Kalighat painting is a folk-art tradition that grew up in the 19th century around the Kalighat Kali temple in Kolkata. It is known for bold outlines, simplified figures, expressive gestures and soft shading, with subjects ranging from Hindu deities and mythology to witty scenes of Bengali social life.
History of Kalighat painting
In the early 1800s, Patua scroll painters from rural Bengal moved to Kolkata and set up stalls near the Kalighat temple. To sell quickly to pilgrims, they switched from long scrolls to single sheets of mill-made paper and painted fast with watercolour and brush. The result was a new, bold style that later influenced modern Indian artists, including Jamini Roy. Many 19th-century Kalighat paintings are now held in museum collections in India and abroad.
What Is Kalighat Painting?
Kalighat artists developed a distinctive visual style using strong contours and economical forms. Figures are drawn in one sweeping line, shaded at the edges to look rounded, and set against a plain background. Individual artists and contemporary interpretations can differ in materials, composition and subject.
Subjects in Kalighat Art
Devotional themes include Durga, Kali, Krishna, Lakshmi and Ganesha. Kalighat painters also commented on their time, showing fashionable babus, courtesans, cats with fish, and scenes of daily life, often with a sense of humour. Today, weddings, music and dance are popular contemporary themes.
Durga Kalighat paintings
Goddess Durga is one of the most painted subjects in Kalighat art and one of the most requested at Treasure of India. She is usually shown with her many arms, riding her lion and defeating the demon Mahishasura, in the bold outlines and soft shading that define the style. A Durga Kalighat painting is a popular gift around Durga Puja and for a new home.
See all Durga paintings across Indian crafts.
Radha Krishna Kalighat paintings
Radha and Krishna are another favourite subject of Kalighat painters, shown together in tender, flowing poses, or as scenes from Krishna's childhood and youth. These paintings suit living rooms and bedrooms, and pair well with Pichwai and Pattachitra works of the same theme.
Browse all Radha Krishna paintings.
Kalighat painting and Bengal Patachitra
Both come from the Patua painters of Bengal. Patachitra is a long narrative scroll shown while a story is sung; Kalighat is a single-sheet painting made for sale, with fewer, larger figures. Contemporary artists such as State Award winner Putul Chitrakar continue the Patua tradition.
Kalighat painting price
Original Kalighat paintings at Treasure of India currently range from ₹1,990 to ₹1,25,000, depending on size, detail and the artist. Large narrative scrolls sit at the top of the range. Every painting is hand-painted by Bengal patua artists Putul Chitrakar and Chandan Chitrakar and ships with a signed certificate of authenticity. Putul Chitrakar is one of the nine artists in NAVRATNA: Indigenous Masters at our Gurugram gallery.
Shipping Kalighat paintings in India and abroad
We ship across India and worldwide from our gallery in Gurugram, usually within 2 to 3 weeks. Delivery is free in India on orders of ₹2,999 and above, and international shipping is a flat ₹4,000 per order. See international shipping, customs and duties.
How to Choose Kalighat Paintings Online
- Look for a single, confident outline and soft shading at the edges of the figure.
- Check the paper and size; most Kalighat works are on handmade or mill paper and suit frames with a wide mount.
- Choose a subject that suits the room: deities for a prayer room, music and wedding scenes for living areas.
- Ask for the artist's name and a certificate of authenticity.
For higher-value or one-of-a-kind artwork, contact Treasure of India if you need additional details before ordering.
Explore Kalighat Art
Browse the Kalighat painting collection, explore Indian paintings, or discover artists and regional traditions through the Craft Map of India. Original works can also be seen at our gallery in Palam Vihar, Gurugram, which opened in October 2026. Book a visit.
The Artist Behind the Artwork
Traditional art is easier to understand when the maker is visible. Explore artist profiles for documented information about the people and craft practices connected with Treasure of India artworks.
Featured Kalighat Paintings
Explore selected handmade Kalighat artworks currently available:
Goddess Durga Narrative Scroll
Naach Gaan – Kalighat Painting
Bengali Wedding – Kalighat Folk PaintingFAQs
What is Kalighat painting?
A 19th-century folk painting style from Kolkata, made on paper with bold outlines and soft shading.
Who made Kalighat paintings?
Patua painters who moved from rural Bengal to the Kalighat temple area of Kolkata.
What are the main subjects of Kalighat painting?
Hindu deities such as Durga, Kali and Krishna, and scenes of Bengali social life.
What is the price of a Kalighat painting?
At Treasure of India, from ₹1,990 to ₹1,25,000, depending on size, detail and the artist.
Do you ship Kalighat paintings outside India?
Yes, worldwide, for a flat ₹4,000 per order; delivery usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
How is Kalighat different from Patachitra?
Patachitra is a long sung scroll; Kalighat is a single-sheet painting with fewer, bolder figures.
