How Indian Pattachitra Artists Told Stories Long Before the Digital Era
KNMA's 'Pata Dekhabo?' exhibition showcases the timeless tradition of Pattachitra scrolls, preserving India's rich storytelling heritage before the digital age.
Discover how India’s Pattachitra artists used narrative scrolls to share stories, culture, and history for centuries at KNMA’s ‘Pata Dekhabo?’ exhibition.
New Delhi – The Kala Nahin Matra Art (KNMA) recently opened its doors to an eye-opening exhibition titled “Pata Dekhabo?” that celebrates the age-old tradition of narrative scrolls and storytelling in India. This exhibition throws light on a unique mode of communication—Patachitra—that was used to carry news, social messages, and cultural tales across various communities long before the digital revolution transformed how information is shared.
The exhibition features an impressive collection of painted scrolls, demonstrating the intricate artistry and narrative techniques that have been an essential part of rural and urban life for centuries. Each scroll, often accompanied by vocal narration or song, served as a moving storyboard helping communities understand current events, social issues, folklore, and religious stories.
Curators and experts at KNMA stress that Patachitra is not merely an art form but a powerful tool for communication and education. “Before television, radio, and the internet, these scrolls brought people together, transmitting crucial information and shared values,” said Sunita Rao, senior curator at the KNMA. “We want visitors today to appreciate the complexity and significance of these messages embedded in art.”
The exhibition also highlights how artists employed vivid colors, symbolic imagery, and sequential storytelling that could captivate an audience’s attention while conveying political, social, and even moral narratives. This was especially important in remote or less literate areas where oral traditions and visual storytelling were central to community life.
Additionally, “Pata Dekhabo?” reflects on how this storytelling method connected different cultures within India, enriching the diversity of voices and perspectives. It showcases works from various regions, including Odisha, Bengal, and West Bengal, revealing both distinct regional styles and the universal power of storytelling through art.
This initiative by KNMA is timely as it invites reflection on how modern digital communication often lacks the depth and personal connection once achieved through such tactile and communal experiences. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the scrolls and listen to traditional performances scheduled throughout the exhibition’s run.
By preserving and presenting Patachitra, KNMA aims to revive interest in this ancient practice and promote its relevance in today’s media-saturated world, reminding us of storytelling’s enduring role in shaping societies and transmitting culture.
The “Pata Dekhabo?” exhibition is open to the public until the end of next month, offering an enriching experience for art enthusiasts, historians, and anyone interested in India’s rich cultural heritage.
