Pattachitra is a traditional cloth-based scroll painting from Odisha, known for fine linework, ornate borders and stories from Hindu mythology. The name comes from Sanskrit patta (cloth) and chitra (picture). Odisha Pattachitra holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, and the heritage village of Raghurajpur near Puri is its best-known centre.
History of Pattachitra
Pattachitra grew up around the Jagannath temple in Puri. Painters, known as chitrakars, made images of Lord Jagannath, Balabhadra and Subhadra for pilgrims and for the temple during the period each year when the deities are kept away from public view. The craft has passed down through families for generations, and whole villages such as Raghurajpur still paint, teach and sell from their homes.
How Pattachitra Is Made
Cotton cloth is coated with a paste of tamarind seed and chalk, dried and polished with a stone until the surface is smooth enough to paint on. Artists draw the outline directly with a brush, without pencil, then fill in colour and finish with a fine black line. Traditional colours are natural: white from conch shell, black from lamp soot, red from hingula, yellow from haritala. Materials and steps vary from artist to artist.
Subjects in Pattachitra
Common subjects include Lord Jagannath, Krishna Leela and the Raas Leela, the Dashavatara (ten avatars of Vishnu), the Ramayana and Ganesha. Many paintings carry a border of flowers and creepers, and the figures have large eyes, long noses and stylised costumes.
Types of Pattachitra
- Cloth Pattachitra: the classic form on prepared cotton.
- Tala Pattachitra: drawings engraved on dried palm leaves and darkened with soot, often stitched into folding panels.
- Tussar Pattachitra: painted on tussar silk.
- Bengal Patachitra: a related scroll tradition from West Bengal, where painters (Patuas) sing the story as they unroll the scroll.
The Artists Behind Odisha Pattachitra
Treasure of India focuses on making the people behind traditional art easier to discover. Niranjan Maharana, for example, has documented National Award recognition for excellence in Pattachitra craft in 2004. Explore our artist profiles for additional documented information about artists and their craft backgrounds.
Pattachitra subjects for homes
Lord Jagannath, Radha Krishna's Raas Leela, the Ramayan, the Dashavatara and Ganesha are the subjects collectors ask for most. Jagannath paintings suit prayer rooms and entrances; Raas Leela and Ramayan scenes make striking focal walls in living rooms.
Browse Radha Krishna paintings and Ganesha art across crafts.
Pattachitra painting price
Our original Pattachitra paintings currently range from ₹54,999 to ₹1,09,000. These are large, finely detailed cloth paintings, hand-painted by Niranjan Maharana of Odisha with natural colours, and each ships with a signed certificate of authenticity. Niranjan Maharana is one of the nine artists in NAVRATNA: Indigenous Masters at our Gurugram gallery.
Shipping Pattachitra 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 a Pattachitra Painting
- Look at the line: hand-painted outlines are fine and confident, with small variations a print cannot copy.
- Check the border: detailed, evenly spaced borders take time and show skill.
- Ask about the base: cloth, silk or palm leaf changes the look and the care needed.
- Know the artist: a named artist and a certificate of authenticity add value.
For larger or higher-value artworks, contact Treasure of India if you need additional details before ordering.
See Pattachitra in person
Pattachitra by Odisha masters was part of NAVRATNA, the exhibition that opened our gallery in Palam Vihar, Gurugram in October 2026. Book a gallery visit.
Explore Odisha Art
Browse the Pattachitra collection, explore Odisha art, or discover regional traditions through the Craft Map of India.
Featured Pattachitra Paintings
Explore selected original Pattachitra works currently available:
Ashta Vinayak – Pattachitra Painting
Ras Leela – Pattachitra Painting
Sita Ram Darbar – Pattachitra PaintingView all Pattachitra paintings →
FAQs
What is Pattachitra art?
A traditional scroll painting from Odisha, painted by hand on prepared cloth with natural colours, usually showing Jagannath, Krishna and other mythological stories.
Which village is famous for Pattachitra?
Raghurajpur, near Puri in Odisha, is the best-known Pattachitra village.
What is Tala Pattachitra?
A form of Pattachitra engraved on palm leaves with a stylus and filled with soot or ink.
What is the price of a Pattachitra painting?
Our original Pattachitra paintings currently range from ₹54,999 to ₹1,09,000.
Do you ship Pattachitra paintings outside India?
Yes, worldwide, for a flat ₹4,000 per order; delivery usually takes 2 to 3 weeks.
Is Pattachitra the same as Bengal Patachitra?
They are related scroll traditions but differ in style and practice. Bengal Patachitra is linked with the Patua painters who sing the story while showing the scroll.
