Jatripati is an ancient art form from Odisha that was once very popular but is now on the brink of extinction. Dharam Maharana, an 89-year-old artist from Raghurajpur village, is the last living practitioner of Jatripati but his failing health prevents him from continuing. While his grandchildren have shown some interest, they prefer to learn the more modern Pattachitra style. Unless someone steps up to carry on the tradition, this historic art form will likely die with Dharam.

1. Ancient Art of Odisha

2. Much before Pattachitra gained worldwide recognition for its intrinsic design and
detailing, another ancient art form from Odisha, Jatripati was widely prevalent. So
famous was Jatripati that travellers used to carry it back with them as souvenir from the
land of Kalinga.

3. Unfortunately, this art form, also from Raghurajpur in Puri where Pattachitra has its
home now, is on the brink of extinction. Eighty-nine-year-old Dharam Maharana is the
last living Jatripati artisan of the village but he also is unable to practise the art because
of his failing health.

4. Conventionally, artisans used to make Jatripati using a brush made out of tree barks
which was later replaced by modern day painting brushes for finer results. Dharam and
Babaji Maharana from the tiny hamlet of Raghurajpur were among the last few who
chose to practise the art form with the traditional approach. After the demise of Babaji,
Dharam took on the responsibility of carrying forward the tradition all by himself.

6. However, Dharam’s deteriorating health has not been permitting him to continue with
his love for Jatripati anymore and the 89-year-old is worried that the art form may
disappear with him. “I have spent my whole life preserving the legacy of Jatripati, but
unfortunately, I would be the last one to practice the art form. Due to my ailing health, I
cannot sit at a place for long hours,” he said.

7. According to Dharam, the modern Jatripati works that are found in abundance in shops
are not original. “Those are produced for commercial benefits with the usage of modern
tools,” he informed.

8. Explaining the differences between Pattachitra works and Jatripati, he said, “The
difference lies in the design, tools and size of the art works. Natural colours made from
stones and brushes made from barks were used in Jatripati.” According to Dharam, the
brush for the artistic expression was prepared by hitting the bark with a stone so that the
painting could have a smooth finishing. “We used to make our own brush but later we
started using rat and buffalo hair,” he added.

9. Dharam is sad that his grandchildren are not interested to continue with the family
heritage. “There is no one to continue my legacy. My grandchildren are not interested to
learn the art form as they don't find it interesting and feel it has no money value. They
are more into learning the Pattachitra and modern paintings.”

11. His daughter, Sulochana Maharana, is an expert papier-mache artist. Sulochana, a
mother of four, also trains other interested artists to make paper masks. She feels sad to
have not learnt her father’s trade. “After my husband’s death, I came back to
Raghurajpur and practiced papier-mâché. My elder son is learning Pattachitra, while my
younger one, Debasis, is more interested in modern paintings,” shared Sulochana. She
also fears that Jatripati may have already witnessed its end pertaining to the present
situation.

12. Debasis (18), recently took admission in BK College of Art. Though he loves his
grandfather, he is not willing to continue his legacy. In 2016, he made a portrait of his
grandfather on the sidewall of their entrance door, which was appreciated by the
villagers.

13. “Though I love my grand-dad and appreciate his art, I want to do something different. I
have learnt the art form from him, but I am not as good as he is. I find the contemporary
art more appealing than the traditional ones. Perhaps, I would like to continue his legacy
sometime in the future. My elder brother Narayan practices both Jatripati and
Pattachitra,” he added.

14. Despite bleak chances of somebody continuing the art form, Dharam still hopes that
someone would be willing to carry the legacy forward. “I hope that someone from the
village can keep Jatripati alive," he concluded.

15. Source:-
http://www.mycitylinks.in/ancient-art-form-of-jatripati-faces-the-threat-of-dying-out-with-its-last-living-artist