The famous Kalighat paintings of Kolkata developed as a distinctive and special art form in the mid to late 19th century. The painters, known as patuas, worked around the legendary Kali temple of Kolkata (then Calcutta). More descriptive: They let their creativity shine with pats of mythological stories, Hindu gods and goddesses as well as scenes from daily life in the city.

The early Kalighat paintings seamlessly blended mythology with reality. Craft process and importance of the art: The painters used mill-made paper and vivid, handmade dyes with masterful brushwork. Through the paintings, the artists held a mirror to the shifting social tides of the 19th and 20th centuries. Over time, the unique Kalighat pat became highly sought after in India. Even European connoisseurs and global museums recognized the value of this art style.

Masterful artists from rural Medinipur and Birbhum are keeping this tradition alive.

When mentioning Kalighat pat, Jamini Roy is the first name that comes to mind. The painter's masterful work was first exhibited on the British-ruled streets of Calcutta. Now, his paintings are displayed in museums across the world. Currently, the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A) in London houses the largest collection of Kalighat pats, collected since 1879.

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