Practicing Success

Target Exam

CUET

Subject

Fine Arts

Chapter

The Living Art Traditions of India

Question:

Which statement about Bengal patas is incorrect?

A) Bengal patas involves painting on paper and storytelling.
B) The pata used in performances is handled horizontally.
C) Patuas, also known as chitrakars, are settled in West Bengal, Bihar, and Jharkhand.
D) The alms or gifts given to patuas after the performance support their hereditary profession.

Options:

A and C

B and D

A and B

B and D

Correct Answer:

A and B

Explanation:

Answer: A and B are incorrect.

A) Bengal patas involves painting on paper and storytelling.
B) The pata used in performances is handled horizontally.

Bengal patas involves painting on CLOTH (NOT PAPER) and storytelling.
The pata used in Bengal patas performances is handled vertically, not horizontally.

Bengal patas comprise the practice of painting on cloth (pata) and storytelling in regions of West Bengal. It is the most receptive oral tradition, constantly seeking new themes and formulating novel responses to major incidents in the world. The vertically painted pata becomes a prop used by a patua (performer) for performance. Patuas, also called chitrakars, belong to communities largely settled around Midnapore, Birbhum and Bankura regions of West Bengal, parts of Bihar and Jharkhand. Handling the pata is their hereditary profession. They travel around villages, displaying the paintings and singing the narratives that are painted. Performances happen in common spaces of the village. The patua narrates three to four stories each time. After the performance, the patua is given alms or gift in cash or kind.