Odisha is home to a longstanding tradition of painting and calligraphy on palm leaves. Engraved delicately using lekhani (iron stylus) on strips of palm leaves stitched together, they depict episodes from the great Indian epics and tales of Radha and Krishna. Although fragile and made from commonly found brittle palm leaves, they endure over centuries, repelling moisture as they are cured and dried before being worked upon.
This engraving by National Awardee Rabindra Behera is a detailed depiction of scenes from the Ramayana. The figures incised in black come alive through the traditional five-colour palette of natural pigments, of which geru, blue, white and black are seen here.
Artist
Rabindra Behera
Bhubaneshwar Odisha
Rabindra Behera, born in 1967 in Bhubaneswar, is a renowned master of Pattachitra, the traditional scroll painting of Odisha known for its intricate lines and mythological themes. With over 40 years devoted to the craft, he is a National Awardee (2008) and one of the foremost custodians of this ancient art form. Trained under the Guru-Shishya Parampara, Behera has played a key role in preserving and promoting Pattachitra by mentoring over 80 students through government-backed programs. His work has been widely recognised, earning him the State Award (2003), Odisha Lalitkala Academy Award (2007), and a Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture (2000–2002). Beyond his studio, Behera has represented Indian folk art at major events like the Surajkund Mela, IIFT, Dilli Haat, and the Hamburg Port Festival in Germany. His paintings not only capture mythological stories but also embody the cultural spirit of Odisha, making him a vital link between tradition and contemporary appreciation of Indian heritage art.
The Craft
Palm Leaf Engraving
Pattachitra artists from West Bengal and Odisha tell stories from mythology through their paintings on long panels of fine cotton cloth. The word patta means cloth and chitra means painting.
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