Birbhum, West Bengal

Bengal Pattachitra (Pata Scroll Painting)

Pattachitra, or pata scroll painting, is a long cloth scroll hand-painted with natural pigments to depict scenes from myth, the epics and rural life; the Bengal patachitra tradition finds its roots in the rural landscape of Santiniketan. Birbhum is listed as a distinct craft region for this art, and the state craft directory counts around 125 patachitra painters in the district. Scroll paintings are a signature purchase for visitors to Bolpur-Santiniketan. A buyer gets a hand-painted scroll or panel that works as wall art and as a piece of Bengali folk-art heritage.

Typical price: ₹500-10000

Buying tip: Buy directly from patachitra painters around Visva-Bharati and Amar Kutir in Santiniketan; natural pigments fade, so ask about the pigments used and keep the scroll away from direct sunlight.