In the 19th century, Kolkata (then Calcutta) was the thriving capital of British India. As the city continued to flourish, it gave rise to a new class of locals- the Babus and the Bibis. The Bengali Babus were educated in English, enjoyed a western lifestyle, patronised arts and culture and indulged in personal grooming and fashion. They also made some questionable decisions in their personal and professional lives, but that is a different matter! The wives of the Babus, popularly called the Bibis, took a keen interest in fashion to the extent of incorporating French and English elements in their wardrobe. Although they were not the empowered women we ideally want to see, they received some opportunity to study and explore the outside world, making them more progressive than their female ancestors.
The painting is a display of domination & aggression by Bibi towards her meek lover/husband. Bibis have been the figment of imagination of the Patuas who matched their personality with the diety that form the Kalighat style of painting.
Bengal Pattachitra paintings are priceless collectibles. The pattachitra painting is an art form that originated in 19th century Bengal, in the vicinity of Kali Temple in Kolkata and is considered to be one of the earliest forms of pop art in India.
Craft: Bengal Pattachitra by the Patuas (State of West Bengal)
Artist- Chandan Chitrakar
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