Kalighat Painting

Kalighat painting evolved as a unique genre of Indian painting in 19th-century Calcutta, West Bengal characterised by bright colours and bold outlines striking a visual image of a simple yet effective measure. Images of Goddess Kali were sold as souvenirs by 'patuas' (painters) as well as depiction of other gods and mythological characters at the stalls of the Kalighat temple for pilgrims. Over time, these paintings developed to reflect a variety of subjects including satirical observations and comments on everyday life, contemporary issues of modern Calcutta and other secular themes. These were produced as cheap copies- made possible by British mill paper and factory made paints- to be sold in a mass market.