The Ramayana in Bengali Folk Paintings

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: Mandakranta Bose

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789385285554

• Pages: 140

• Cover: Hardcover

About The Book

Paṭas: Folk Art of the Rāmāyaṇa offers an insightful exploration into the rich folk traditions of India, particularly through the lens of Bengali folk paintings. These paṭacitras (or paṭas) are painted narratives on rectangular fabrics or paper scrolls, telling stories with vivid imagery and accompanying sung or recited commentary. Dating back to Sanskrit sources, including Harṣacarita, these illustrated scrolls have been a part of India's cultural fabric for centuries, used primarily in rural storytelling to share legends and social themes across diverse communities.

This book takes the reader into the heart of Indian folk art, showcasing how Bengali painters uniquely portray the legendary Rāmāyaṇa in their folk art tradition. Unlike the authoritative versions of the Rāmāyaṇa by Vālmīki, these paintings often deviate from the original texts, adding local stories and interpretations that reflect the values and beliefs of the people. The paṭas offer an alternative narrative, a counter-Rāmāyaṇa, where the artists’ renditions diverge significantly from the canonical version, adding new dimensions to the epic.

The vibrant images in this collection represent a powerful tradition where visual storytelling and artistic expression go hand-in-hand, allowing for an immersive experience that connects the audience to the deeper ethical and moral teachings of the Rāmāyaṇa. This tradition holds a special place in the history of Indian art because it is not just an artistic form but also a moral guide for the communities that engage with it. Through these folk paintings, the Rāmāyaṇa becomes more than a text; it becomes an interactive experience for people to reflect upon, question, and understand life and ethics from a variety of cultural viewpoints.

Paṭas: Folk Art of the Rāmāyaṇa is an essential work for anyone interested in the intersection of Indian art, folk culture, and literary traditions, and it serves as a remarkable bridge between visual art and oral storytelling.