Kalighat

Kalighat painting was developed in the 19th century by the Patua community who migrated to Kalighat, Kolkata, to sell paintings to temple pilgrims. The urban environment created a new market and a new aesthetic — bold, rapid brushwork that could produce paintings quickly.

As Kolkata grew as a colonial city, Kalighat artists turned their attention to social satire, depicting corrupt priests, unfaithful wives, and colonial babus in witty, sharply observed compositions.

Kalighat paintings are now held in major museums worldwide including the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The tradition has influenced artists from Jamini Roy to contemporary graphic artists.

Kalighat paintings are created with broad, confident brushstrokes using watercolour or poster paint on paper. The technique is characterised by its economy — a few bold strokes define the entire figure, with flat washes of colour filling the forms.

Figures are depicted with simplified, rounded forms — particularly the faces, with their characteristic large almond eyes. There is no background or setting; figures float in white space.