The Hybridity of Pattachitra Katha Media: The Folk-Pop Art Narrative Tradition of Bengal

Abstract

Introduction: This study explored the post-colonial hybridity regarding Pattachitra art in Bengal, while analysing its change from an entirely religious storytelling medium to the dynamic visual form that pays heed to the modern socio-political problems.

Methodology: The research was conducted utilising a theme-based visual content analysis approach. The research examined six Pattachitra paintings spanning from traditional mythological narrative to the modern socio-political depictions. The artworks were selected using a purposive sampling approach.

Results: The research found three main aspects evolving from the themes concerning the colonial era, the post-colonial era, the discussion on hybridity, evolving techniques and fusion of Pattachitra with Western art. Those include gender representation, national identity and global crisis response. From a gender perspective, artists had reconfigured the female figures using bold contours, expressive colour, and emotive postures, which challenged the traditional stereotypes and represented the feminist reinterpretations. The strand of national identity discovered how iconic mythological figures such as Durga and Krishna were reframed in the contemporary political contexts, reinforcing the cultural heritage in a modern period. In discussing the global crisis, artists engaged with events like 9/11 and the COVID‑19 pandemic, including symbolic motifs like masks, virus-based patterns, and frontline scenes in complex, scroll-style compositions.

Conclusion: This study contributes to understanding the hybridity of Pattachitra as it bridges traditional art forms and modern global issues. It highlights how Pattachitra has adapted and remains relevant in post-colonial India, providing a tool for social commentary while preserving its cultural roots.