Patachitra’ a visual storytelling style that takes the form of painted scrolls, depicting sequential scenes from stories, legends and myths. The origins of this ancient folk art are unclear and there are two main theories behind their beginnings. Historians believe the art form stems from tribal beginnings and others believe that Patachitra began under the Mauryan Empire, from 322-185BC. Patachitra subjects began with religion and folklore, nowadays the paintings depict contemporary events like terrorist attacks, tsunamis and earthquakes. Whilst the traditional style of the Patachitra has remained constant for thousands of years, the depicted subjects have seen a shift with the passage of time.

Traditionally, Patachitra’s  were scroll paintings. The artwork and narrative were performed through songs for their audiences. From around the 13th century, Patuas (painters) of Bengal have walked from village to village singing moral and mythological stories, unfurling their painted scrolls to illustrate their songs, the lyrics and tunes of which they composed themselves. The Patuas were the chief source of entertainment in the villages and their art was a combination of storytelling, painting and singing. Since their stories carried an overtone of just and moral behavior, the Patua played the dual role of mobile entertainer and social reformer.