The Craft Villages of Odisha
Shruthi
writes about the richness of art in Dandasahi, Raghurajpur and Pipli, the famous art villages of Odisha
Folk arts and crafts have always been amongst the most unique and attractive ways of reflecting the richness of India’s diverse culture and heritage. There are many regions in India which have developed different ways of portraying local traditions and lifestyle through their ancient masterpieces of art by using materials locally available. The art villages of Odisha contribute to the treasure of this Indigenous Cultural Heritage of India in their own exceptional way.
These villages are well known for their excellence in Pattachitra paintings, “Patta” means “cloth” and “Chitra” means “picture”. Dandasahi and Raghurajpur are home for many national award-winning craftsmen. The entire village community is engaged in making Pattachitra, palm leaf engraving, tribal painting, mask making etc. Their ability is to turn almost any unnoticeable thing into a treasure with their painting work of outstanding artistry.
Dandasahi is located at a distance of 12km from Puri, Odisha. As you enter this calm village with swaying coconut palms, the artwork of tribal paintings at every doorstep are simply adorning. A very famous gurukul here, Ananta Maharana Gurukul, is run by a family of a national award-winning 80yr old Shilpaguru Ananta Maharana. Many students come here to master the famous art of Pattachitra painting.
As explained by the Shilpaguru’s grandson, a craftsman himself, the art of Pattachitra painting done here is a worship. Ancient Hindu mythological stories are brought to life through the art which cannot be achieved unless one puts his heart and soul into it to assimilate and feel the legendary story that is being painted. The flow of imagination in the artist’s mind comes as an intricate sensational work on the canvas, dried palm leaf, coconut and areca nut shells etc. The famous Puri Jagannath paintings are done here.
The canvas which is the base for the painting is made from cloth. A gum made from tamarind seeds is applied between multiple layers of cloth to make it stiff. Then is dried and smoothened by rubbing with stones to make it ready to be painted. The basic colors which are used are white (made from seashell powder) , blue, red, and yellow(made by powdering the natural stones available in few tribal villages), and black (made from the soot collected from burning of a coconut shell. The stone/seashell powder is then mixed with water and natural gum from tamarind seeds to make the paints. These paints are not waterproof but everlasting if handled carefully. The natural leaf and floral colors are also used in certain cases. The Pattachitra paintings are also done on fabric using fabric paints. Look out for a video we will publish shortly to know how exactly it is done. Palm leaf engraving is done by carving the palms with iron lead and henna leaves are used to fill the engravings with color.
Another art village, Raghurajpur is very near to Chandanpur, which is a few km drive from Puri. This quaint village located amidst the shades of coconut-palm stands on the banks of the river Bhargavi. This is a heritage village with about 200 houses. Each house has a unique story painted on its walls making you get the feel of walking in an art gallery. Every house here is an artist’s workshop and has an art piece in making at any time. Many are involved in Pattachitra painting, stone carving, paper mache, mask making, toy painting etc.
These villages have ultimate richness in art and are protected as heritage site by the The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH).
Although sadly the poverty here is slowly making many artists disappear from the place to form a new livelihood, the craftsmen are doing a remarkable job by keeping this fascinating art alive even while their financial crisis makes it very hard for them to continue and preserve this art. The artists are more happy to see visitors in these villages and showcase their rich art than being paid for their work. If you are planning to buy any pieces of work , please do choose from these villages rather than buying from any galleries in the nearby towns.
These art villages are a must visit in Odisha. Bring home some of these unique pieces of art if you are visiting these places. Dandasahi and Raghurajpur are remotely located and hence it may be difficult to track down these places. Do not get misguided by the taxi drivers. Look for the board saying Raghurajpur Heritage Village and The Ananta Maharana Gurukul in Dandasahi. Hope you enjoyed reading our article. We would love to hear your thoughts about this art.
Such beautiful traditional folk arts are need of patronage so that they do not become the things of teh past. In addition to govt. support people should come forward to appreciate such arts and purchase.
True that Durga Prasad. We hope that these arts get much more exposure which they deserve.
I searched for travel stories and this is the he one which matches my need and imagination. I am highly inspired to go to suchvillages
Heart stealing beauty of paintings ….reflects the richness of Divine cultural- traditional ART of our country.. The saying that art n money doesnt stay together stoods true here. Feeling very proud to appreciate the art but very sad to know the poverty the artists living in. I strongly suggest the Odisha-PURI, BHUBANESHWAR tourists to visit these villages to encourage these artist families by buying their Divine rich art pieces n promoting direct home sales as so many business people are making huge profit by these art crafts…. this would help n encourage the poor families as well as the rich art …..
Thank you very much and very well said Meena 🙂
Wow.. amazing
Thank you 🙂
I want to visit here, right away. And look at some of these paintings in person. I paint actually, and I love such colorful and traditional paintings. On my recent visit to Rajasthan, I did get a collection of Pitchwai paintings.
Thank you for your comment Neha. Good to know about Pitchwai paintings.
I love finding unique treasures when traveling and it sounds like you found an entire village to offer that! Absolutely stunning pieces of art with cultural significance as well. Thanks for sharing! We will definitely put it on our travel wishlist.
Thank you Angela:) Many places in India and their folk arts have very much to offer for art lovers.
Hope they’ll be able to preserve and continue making these beautiful arts… Its beautiful, unique and the arts speak of history combined with talent by the craftsmen. I hope to visit Odisha someday, this post just widen my knowledge about wonderful India…
Thank you Louiela 🙂 Such artworks need more opportunities to be recognized.
Wow! There’s just so much color in those photographs. I’ve always been amazed by India’s culture and arts and architecture (that of Taj Mahal). Great post!
Thank you Danica 🙂
Mesmerizing art work! So colorful and full of life.
It is sad that poverty is driving them out of this field.
I wish government would do something for them.
Thank you Indrani 🙂 We too wish the same.
Wow. I love arts and crafts and the photos you have are just so pleasing to the yet. What more if I visited the village to see it for myself.
Thank you Gel 🙂 Of course, you should experience it yourself.
We had seen similar kind of art in some places but did not know its name and origin but thanks to this post! Pattachitra Painting looks like an incredible form of art and its amazing to know that they use natural colors.
Thank you Rashmi and Chalukya 🙂 Please let us know about the place you mentioned if you get to know.
so beautiful! not only the content (the indian art) is beautiful it is also beautiful the way you show it to us! congratulations for this beautiful site 🙂
Thank you for the appreciation Elisa 🙂
I had fun reading this as much as looking through the photos. I am a fan of art in fact, going to art galleries is one my past time. I can’t paint though, and I often wish I could. I haven’t been to an art village before but it’s good that you recommend this. I am definitely including Odisha in my itinerary if ever I go to India.
Thank you Marge 🙂 We are glad that our post could inspire you to visit Odisha
can you share the email id/phone number/address of the organisation looking after marketing or sales of these art forms? I may be able to help the women artisans to upscale their sales and business.
Thanks much Puja for showing interest to help the artists. Would you please drop us a mail at interludejourney@gmail.com. We would like to give you details of few more organizations which would benefit from collaborating with women on wings.
Looking at all these crafts you’ve shared, i can already feel the diversity and richness of India! I hope to visit this place one day! Actually I want to go to India!!!!!
Those paintings are gorgeous. Sorta off topic, but my family are from India and my Mum has a leaf with a delicately painted lady on it that hails from the country. It’s one of my favourite pieces of art, ever.
Odisha Ancient Handicrafts is gorgeous Specially Patachitra. If anyone Interested to sell their Art like Patachitra and Stone carves work Then Please contact Shreekrutee@gmail.com