The Patuas of Medinipur and the Government in a Globalised Context

Abstract

This paper discusses the lot of patuas of the south-western part of West Bengal (the undivided district of Medinipur). These scroll painters or chitrakaras are professional artists (craftsmen) by caste, now in straitened conditions. Both the Central and State Governments attempt to eradicate their poverty. This paper investigates the effect of governmental action and how these artists have fared in a post-colonial era, especially in a situation of commercialized cash economy in a globalised world