KOLKATA: A successful artist, a world explorer and an adventurer at heart, Anita Bose, who has devoted two decades in nurturing her creative pursuits, launched her new book “Patachitra of Odisha and Jagannath Culture” (by Gangchil Publications) on Saturday 28 July at Turiyananda Hall, The Golpark Ramkrishna mission Institute of Culture. The original Bengali version of the book along with its English translation was inaugurated on the same date.
Respected Secretary of Ramkrishna Mission Institute of Culture Golpark, Swami Suparnananda, the honourable Superintendent of Bhubaneswar State Museum, Dr. Jayanti Rath, eminent New York based International author, Professor Jael Silliman, the President’s Award winning Patachitra artist, Sridhar Maharana launched the book along with the author.
Bose has travelled various distinct parts of India and Southeast Asia for researching and learning about the different shades of all native art forms. Her studies included the influence of Indian art and Hinduism on Southeast Asian Countries. From 2013 onwards, her various articles on this subject have been published in esteemed magazines such as “Udbhodhan”, “Bali Jyotih”, “Sala” etc, in India, Bali. The book, “Patachitra of Odisha and Jagannath Culture”, attempts to bring to the notice of the masses, the complicated form of historical art. In this book, she pens down a detailed analysis of the Patachitra that takes place as we trace the beginnings from the ancient periods to its contemporary form in the modern day.
Anga, Banga and Kalinga come together in geographical union to define the boundaries of Indian culture. Within these boundaries lies the enigmatic essence of the divine – the Jagannatha Culture. A reckoning force that seeks to promote peace and harmony while reconciling with itself the turbulent nature of life, the blessings of Lord Jagannatha has been shaping minds and inspiring confidence in devotees from ancient times. It is an intangible feeling of joy and has led to the creation of magnificent rathas or chariots, masterfully crafted temples, soulful music, vibrant dances and colourful artworks. In this plethora of creative ingenuity, a branch of ancient art called “Patachitra” stands out in its apparent inconspicuousness. Originating in the village of Raghurajpur in Odisha, this rarity of Indian antiquity portrays, with vivid colours and deft strokes, the glory and splendour of Jagannatha Culture through illustration of various tales and folklores.
