Mashan Chitrakala: A Forgotten Art of North Bengal-is an insightful exploration of one ofIndia’s lesser-known sacred folk-art traditions, rooted in the cultural life of the RajbongshiMalakar community of North Bengal. Based on years of fieldwork, ...
Mashan Chitrakala: A Forgotten Art of North Bengal-is an insightful exploration of one ofIndia’s lesser-known sacred folk-art traditions, rooted in the cultural life of the RajbongshiMalakar community of North Bengal. Based on years of fieldwork, conversations with artists,workshops, and historical research, the book traces the origins, ritual significance, visuallanguage, materials, and changing identity of Mashan painting. It examines the sacred image ofMashan, the role of the Ojha, and the traditional use of shola pith, natural pigments, silk, andpaper. The book also places Mashan Chitrakala in dialogue with Kalighat, Madhubani, Gond,and Warli traditions, highlighting its distinctive artistic character. Through the voices andexperiences of Malakar artists, it documents a living heritage facing economic and culturalchallenges while exploring pathways for its recognition, preservation, and future.
Tags : Mashan Chitrakala,North Bengal folk art,Rajbongshi Malakar art,Sacred folk art of India,Traditional Indian painting,Shola pith art,Bengal folk art traditions,Indigenous art and cultural heritage