik, a form of creating designs through wax, Sambalpuri sarees and Kotki prints from Bengal and Orissa are in high demand all over the country.
Paper pulp and wooden masks are marks of the tradition of Bengal, Orissa, Bihar and Jharkhand. Fierce mask of Jharkhand, Chhou mask of Purulia, painted wood masks from Orissa, “papier-mache” masks from Bihar are well known. Toy making is also a popular art, mostly used as show pieces, as they are finely crafted and beautiful. Terracotta from Bengal, Silverware from Orissa, Carpets and Lacquer work from Bihar and Woodwork from the dense woods of Jharkhand are signatures of these states.
Responsible Tourism is tourism that has as little impact on the local environment and culture as possible, while being of benefit to the local people. An important step in responsible tourism, leading towards sustainability, is using local produce and eating local food. You can learn more about North-East India Craft and enjoy your stay at homestay property in North-east India – Khonoma Homestay in Kohima, Nagaland.
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