It is known that there are not many examples of ancient painted manuscripts which can be considered as folk art of West Bengal. Exceptions are there and the sole painted script was discovered in the Mahishdal block under the Medinipur District.
Theme of Manuscript Painting at Mahishdal
For the educational purposes of Rani Janki of Mahishdal, illustrations were done towards the end of the 18th century A.D, the theme of the manuscript painting at Mahishdal mainly revolved around the life and activities of Lord Rama. The manuscripts contained several rectangular paintings along with writings, while some of the pages of the manuscript maintained full length paintings which covered the entire page. Currently, this painted manuscript of Mahishdal is exhibited for display in the Ashutosh Museum.
Description of Manuscript Painting at Mahishdal
The artists have shown a natural flair and eye for folk paintings while applying the colours and designing motifs on these manuscripts. This style of manuscript painting at Mahishdal had caught the attention of the art critics, who considered it to the reminiscent of folk paintings of Odisha. This influence is not only noticed in Mahishdal, it is also seen in the villages like Sutahata, Amdabad, Nabaghat and other areas of Medinipur District. Well known critics and art connoisseurs have said that this manuscript painting of Mahishdal represents the earliest expression of the modern art style of Bengal.
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