Reviving the Legacy of Patna Qalam Artwork

By Kunal Dutt

Patna ~ Before the era of photography, a renowned school of painting flourished in 19th-century Patna, capturing the essence of festivals, religious ceremonies, and the daily lives of ordinary people. This school of painting, known as Patna Qalam, has unfortunately faded into obscurity over the years.

The Patna Museum is currently hosting an exhibition titled ‘Patna Qalam: Ek Virasat’, showcasing rare preserved specimens of this historic artwork. The aim of the exhibition is to revive the legacy of Patna Qalam and introduce this lost art style to the public.

Ashok Kumar Sinha, Additional Director of Bihar Museum, revealed that the exhibition features approximately 130 items, including Patna Qalam artworks on various mediums such as paper, mica, and ivory. The collection also includes an album of paintings dating back to 1850-56.

Patna Qalam, which emerged in the 18th century, was heavily patronized by the British during the East India Company rule and the Raj era. The artwork combined Indian miniature style with Western Company school of art, depicting a wide range of subjects with a focus on the ordinary Indian population.

Notable artists of Patna Qalam, such as Hulas Lal, Shiva Lal, and Ishwari Prasad, captured the social milieu of the time through lifelike depictions and subdued colors. The artwork portrayed everyday occupations, religious rituals, and iconic festivals like Muharram and Deepavali.

Many artists migrated to Patna from Murshidabad in Bengal and found patronage among British officials and wealthy merchants. The British officials often sent these artworks back to England, akin to sharing on social media platforms today.

The exhibition at Patna Museum offers a glimpse into the rich history of Patna Qalam, showcasing artworks ranging from the portrayal of Jhansi ki Rani to scenes of everyday life in Patna. The artwork gives insight into how the city looked 200 years ago when Patna Qalam was at its peak.

Although Patna Qalam flourished till the 1920s, the advent of photography led to a decline in its popularity and patronage. The current exhibition aims to preserve and promote this unique art style for future generations.

Visitors can explore the exhibition at the new wing of Patna Museum, which underwent redevelopment recently. The museum houses a vast collection of sculptures, coins, and artworks, with plans to establish a permanent gallery for Patna Qalam artworks in the future.

The exhibition, inaugurated on December 17, will run until January 31, offering a rare opportunity to experience the beauty and cultural significance of Patna Qalam.