The Patuas of Pingla are known for their skill of beautiful representation of their thoughts on paper. After an initial sensitization and mobilization session on intellectual property, attribution, GI and Craftmark with the Patachitra artists of Pingla, two senior artists- Swarna Chitrakar and Monu Chitrakar have put their learning on paper that is they have developed Patachitras on it. They have done so to sensitize others regarding the same.
Swarna’s Patachitra on intellectual property shows how the artists are entitled to certain rights but were unaware of it earlier. The frames of the Patachitra portrays how their art work needs attribution if it is used by someone for non-commercial purpose, photographers need to take permission before clicking photos of the artist or their work and credit has to be given if that photograph is published anywhere.
Monu’s Patachitra is on Geographical Indication (GI) and its importance. The Patachitra shows different items from West Bengal like Roshogolla (a type of sweet), mangoes, Mowa (a type of sweet) from Jayanagar wooden mask from Kushmandi that has received the GI tag.
The two Patachitras on IP and GI are excellent means to spread the message of how important GI and IP is not only within the community but also outside among various stakeholders.
A frame on GI status of Chau mask
A frame on GI status of wooden mask
GI tag received for various products of West Bengal
This research project, Heritage Sensitive Intellectual Property and Marketing strategies: India (HIPAMS - INDIA), is funded by the British Academy's Sustainable Development Programme, supported under the UK Government's Global Challenges Research Fund 2018-2021.