Chennai Artist Revives Rustic Chitrakathi Style in Tamil Nadu

Chitrakathi is a traditional folk art form originating from Maharashtra, characterized by storytelling through hand-painted visuals. In 2012, an exhibition at Chennai's Lalit Kala Akademi showcased this unique art form, featuring paintings that depicted scenes from Bharatha-k-Koothu, a Tamil folk art, through the Chitrakathi style. This event highlighted the versatility of Chitrakathi and its relevance to various cultural narratives.

In recent years, efforts to revive traditional art forms in Tamil Nadu have gained momentum. For instance, the Chennai Sangamam – Namma Ooru Thiruvizha festival, inaugurated by Chief Minister M.K. Stalin in January 2025, featured over 1,500 artists performing more than 50 folk art programs, including Naiyandi Melam, Karakattam, and Silambattam. While Chitrakathi is not native to Tamil Nadu, such festivals provide a platform for diverse art forms, potentially including Chitrakathi, to be showcased and appreciated.

Additionally, the Chennaiyil Oar Oviya Sangamam exhibition in February 2025 brought together over 500 artists, offering a vibrant mix of art genres. Organized by self-taught artist Selvakannan Rathinam, the event aimed to highlight the potential of Tamil Nadu-based artists and create an inclusive space for various art forms. While the focus was on local talent, such platforms may also embrace art forms like Chitrakathi, fostering cross-cultural artistic exchanges.

While there is no specific information about a Chennai-based artist exclusively reviving the Chitrakathi style in Tamil Nadu, these events and exhibitions indicate a growing interest in preserving and promoting traditional art forms, potentially including Chitrakathi, within the region. 

Shanmughapriya: A Devoted Lover of Art Reviving Chitrakathi in Tamil Nadu

Shanmughapriya, a passionate artist from Chennai, has embarked on a mission to revive and reinterpret the rustic Chitrakathi painting style in Tamil Nadu. Her deep love for traditional art forms and storytelling has driven her to adapt this centuries-old Maharashtrian folk art to Tamil cultural narratives.

Chennai Artist Revives Rustic Chitrakathi Style in Tamil Nadu

1. Ancient Art Reimagined
A Chennai-based artist breathes new life into the traditional Chitrakathi painting style, once prevalent in Maharashtra, bringing it to the cultural landscape of Tamil Nadu.

2. Origins of Chitrakathi
This storytelling art form, dating back centuries, features hand-painted narratives on paper, often depicting mythological tales and folklore.

3. Blending Tradition with Modernity
The artist incorporates local themes and Tamil cultural motifs while preserving the rustic essence of Chitrakathi, making it relevant for contemporary audiences.

4. Community Engagement
Workshops and exhibitions introduce Tamil Nadu’s art enthusiasts to this lesser-known style, fostering appreciation and revival efforts.

5. Challenges and Future Prospects
Despite its uniqueness, sustaining the art form requires public interest, institutional support, and adaptation to modern artistic platform ols.

History and Origins of Chitrakathi Art 

Chitrakathi is an ancient storytelling art form that originated in Maharashtra, primarily practiced by the Chitrakathi community in the Konkan region, especially in Pinguli village. The name "Chitrakathi" is derived from two Sanskrit words: "Chitra" (picture) and "Katha" (story), indicating its purpose as a visual storytelling medium.  

1. Roots in Folk Traditions

 Chitrakathi is believed to have evolved around the 17th-18th century as a way to narrate mythological and folklore-based tales to rural communities. The artists (called Chithra karthik)

👉Chennai Artist Revives Rustic Chitrakathi Style in Tamil Nadu

👉In recent years, efforts have been made by artists, cultural organizations, and government bodies to revive and preserve the tradition.  

👉Some artists are now experimenting with modern themes and mixed media to keep the tradition alive. 

2. Themes and Style

👉The paintings are typically two-dimensional, bold, and rustic, characterized by bright colors, minimal detailing, and expressive figures.  

👉Common themes include stories from 

👉Ramayana, Mahabharata, and local folktales. 

👉Unlike other classical Indian art styles, Chitrakathi does not emphasize intricate details but rather focuses on expressive storytelling. 

3. Materials Used

👉Traditionally, natural dyes and handmade paper were used for painting.  

👉The colors were derived from minerals, plants, and charcoal, giving the paintings an earthy and vibrant look.  

4. Decline and Revival

👉With the rise of modern entertainment and printed books, Chitrakathi storytelling declined.   

👉In recent years, efforts have been made by artists, cultural organizations, and government bodies to revive and preserve the tradition.  

👉Some artists are now experimenting with modern themes and mixed media to keep the tradition alive.

How the Chennai Artist is Adapting the Chitrakathi Style

👉A Chennai-based artist is reviving the rustic Chitrakathi painting style in Tamil Nadu by blending traditional techniques with contemporary themes while keeping its storytelling essence intact. Here’s how the adaptation is taking place:

1. Incorporating Tamil Cultural Elements

👉While traditional Chitrakathi art mainly depicted Ramayana and Mahabharata, the artist is now using Tamil Nadu’s rich folklore, local deities, and historical events as themes.

👉Stories from Silappathikaram, Thirukkural, and Tamil folk legends are being illustrated in the Chitrakathi style.

2. Experimenting with Materials and Techniques

👉Instead of just using handmade paper and natural pigments, the artist is experimenting with canvas, acrylics, and digital tools to make Chitrakathi art more accessible.

👉Some paintings are being converted into illustrated books and animations to reach younger audiences.

3. Community Workshops and Public Engagement

👉Conducting art workshops in schools and cultural centers across Tamil Nadu to educate people about Chitrakathi.

👉Collaborating with local artisans and folk musicians to revive the storytelling tradition that accompanies the paintings.

4. Merging Past with Present

👉Creating paintings that depict modern social issues, environmental concerns, and Tamil Nadu’s history while using the signature bold lines and rustic colors of Chitrakathi.

👉The goal is to make the art form relevant to today’s generation while preserving its authentic essence.

5. Gaining Recognition and Future Prospects

👉The artist’s work has been showcased in art exhibitions and cultural festivals, drawing attention to this rare tradition.

👉Plans to collaborate with museums, digital media, and educational institutions to keep Chitrakathi alive in Tamil Nadu.