Odisha, The Soul State Of India, is an ancient land with rich history, art and cultural heritage, dating thousands of years.
Situated on the coast along the Bay of Bengal, it houses many ancient architectural splendour with the early monuments dating back to the third century B.C.
The famous Sun Temple of Konark- a scientific marvel, also known as the Black Pagoda, Pristine beaches, ancient temples, Buddhist peace pagoda, largest brackish water lagoon in the world, dense forest reserves, magnificient ports, birthplace of classical Indian dance form of Odissi and notably it's less explored unique arts and crafts make it India’s best kept secret.
Did you know, one of the ancient names of Odisha is "Utkala"- meaning, a land of finest arts and superior workmanship.
Through this initiative, "Ode To Odisha: Rediscovering The Excellence Of Art In The Soul State Of India", we are glad to introduce a few of these marvels-
Pattachitra Paintings, Palm Leaf Painting, Fine engravings on Brass, Applique Works and Silver Filigree.
PattaChitra Paintings
PattaChitra Paintings
PattaChitra Paintings
The name Pattachitra has evolved from the Sanskrit words "patta", meaning canvas, and chitra, meaning picture.
Originating from an old tradition, the fine and artistic folk art, are painted by natural colours on silk/canvas by artists from a small idyllic village of Raghurajpur in Odissa (a heritage crafts village).
Pattachitra is one of the ancient artworks of Odisha, originally created for ritual use and as souvenirs for pilgrims to temples in Odisha.
The paintings, which has Geographical Indication, are manifested by rich colourful application, creative motifs, and designs, and portrayal of simple themes.
Palm Leaf Painting
PattaChitra Paintings
PattaChitra Paintings
Palm Leaf Paintings are one of the most ancient crafts of the world. Etching and paintings on the palm leaf are colloquially known as Tala patra chitras. Traditionally, when written communication began, messages and manuscripts were written on the palm leaf to be disseminated. Gradually, it became an art in itself.
Applique Works
PattaChitra Paintings
Fine engravings on Brass
Appliqué art is created by a unique process of cutting coloured cloth into shapes of animals, birds, flowers leaves and other decorative motifs and stitching them on a piece of cloth and has its origin in the heritage village of Pipili, in Odisha, India. This Geographical Indication tagged art form is also known as Chandua.
The craft involves embroidering and many decorative stitches unique to the region. The rich shades of colors set a festive mood.
Fine engravings on Brass
Fine engravings on Brass
Fine engravings on Brass
The fine engravings on brass with intricate designs signifies the craftsmenship of these artisans.
Notably, the famed Konark wheel, symbolising the wheels of the Chariot of the Sun God representing the passage of time, is an art par excellence.
Silver Filigree
Fine engravings on Brass
Silver Filigree
This highly skilled art form of Filigree, also known as "Tarakasi" or the art made with fine silver wire, is more than 500 years old. Created mainly by artisans from Cuttack, the 'Silver City of India', the art requires precision, patience, skilled handwork and fine creativity of the artisans.