Contribution of Raghurajpur Village Artisans for the Growth of Art in Odisha

Abstract

The aim of the paper is to present the art work of artisans of the Rathurajpur village of Puri district. It is focusing on categories and mechanism of artwork of artisans. The village is recognized as craft and heritage village by the government of India and government of Odisha. Art work on Patachitara painting is famous at the national and international level. It attracts tourists, academicians and researchers to visit the village. The village has a unique feature that artisans prepare the raw materials for art work and do marketing for art work in the village. Patachitra paining, ganjapa, stonework, palm leaf work, glass work, wooden work, stone carving work are being done by the artisans. A particular caste, Chitrakara, is traditionally assigned to prepare pattacchitra work for Lord Jagannath during the car festival and other occasions. The village is famous at the national and international level for its magnificent art work and the art works are promoted by a NGO named as ‘Parampara’. The livelihood of the villagers is fully depending on artwork. Even women and children support for the development of art work. Thus, the artisans of the village contribute to the growth of art and culture in Odisha.