Bihar is reviving a lost art. Patna Kalam,an 18th-century painting style,is getting a new lease on life. This blend of Mughal and European techniques caught attention at the Bihar Museum Biennale 2025,sparking interest among art fans and students .
Patna Kalam stands out for its intricate brushwork and vivid scenes of everyday life—depicting vegetable sellers,blacksmiths, dancers in colorful garb. Once a visual diary of socio-cultural landscapes, these paintings now mostly sit in private collections and museums abroad,like the British Museum and Victoria & Albert Museum in London.
Last December,Bihar Museum held an exhibition not just to display Patna Kalam but to teach it. The museum's director general,Anjani Kumar Singh, noted the enthusiastic workshop turnout and plans to recruit skilled trainers for modern takes on the art.
Artworks on display included pieces from Sanjay Kumar,a descendant of famed Patna Kalam painter Hulas Lal. His family has deep roots in this art, with many works in top institutions. Bhairav Lal Das from INTACH in Patna highlighted Patna Kalam's unique style—no ornamentation or background,just subjects.
Though historically significant, Patna Kalam declined after India's independence. While Tikuli painting,also from Patna,saw a revival,Patna Kalam struggled. Tikuli, known for bright colors and detail, bounced back starting mid-20th century, unlike Patna Kalam.
Efforts to promote Patna Kalam have been hit-or-miss. Figures like Padma Shri awardee Shyam Sharma helped preserve it through publications. Sanjay Kumar recalled his grandfather,Shyam Bihari Lal, kept painting Patna Kalam till he passed.
To boost awareness, Bihar Museum plans a dedicated gallery for Patna Kalam,as it has for other art forms. Deputy director Ashok Kumar Sinha believes showcasing Patna Kalam will educate public about its cultural importance.
Jitendra Mohan,a Fine Arts professor,reminisced about childhood memories of Patna Kalam,urging more investment in its promotion . Young workshop attendees grasped the art's nuances,often outshining seasoned artists from other traditions .
Since 2023, INTACH has held nine workshops, raising Patna Kalam awareness. Participants like Anurag Kumar Verma are keen to pursue Fine Arts, keeping the tradition alive. Rachana Priyadarshini, another attendee,stressed blending contemporary elements with traditional techniques, suggesting a bright future for Patna Kalam.
But challenges persist. Architect Aditya Kumar Singh from Urban Sketchers in Patna noted Patna Kalam's time-consuming nature; pieces can take days. Despite sustainability concerns,Lal Das assured INTACH's support for emerging artists,promising incentives and a Patna Kalam repository through ongoing workshops.
Sunita Prakash,who trains women in traditional arts, incorporated Patna Kalam in her curriculum, showcasing its versatility. Reviving this art not only preserves Bihar's heritage but builds community and cultural pride among youth.
