Chitaris of Nagpur: A Glimpse into Traditional Folk Painting

thenewsdirt
Feb 27
4 min read

Wandering through the narrow lanes of Nagpur’s Mahal area, one may come across a lane called Chitar Oli, a name that whispers stories of an art form deeply woven into the city’s cultural fabric.

Chitaris, a community of painters, were once a vital part of Nagpur’s festive and social landscape, their works breathing life into local traditions and rituals.

Although their presence has diminished over time, the significance of their contribution remains etched in the memories of the city’s older generations and the corners of historical texts.

Historical Roots

The word "Chitari" stems from the Marathi term for painters, reflecting a lineage of artisans whose skills were both diverse and central to Nagpur's cultural activities.

Their prominence grew during the rule of the Bhonsale dynasty, a period when arts and traditions flourished under royal patronage.

The Bhonsale rulers, who emphasised the grandeur of Hindu festivals and temple rituals, attracted various artisan communities to Nagpur, including the Chitaris.

Primarily settled in the Mahal locality, these painters contributed to everyday and ceremonial life in remarkable ways.

Their work extended beyond mere decoration, it was an intrinsic element of community celebrations.

For the widely celebrated Ganpati festival, the Chitaris sculpted clay idols of Lord Ganesh, each piece crafted with intricate detail and devotion.

These idols were not mass-produced but individually made to reflect personal and community aesthetics.

Their talents were not limited to clay work. Chitaris were adept at pata-chitra, a traditional form of painting on cloth and paper that depicted religious stories and mythological scenes.

These colourful paintings adorned household walls and were part of various rituals. The artists also specialised in creating rupdas, vibrant paper masks used during Ramlila performances, a popular form of storytelling through theatre.

Additionally, during wedding ceremonies, homes were decorated with paintings featuring floral patterns and images of deities, marking auspicious beginnings.

During the 18th and 19th centuries, the Chitaris' work was in high demand. Festivals, religious events, and community gatherings relied on their expertise to add visual splendour.

They were storytellers whose creations provided visual narratives to accompany oral traditions passed down through generations.

Evolution Through Changing Times

With time, socio-economic changes and evolving cultural preferences altered the demand for traditional art forms. The Industrial Revolution and the subsequent influx of mass-produced decorative items significantly affected the livelihoods of traditional artisans, including the Chitaris.

Ready-made idols and printed decorations became more accessible, gradually replacing handcrafted items that required both time and a higher cost.

As modern materials and new technologies emerged, many Chitaris adapted to these shifts by expanding their skill sets.

Some ventured into creating commercial mannequins for clothing stores, while others provided decorative services for contemporary festivals and public events.

Although their traditional crafts held cultural significance, market demands often dictated a shift towards more commercially viable avenues.

Despite these adaptations, the number of practising Chitaris dwindled. While some families sought to preserve their ancestral skills, others moved to alternative professions to secure stable incomes.

The traditional methods once passed from generation to generation, began to fade as younger members pursued opportunities in more mainstream sectors.

Efforts to revive interest in traditional arts have surfaced over the years, albeit with mixed success. Events like the Lokfolk Art Camp at the Chitnavis Centre in Nagpur have offered platforms for local artists to showcase their work alongside artists from across the country.

Such initiatives aim to rekindle public interest and ensure that the artistic traditions of communities like the Chitaris remain visible in modern times.

Cultural Significance and Contemporary Context

Bustling market alley of Chitar Oli in Nagpur with vibrant paintings, colorful stalls, and people shopping. Buildings frame the scene, with a tree in the background. — Cultural Significance and Contemporary Context

The Chitaris' contribution extended beyond crafting religious icons and festival decorations. Their work played a crucial role in shaping the visual culture of Nagpur.

Festivals without Chitari artistry were once unimaginable, with their paintings and sculptures adding vibrancy and meaning to various communal activities.

During weddings, their work was seen as essential to creating an auspicious environment.

Today, the Chitari community is far smaller than it once was. In the alleys of Mahal, a few artisans still pursue the craft, though their work is often a blend of traditional and modern elements to cater to contemporary tastes.

These artisans now work on commissions for decorative projects, creating pieces for both local events and, occasionally, broader markets interested in traditional Indian art.

The challenge lies not just in continuing the craft but in making it relevant to present-day consumers. While some locals remain connected to the traditions upheld by the Chitaris, many urban residents are unaware of the community’s historical significance.

Awareness campaigns and art exhibitions have attempted to bridge this gap, although consistent support is needed to make a lasting difference.

It is within these contemporary challenges that the conversation around cultural preservation takes shape.

The Chitaris represent not only an art form but a narrative of how communities evolve alongside changing economic and social landscapes.

The essence of their work, capturing stories through colour, form, and tradition, continues to hold relevance, even as the context in which they operate shifts.

Reflections on Continuity and Change

Colorful Indian art and figurines on wooden table. Includes painted canvas of Nagpur, vibrant candles, musical instruments, and tools. — Reflections on Continuity and Change

Walking through Chitari Oli today offers a glimpse into a past that once pulsed with artistic fervour. The walls, though quieter, still bear marks of a time when every festival, ritual, and community event was enlivened by the work of skilled hands and imaginative minds.

There is an undeniable beauty in the stories carried by the remaining artisans, whose commitment to their craft speaks volumes about the place of traditional arts in contemporary society.

Chitari work, once a central part of Nagpur’s social fabric, now finds itself at a crossroads between preservation and adaptation.

Whether through painted canvases, sculpted figures, or decorative projects, their artistic imprint remains present in subtle yet meaningful ways.

Nagpur’s Chitaris, though fewer in number, continue to embody a connection between art, community, and cultural expression.

As they navigate the complexities of the modern world, their work serves as a reminder of the rich traditions that have shaped the city’s identity over centuries.

In their stories, one finds not just a history of painting but a reflection of how communities and cultures move forward while keeping one foot anchored in the past.