This painting "FRIENDS" called Sakhi's in Bengali is inspired by the Kalighat or Kalighat Pat style of painting.

This style of painting originated in 19th-century Bengal and in and around the Kalighat Kali temple in Kolkata.

In the 19th century, the only school of painting that flourished in Bengal was the traditional art of scroll painting. These paintings were done on cloth or patas and covered subjects of gods and goddesses and scenes from Tulsidas's Ram Charita Manas. The artists were villagers who travelled from place to place with their scroll paintings and described the scenes from the epics depicted in the paintings through songs during village gatherings and festivals. These artists were known as "patua's" or" painters on cloth". It is said that the religion of these artists was half Hindu and half Muslim and they practiced Islam. Around this time, the British too introduced the European techniques of painting and Kalighat painting emerged to be a unique blend of both styles. The charm of these paintings is that these paintings capture the simplicity of daily life.

This painting "FRIENDS" is done with Watercolour on 300 gsm Canson Watercolour paper. This painting is based on the traditional Kalighat style.

The painting represents the lifestyle of Bengal during the British period.

More paintings in the Kalighat style are available on this website.

Visit our BLOG on Kalighat paintings.

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