PAITHKAR

Paitkar painting is a traditional folk art practiced exclusively in Amadubi village, located in the Dhalbhumgarh area of Jharkhand’s East Singhbhum district. It is considered one of the oldest forms of traditional Indian art, originating in the eastern regions of Jharkhand.

Created by Bengali painters known as Chitrakars (“picture-makers”), these paintings depict the tribal community’s worldview—their festive moods, religious beliefs, mythology, and daily life—through rich elements of folklore. The artists traditionally used natural colors made from locally available organic substances. Paitkar paintings served multiple purposes, including storytelling, rituals, and ceremonies, making them both artistic and cultural treasures.