Pattachitra, one of the ancient traditional forms of scroll paintings, is believed to have originated in the present-day state of Odisha in the 12th century. In form, these paintings closely resemble the murals of Odisha that date back to the 5th century. The name is a portmanteau of two Sanskrit words ‘Patta’ (meaning canvas) and ‘Chitra’ (meaning drawing). This art form derives its themes mainly from the Hindu religious texts and is heavily influenced by the folk tales of Jagannath and Vaishnav sects. The themes of Pattachitra can be classified as: Jagannath paintings, Vaishnav paintings, Shakta paintings, Navagunjara and a few others. The lines of this art form are bold, clean and sharp. Ancient Pattachitra painters, known as ‘chitrakars’, painted using rich, bright colors with typical yet creative intricate designs. Currently, artists use both natural and chemical pigments & materials, acrylic colours, oil paints, and other media too.