Paintings of Odisha are highly favourable in the national markets, essentially for their unique styles and attractive appearances and are available for competitive prices. Rock paintings, tribal paintings, mural paintings, `Patachitra` paintings and palm leaf paintings of Odisha are immensely popular throughout the country for their artistic excellence.
The eastern Indian state of Odisha possesses an ancient tradition of paintings which can be traced back to the prehistoric ages. Various themes and ideas have motivated the creation of these magnificent paintings.
History of Paintings in Odisha
The different forms of paintings in Odisha is believed to have originated way back in the ancient ages, which dated back to prehistoric periods which constitute the era around 300 BC to 100 AD. These beautiful paintings have been performed here in the numerous rock shelters and `mathas` belonging to this century. A majority of Odisha paintings are tribal and have been painted as part of the indigenous cultural tradition of this portion of India.
Features of Paintings in Odisha
Small geometrical and floral patterns to big animal motifs and human figures are shown hunting, fighting, dancing and doing domestic chores are the main themes along with Hindu epics. Colours used are red extracted from iron, brown from copper and white from lime compounds. Paintings are prepared with pure vegetable colours.
Types of Paintings in Odisha
Following are the different types of Odisha Paintings:
Patta Chitras: This style of painting is prepared on cloth with pure vegetable colours. The themes and motifs are drawn out of Hindu epics and chiefly portray the lives and times of Lord Krishna. They reveal the classic Puri Jagannath cult and the artists draw motivation from the celebrated Jagannath Yatra, sculptures in the temples, practices and rituals attached to the temple etc.
Rock Paintings: This painting carries recollection of Ajanta murals. The paintings choice from little geometrical and flower-patterned patterns to large animal motifs and human figures are revealed hunting, fighting, dancing and doing household tasks. Most on the walls follow a chronological, horizontal pattern.
Tribal Paintings of Odisha: Odisha`s tribal paintings are in great demand and include the paintings drawn by the local tribes of Odisha like `Santhals`, `Kondhs` and `Sauras`. These tribals adorn their residences with motifs of rare geometrical patterns, birds and flowers. The Saura tribes paint sketches on their home walls to please spirits and demigods and their paintings depict their religious beliefs. Generally these paintings are based on dreams. The Sauras are said to draw `ittals` on the walls especially during animal sacrifices. Kondh tribes decorate their walls with geometrical designs and figurative art-forms. Presently, the paintings are painted on canvas or `Tussar Silk`.
Palm Leaf Paintings of Odisha: Odisha`s palm leaf paintings are noteworthy and are painted on dried palm leaves. The themes of palm leaf paintings are mainly mythological and have been influenced by the Hindu epics of Ramayana and Mahabharata as well as legendary tales which include Lord Jagannath and Radha krishna. Such unique paintings also served as significant non-verbal sources of communication.
Applique Art: Applique Art in Odisha also initiated as a temple art. The artisans of Pipli which is a village, 40 km from Puri have their expertise in applique art.
Jhoti, Chita, Muruja: The folk art of Odisha is jump up with its common and sacred activities. In the month of Margasira, women folk worship the goddess Lakshmi.
