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Lord Rama Slays Taadka

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Name: Lord Rama Slays Taadka
Brand: Exotic India
SKU: PC36
Price: 135.00 USD
Availability: InStock

$116.25

$155

25% off

Includes any tariffs and taxes

This item can be backordered

Time required to recreate this artwork

6 to 8 weeks

Advance to be paid now

$23.25 (20%)

Balance to be paid once product is ready

$93

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Specifications

	PC36
	Orissa's Paata Painting Water Color on Tussar Silk
	2.3 ft X 1.0 ft

Delivery and Return Policies


	Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
	Free Delivery

Easy Returns

Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs

Fully Insured

All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.

100% Handmade

All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Divine Encounter: Lord Rama and Taadka

This exquisite Pattachitra painting, rendered in water colors on tussar silk, captures a pivotal moment from the epic Ramayana: Lord Rama's heroic defeat of the fearsome demoness Taadka. Originating from the rich artistic traditions of Orissa, this artwork embodies the vibrant storytelling and meticulous detail characteristic of Pattachitra, a folk art form with deep roots in religious narratives and oral traditions. The scene unfolds with a dramatic intensity. On the left stands the sage Vishwamitra, a revered figure who guided Rama and his brother Lakshmana through their formative years. His outstretched hand points towards the menacing presence of Taadka, symbolizing his guidance and the sacred duty bestowed upon the young prince. Beside him, Lakshmana stands ready, a loyal companion in this righteous quest. The central focus is Lord Rama, depicted in his youthful valor, bow drawn taut, an arrow poised to strike. His serene yet determined expression speaks volumes of his divine purpose and unwavering courage.

The Triumph of Dharma

Taadka, the monstrous Yaksha, is portrayed with striking imagery. Her blue complexion and fierce countenance reflect the terror she inflicted upon the sages and mortals in the Danda Karanya forest. In this narrative, Taadka, cursed to be a hideous creature, tormented ascetics and disrupted their sacred rituals. Vishwamitra, unable to bear the suffering of the righteous, sought the aid of the young princes. Rama's slaying of Taadka was not merely a physical battle but a symbolic victory of dharma (righteousness) over adharma (unrighteousness). This act was crucial in Rama proving his mettle and protecting the sanctity of religious practices, paving the way for his further exploits and eventual establishment of Rama Rajya, an era of peace and justice. The background of the painting is a tapestry of nature, subtly rendered to enhance the drama. Stylized trees with delicate blossoms frame the central figures, while undulating hills create a sense of the forest landscape. The use of natural dyes and the distinctive Pattachitra border further enhance the authenticity and aesthetic appeal of this piece. This painting is more than just a visual representation; it is a testament to the enduring power of ancient epics, the skill of traditional artisans, and the timeless values of courage and righteousness they celebrate.

Mastering the Ancient Technique: Exploring the Meticulous Creation of Pattachitra Paintings

The traditional Pattachitra is a scroll painting that is done on cloth. This is revealed in the name; Pattachitra is a Sanskrit term made from two words i.e. Patta meaning cloth and Chitra meaning picture. The main subject of this painting is portraying Hindu mythological narratives, scenes from religious texts, and folktales. Pattachitra paintings are especially practiced in eastern Indian states such as West Bengal and Odisha, and also in some parts of Bangladesh. This art form is closely related to Shri Jagannath and the tradition of the Vaishnava sect. It is believed that Pattachitra art originated in the 11th century and the people of Odisha practice it even today without any discrepancy. Bengalis use these scroll paintings for ritual purposes (as a visual device) during the performance of a song or Aarti.

Pattachitra paintings are characterized by creative and traditional motifs/designs, decorative borders, and bright colorful applications. The outline of the figure and motifs are bold and sharp. Some common shapes and motifs seen in these paintings are trees, flowers, leaves, elephants, and other creatures. The artists of Odisha and Bengal still use the traditional method of painting which gives a unique look to it altogether.

1. Canvas is prepared

The process of painting a Pattachitra begins by preparing the canvas (patta). Generally, cotton cloth is used for making the canvas. The local artists dip the cotton cloth in a mixture of tamarind seeds and water for a few days. The cloth is then taken out and dried in the sun. Now natural gum is applied over it to stick another layer of cotton cloth on it. Thus a thick layer of cotton cloth is formed. This layered cotton is sun-dried and a paste of chalk powder, tamarind, and gum is applied on both sides. The surface of the cloth is then rubbed with two different stones for smoothening and it is again dried. This process gives the cloth a leathery finish and it is now ready to be painted.

2. Natural colors are made using traditional method

The painters prepare and use vegetable and mineral colors for application in the painting. White color is made from conch shells, black is made by burning coconut shells, Hingula is used for red color, Ramaraja for blue, and Haritala for yellow.

3. Colors are filled in

The artist now makes a double-lined border on all four sides of the canvas. The local artists are so expert in painting that they do not draw figures and motifs with pencil but directly draw them with a brush. The paint brushes that the painters use are made of the hair of domestic animals, a bunch of which is tied to the end of a bamboo stick. The figures are now painted with natural colors using the indigenous brushes. The outline is thickened with black color.

4. Painting is given a finishing

Finally, the painting is varnished/glazed to protect it from any damage and to get a glossy shine on the surface.

The making of a Pattachitra is laborious work and therefore, one painting may sometimes take over a month to complete. Due to their classical look, these paintings are admired by people from all over the world. The artistic skills used in Pattachitra are passed down from one generation to another and thus are preserved to date.