Artist Sujit Das Brings Assam’s Traditional ‘Puthi Chitra’ to International Spotlight

A CORRESPONDENT

NAGAON: In a remarkable effort to revive and promote Assam’s traditional ‘Puthi Chitra,’ artist Sujit Das hailing from Nagaon, has been instrumental in taking this ancient art form to the international stage.

Once considered a relic of the past, ‘Puthi Chitra’ had almost faded away from memory. However, Das’s tireless efforts have not only revived this dying art but also showcased it globally.

Das, a recipient of the National Fellowship from the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, in 2014-15, has exhibited Assam’s ‘Puthi Chitra’ in international exhibitions, including in Dubai and Thailand. He has also conducted workshops and exhibitions in various countries, including Sri Lanka, China, Nairobi, and London.

Das’s work has been appreciated by notable personalities, including Prince William and Kate Middleton, who received a ‘Puthi Chitra’ painting from him during their visit to India. His artwork, ‘Giridhari,’ depicting Krishna lifting the Govardhan mountain, was displayed at Kensington Palace in London. The Fourteenth Dalai Lama has also praised Das’s work.

With over 30 international exhibitions and workshops to his credit, Das has established himself as a leading proponent of Assam’s ‘Puthi Chitra.’ In 2012, he entered the Guinness Book of Records for creating a painting using the world’s longest brush. In 2021, he established an Art Village in Nagaon, which features a museum and art gallery.

Das’s efforts to revive ‘Puthi Chitra’ are commendable, and his Jyoti Chitrangan Vidyalaya, established in 1999, has been providing training in this traditional art form for over 25 years. Through his Art Village, Das continues to educate students on the preparation of ‘sanchi pat’ (bark of Agar tree) and the use of natural colours like Hengul and Haital.

Also Read: Tradition meets modernity: A journey of modernity enriched by a glorious history of Assam

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