"THREADS OF TRADITION: MADHUBANI X PATTACHITRA" FROM MIDDLE AGES AND ANCIENT HISTORY.

INTRODUCTION:

Fusion art is an innovative approach that blends elements from different artistic traditions, creating a fresh visual language that respects and reimagines cultural heritage. One such compelling fusion can be created by combining Pattachitra, an intricate scroll painting tradition from Odisha, and Madhubani, a vibrant folk art form from Bihar. Both art styles are rooted deeply in Indian history, spirituality, and rural culture, yet they offer contrasting techniques, motifs, and color schemes that can harmoniously coexist in a unified canvas.

Origin of Pattachitra (12^th Century CE)

Pattachitra derives its name from the Sanskrit words 'patta' (cloth) and 'chitra' (picture), meaning “a picture painted on cloth.” This art form originated in Odisha, particularly in and around the temple town of Puri, and dates back to the 12^th century CE.

Origin of Madhubani (8^th or 9^thCentury CE)

Madhubani painting, also known as Mithila art, originated in the Mithila region of Bihar and dates back to the 8^th or 9^th century CE but some scholars believe its roots are even more ancient, with references in the Ramayana. Madhubani art is characterized by its geometric patterns, and symbolic motifs like fish, peacocks, trees of life, and deities.

Combining these two distinct forms—Madhubani painting on a Pattachitra canvas—offers a unique fusion of artistic traditions from different regions of India. This creative process involves adapting Madhubani motifs to the Pattachitra canvas, resulting in a visually captivating and culturally significant artwork.

1. Tamarind
2. Chalk
3. Water
4. Cotton cloth
5. scissor
6. Sand Paper
7. Scale
8. Pencil
9. Eraser
10. Acrylic colours
11. Paint Brush (0 number)

1. A soft cotton cloth, preferably reused cloth like old sarees or dhotis, is chosen. New fabric is often avoided as it may not hold the coating well.
2. The cloth is thoroughly washed to remove any dirt and scratch.

1. Tamarind seeds are soaked in water for 3–5 days until they swell.
2. The skin is peeled off and the seeds are ground on a stone slab into a thick, sticky paste.
3. Now add double the water in that thick tamarind seed paste and boil for 10 to 15 minutes.
4. Let the gum cool down and strain it.

1. Cut three pieces of cotton fabric selected previously in same size.
2. One piece of cotton fabric are pasted using the tamarind seed mixture.
3. The glued fabric is spread flat on a plastic board or a smooth surface and let the fabric dry completely(this will take 24 hours to dry).
4. Now repeat the same process on leftover two pieces of cotton fabric and let it dry completely.
5. Several coats of the paste are applied evenly on both sides, allowing partial drying between layers.

1. Take chalk and use a grinder or a mortar to grind the chalk into a fine powder.
2. This may take time; ensure it’s as fine as possible to create a smooth canvas.
3. Use a muslin cloth to remove coarse particles.
4. Only the finest powder is used for the canvas mixture.
5. Add equal amount of tamarind seed glue into chalk powder with a bit of water and make a smooth paste.

1. The coated cloth is dried in shade (to prevent cracks) until it becomes stiff and leathery.
2. After drying, the surface is gently rubbed with sand paper or seashell to polish the surface.
3. This process, called “ghatai”, results in a smooth, parchment-like canvas ideal for painting.
4. Cut the canvas into your desired shape.

1. Lightly sketch the design with a pencil.
2. Start with the main elements: the woman, the peacocks, the flowers, and the borders.
3. Keep the style geometric and symmetrical, typical of traditional folk art.

1. Begin painting the peacocks, woman’s attire, and other main figures using flat, bold acrylic colours.
2. Use traditional folk colour schemes: bright pink, oranges, greens, and yellows.
3. Paint each element one colour at a time and allow it to dry.
4. Once the base colours dry, add intricate patterns like leaves and flowers.
5. Use fine brushes or detailing tools for precision.

1. Fill in large background areas like grass (green) and sky (white).
2. Let each section dry before proceeding to avoid smudging.

1. Carefully paint the borders with geometric or floral patterns.
2. Use pastel colors.

1. Use a thin brush and black acrylic color to outline all the elements.
2. This defines the details and gives the painting its distinctive look.

1. Let the painting dry completely.
2. You also can apply a clear acrylic varnish to protect the artwork and give it a finished look but I did not use varnish in my painting.

I hope you all like this painting and create this historic art fusion to celebrate our history.