Bhitti Chitra

A centuries-old mural catches the eye in a quiet temple corridor, its natural pigments still vivid after generations—this is Bhitti Chitra, a traditional Indian craft that transforms walls into living stories. Bhitti Chitra, literally meaning “wall painting,” is a mural art form practiced in regions like Odisha, Rajasthan, and Chhattisgarh, where artisans bring religious and mythological themes to life on the walls of temples and homes. Each region has its own style, but the essence remains the same: intricate, hand-painted murals using natural colors, often depicting deities, epics, and local legends.

The roots of Bhitti Chitra stretch back to the early centuries of the Common Era, closely linked with temple art and architecture. In Odisha, the tradition flourished during the Ganga dynasty (11th–15th centuries), adorning temples like Jagannath in Puri and the Sun Temple in Konark with vibrant depictions of gods, goddesses, and scenes from the Puranas, Mahabharata, and Ramayana. Rajasthan’s Bhitti Chitra is associated with the Matheran or Mahatma community, who decorated both homes and temples. 

Artisans use locally sourced, natural pigments such as geru (red ochre), neel (blue), jahri (black), and safed (white), often mixed with binders like tisi oil (flaxseed oil) or lime and gum for durability. Brushes are crafted from plant fibers or animal hair. The process begins with preparing the wall, then sketching figures directly with a brush, followed by filling in with flat, vibrant colors. Details and outlines are added last, sometimes with embossing techniques or gold and silver leaf for special effects. In Odisha, the style is influenced by the region’s patachitra painting tradition, emphasizing strong lines, stylized figures, and narrative sequences.

Today, Bhitti Chitra survives in scattered temple murals and in the homes of a few artisan families, especially in Odisha’s Raghurajpur village, Rajasthan’s Jodhpur and Pali districts. What sets Bhitti Chitra apart is its direct connection to place and ritual. Each mural is site-specific, blending seamlessly with architecture and local customs. The use of natural pigments and traditional techniques gives the paintings a unique texture and longevity.