 and rectangular paintings. An artistic expression of Indian tribal and village communities existed well before the birth of Lord Buddha. In his time, they were popular as Charanchitra, a picture under the foot of a picture. Lord Buddha himself was an ardent admirer of Charanchitra. A sculptural frieze from the 1st century Sanchi Stupa was directly influenced by Charanchitra. Were used as audiovisuals for religious and social instruction and entertainment. Krashtra, the entertainer potwas are appropriately called Chitra Kathi. The pots of Rajasthan and Urissa are famous, so also those of Gujarat and Andhra. Even in the printed cloth for wall hangings, we find a close relation with pots of this area. The famous Urissa Patta or manuscript jacket was influenced by Potochitra. The source material of Bengali pots came from the two epics, the Mungal Kapus, legends and contemporary events, the Potochitra from the 24 Parganas. The potwas constantly defeating evil and everlasting source material for the potwas. The Charanchitra is being used as the backdrop behind Durga. Here is a rare specimen, 30 feet wide. In the villages of Bengal, life-like pots are used traditionally in worship instead of the image. A festive scene from a Birbhum village, a painted Durga of a once flourishing potwa community. By religion, potwas are simultaneously Hindus and Muslims. They are said to be the children of Bishokarma, the celestial architect. Their studio, their home, their search for a livelihood. Their songs. Their patron, the rural poor, the condition of their brother potwas in Birbhum is no better. To earn a living, they sometimes become snake charmers. The famous Jom Pot of the district, Jom, the god of death, punishes sinners. The message, stay away from sin. Vishnukur in Bakura, famous for its terracotta temples, depict the 10 incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Same theme on pots. From Beletod, Jamini Roy's village, the artistic simplicity of life and art. A total absence of self-consciousness, vitality of vision. It was a popular magical belief that the potwas painting the eye in a pot could restore the sight of blindly wandering departed dear ones. Chanipot's from Midnapur. Santhal rebellion ruthlessly put down by the British. Their cavalry, Siddhu and Kanu, the hanged martyrs, urban in topicality and furkish in character. Remarkable for calligraphic lines used with shading. Creating a new genre. The tremendous impact of Potuchi Thru upon modern painters. Avon Indranath Tagore. Nandu Lal Bose. Jamini Roy. Lothin Mui Thru and Pran Krishnupal. The two major wartime painters. Potuchi Thru is a vital art. A form that will open up new horizons of vision and inspiration again and again.