70^th BPSC Mains

Approach Briefly introduce Patna Qulam painting with background. Highlight the main features of Patna Qalam Painting. Conclude suitably.

Introduction

Patna Kalam, or the Patna School of Painting, flourished in the 18th and 19th centuries in Bihar. Unlike Mughal miniatures, it focused on depicting the daily lives of common people, making it the first painting school globally to adopt this perspective. It remains a significant part of India’s artistic heritage.

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Historical Background and Evolution

• The decline of the Mughal Empire (post-1707) forced artists to seek new patrons, leading to their migration.
• The Battle of Plassey (1757) caused instability in Murshidabad, compelling artists to settle in Patna by 1760.
• The British administration and local elites in Patna provided sustained patronage, leading to the growth of Indo-European artistic styles.

Phases of Development

• Early Phase (1760–1805):
  • Strong Mughal influence, use of Kajli Seahi technique.
  • Depictions of local festivals and occupations.
• Mature Phase (1805–1831):
  • Artists like Sewak Ram and Shiva Lal introduced European shading and depth.
  • British demand influenced themes and colors.
• Later Phase (1831–early 20th century):
  • Increased commercialization, focus on miniature portraits for British officials.
  • Painting on ivory, mica, and rice paper became popular.

Salient Features of Patna Kalam

• Subject Matter:
  • Depicted common people’s lives, unlike royal Mughal paintings.
  • Festivals like Holi, Chhath Puja, Dussehra, Muharram featured prominently.
  • Portrayal of artisans, traders, blacksmiths, kite-makers, and toddy-tappers.
  • British officers shown in casual settings, highlighting the colonial presence in Indian society.
• Artistic Techniques:
  • Kajli Seahi Technique:
    • Paintings directly executed without pencil outlines, requiring high precision and skill.
  • Brushmaking and Stippling:
    • Brushes made from squirrel, or goat hair for detailed strokes.
  • Shadow and Perspective:
    • European techniques like foreshortening were introduced.
  • Color and Materials:
    • Natural pigments extracted from minerals, plants, and bark.
    • Painted on Wasli sheets, rice paper, mica, ivory, bamboo, and silk.
    • European-style shading with soft washes replaced the darker Mughal tones.
• Distinctive Characteristics:
  • Minimal backgrounds and borders to reduce cost and highlight subjects.
  • Somber color palette matching European tastes.
  • Facial features: Pointed noses, sunken eyes, dense eyebrows, prominent moustaches.
• Socio-Cultural Significance:
  • Visual Ethnography: Documented occupational diversity, showing everyday life from fish sellers to silversmiths.
  • Cultural Insights: Reflected festivals, clothing, and traditions of the period.
  • Colonial Influence: Highlighted British-Indian interactions, influencing later Company paintings.
  • Comparative Context: Unlike Delhi and Banaras Kalam, Patna Kalam was simplistic, focusing on ordinary life rather than ornate backdrops.

Prominent Artists and Their Contributions

• Sewak Ram (1770–1830): Pioneer of Kajli Seahi technique, famous for Dussehra and Chhath paintings.
• Hulas Lal (1785–1875): Specialized in portraiture, worked for the East India Company.
• Shiva Dayal Lal (1820–1880): Known for miniature portraits on ivory, depictions of temple rituals.
• Ishwari Prasad (1870–1949): The last prominent Patna Kalam artist, later taught in Kolkata School of Art.
• Women Artists: Daksho Bibi and Sona Bibi made notable contributions in a male-dominated field.

Decline of Patna Kalam

• Technological Advancements: Photography emerged, offering cheaper, more realistic portraits.
• Market Saturation: Repetitive themes led to declining interest.
• Changing Patronage: British tastes shifted, reducing demand.
• Economic Decline: Local patronage diminished, and Western artistic influences grew.
• The deaths of major artists like Shiva Lal and Shiva Dayal Lal led to studio closures.

Contemporary Legacy and Revival Efforts

• Preserved in major museums:
  • Patna Museum, India.
  • Victoria and Albert Museum, London.
  • British Museum, London.
• Recognized as the world’s first independent painting school depicting common people’s lives.
• Revival Efforts: Institutions like College of Arts and Crafts, Patna, work to preserve and document Patna Kalam.

Conclusion

Patna Kalam combined Mughal traditions with European techniques, offering a realistic portrayal of common people's lives. Its innovative style and social themes made it a key artistic contribution. Though it declined with changing tastes and photography, its legacy endures in museums and studies, highlighting its lasting cultural significance.