Exploring Jharkhand’s Ancient Art of Paitkar Painting and Its Modern Revival

Sep 26, 2024

Paitkar painting from Jharkhand is more than art; it’s a window into the tribal soul of the region. Meet CR Hembram, a Santhal artist renowned for blending traditional and modern styles in his Paitkar paintings. His work, celebrated in museums and galleries globally, captures tribal culture, societal issues, and the condition of women. Hembram’s use of bold and contrasting colours in his artworks often creates a striking visual representation of the struggle between good and evil. Amadubi village in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district is often referred to as the "Artist’s Village." It is renowned for its Paitkar artists, who have passed down this ancient art form through generations. The stories depicted in their work often come from epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, tribal folklore, and daily life. The artists use natural colours derived from plants and minerals, adhering to the traditional methods of their ancestors. The village is a home to over seventy-five indigenous artists and a part of Rural Tourism Project initiated by the government to encourage sustainable tourism. Kishor among many artists in Amadubi is working towards both the empowerment of women and the preservation of their ancient traditions. His initiative is inspiring many to pursue the art form. Today, many women in Amadubi are skilled painters. Thanks to the Paitkar art and government support, these women can earn a good income, manage their households, and help preserve their traditions.