Books any day- Babu culture- Original Bengal Pattachitra

The gentle characteristics with Western education & with the rise of Bhadralok ( Gentleman) in the 19th century reflected changes in the nature of Bengali identity & subjectivity. The colonial experience led to the concern of Bengali elite to define for themselves a social class that would delineate their nobility & shape a new code of acceptance. The Babu’s were associated with this new class of Bengalis eager to adopt Western manners & learn that they formed the bulk of the workforce that was needed in the cosmopolitan enclave of Calcutta.

The title Babu as added as a prefix or suffix to a person’s name to recognise (Wealthy) Indians who had provided service & assistance to the British in establishing their commercial & political base in India.

Coming to this painting by Rahim Chitrakar, he has attempted to showcase the charm of turning a page of a book by the Babu supercedes the modren virtual reality of scrolling down & reading from a computer anyday.

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- Rahim Chitrakar