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The Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture

Museum & Art Gallery

Tales of Rural Heritage

Folk Art, born out of human necessity, is a charming expression of human creativity, carries the warmth of collective consciousness and the richness of cultural heritage. It celebrates the rich, diverse and flowing tradition of folk art. Museum and Art Gallery of the Ramakrishna Mission Institute of Culture is a part of this week-long International Heritage Week Celebration 2025 of art and heritage. On this occasion, the Institute of Culture took initiative to showcase the past and present forms of selected artefacts from the Eastern to North-Eastern states of India, tracing their evolution and growth.

During this Heritage Week celebration 2025, the Institute of Culture Museum has showcased a charming array of folk artefacts, like Santal-Pata from Midnapur, Yama-Pata from Birbhum, wooden dolls from Katwa and Natungram in Purba Bardhaman, Chhau masks from Purulia, West Bengal; Japi from Assam; a Madhubani painting from Bihar; Pattachitra and palm leaf etchings from Raghurajpur and masks from Keonjhar and its surrounding areas in Odisha.

Patachitra is a folk medium that combines visual storytelling and song, serving both as entertainment and mass education. It belongs to representational and performing folklore, as well as material folklore. Here, the Santal Pata from Midnapur narrates the creation story of the Santhal tribe, a tale of new beginning. On the other hand, Yama-Pata from Birbhum makes

people aware of the consequences of sin after death and teaches them to refrain from wrongdoings. The simple wooden dolls and the colourful owl of Purba Bardhaman represent tradition, while Kora-Pyancha, the colourless owl, reflects contemporary innovation. The traditional Jaapi from Assam weaves a narrative of rural life and cultural heritage.

The Chhau dance masks from Purulia (including Ravana and two sets of Kalketu-Phullora masks) and the masks from Keonjhar (depicting Ravana and demon warriors) Odisha, reflect a rich, age-old legacy, and distinct regional styles. While the newer mask from Purulia depicts a Kathakali-style face highlighting contemporary demand, the traditional designs from both the regions continue to celebrate their heritage.

The Madhubani painting from Bihar and the palm leaf painting from Raghurajpur, Odisha depict the same theme of Krishna Lila, in particular, the mischievous childhood prank in which Krishna steals clothes. Yet their presentation differs in style and technique, shaped by regional tradition. The Raghurajpur palm-leaf depiction of Vishnu in Anantasayana further testifies to the artistic richness and enduring traditions of that region.

•• Write-up by: Dr Sumana Dutta & Dr Subhankar Mondal, Art Historian

World Heritage Week

21 to 29 November, 2025

Venue: Indian Museum, Kolkata