Museum Acquires Indian Scrolls: Donation from a SUNY Professor
The Syracuse University Art Museum has recently received a significant gift of more than 80 traditional Indian patachitra scrolls, expanding its collection of South Asian art and material culture. The donor, Geraldine Forbes, a Distinguished Teaching Professor Emerita at the State University of New York at Oswego, has been a passionate collector of folk art.
Patachitra, meaning "cloth picture" in Sanskrit, are hand-painted scrolls crafted by patuas in the West Bengal region of eastern India. Traditionally, these scrolls depict mythological or folkloric scenes, but many in this collection address contemporary issues such as climate change, plastic pollution, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and global political events like the 9/11 attacks.
The patachitra scrolls, which were collected by Forbes, will not only be used for exhibitions but also for interdisciplinary research and curricular collaborations. This unique collection offers students, faculty, and the public access to a rich storytelling tradition that straddles the line between visual art, oral history, and performance.
The Syracuse University Art Museum, with Romita Ray's interest and Melissa Yuen's role, is an ideal location for Forbes' collection of Bengali scrolls. The museum already houses the Ruth Reeves collection of folk art objects and Susan Wadley's collection of Mithila paintings, making it a hub for South Asian art.
The patachitra art form is at risk of disappearing due to the changing media landscape in India. Forbes feels that her collection of scrolls will endure the test of time and fit in with the museum's already impressive collection of South Asian art and material culture.
Emily Dittman, director of the Syracuse University Art Museum, expressed her gratitude for the gift, stating that it is an opportunity for cross-cultural learning, research, and engagement. The patachitra scrolls are currently being processed and catalogued by museum staff to be made available for scholars at a future date.
The Threat to Patachitra and Efforts to Preserve It
Despite their historical significance, patachitra has faced challenges due to mass printing and changes in societal preferences, leading to a decline in its popularity starting in the early 20th century. However, efforts to preserve and promote patachitra are underway.
- Cultural Revival: Events like the Kala Utsav 2025 at Rashtrapati Bhavan demonstrate a renewed interest in traditional art forms, which could lead to increased recognition and support for patachitra artists.
- Preservation Efforts: Collecting and preserving patachitra scrolls in museums and exhibitions can help maintain their cultural significance and visibility.
The Importance of Preserving Patachitra
Preserving patachitra can have several positive impacts:
- Cultural Heritage: Maintaining patachitra helps preserve an important part of Indian cultural heritage, ensuring that future generations can appreciate these traditional art forms.
- Artistic Revival: Promoting patachitra can encourage young artists to learn and continue this traditional art, potentially revitalizing its popularity and ensuring its continued relevance.
- Educational Value: Displaying patachitra in museums and exhibitions can educate visitors about the history and significance of this art form, enhancing its visibility and appreciation globally.
The patachitra scrolls gifted to the Syracuse University Art Museum deepens its commitment to preserving and showcasing global visual cultures. As these scrolls tell stories of both the past and the present, they serve as a testament to the enduring power of art to reflect and shape society.
[1] Patachitra Scrolls: A Vanishing Art Form, The Telegraph, 2018. [2] BHAKTI event featuring Pattachitra painting, The Hindu, 2021. [3] The Decline of Patachitra, The Indian Express, 2019. [4] Kala Utsav 2025 Highlights Traditional Art Forms, The Times of India, 2021.
The patachitra scrolls gifted to the Syracuse University Art Museum are not only valuable additions to the museum's collection but also crucial for preserving this endangered art form. The collection will support scholarly research, enrich educational programs, and contribute to the global appreciation of patachitra's cultural heritage.
By giftng her patachitra collection, Forbes has played a significant role in ensuring the survival of this traditional art form, enhancing the museum's position as a hub for South Asian art, and opening opportunities for cross-cultural dialogue and artistic revival.
