NOMENCLATURE
It is also called PATNA QULAM PAINTING, PATNA KALAM PAINTING, PATNA SCHOOL OF PAINTING or COMPANY PAINTING.

INTRODUCTION
It is an Indian style of Painting that mainly existed from 18th century to 20th century. It is oldest and independent school of painting that showcased the common people, daily chores, ordinary events etc. PATNA KALAM PAINTING is very simple in art. The royalty or extravaganza is absolutely absent from this painting style. The major places were Patna Qulam painting flourished were PATNA, DANAPUR AND ARRAH.
THE ORIGIN
The origin of Patna Qulam Painting lies in Mughal style of Painting. When Mughal style of painting came under influence of Company style of Painting, PATNA QULAM PAINTING originated.

EVOLUTION
During times of HUMAYUN, AKBAR and JAHANGIR art was extremely glorified. The kings were extremely interested in art and patronized the paintings, artistic works etc. But in early 18th century with AURANGZEB as king, art and artist faced major detest. He being anti Hindu artists, prosecuted many. This transformed the path of Mughal Painting. The painters began to move out for their livelihood and survival. Firstly these shifted to Murshidabad. But again due to subsequent decline of Murshidabad the painters had to look for a new place. They now moved and settled to PATNA & PURNEA. By that time British had already captured the place and were ruling supremely. This affected the style of painting done by artisans too. Their own way of Mughal Painting now came under influence of Company Painting leading to a new style of Painting called PATNA KALAM PAINTING.




THEME OF PATNA KALAM PAINTING
The theme used by painters or artisans were almost based upon everyday life, common activities and not royal in nature. The washerman, fisherman, blacksmith, snake charmer, market area, meeting places were commonly shown. These got fame because it seemed easy for people to relate to it. Also the versatility in the painting suited to the taste of Britishers or Europeans.


FAMOUS PAINTERS
There were many painters but those who grabbed limelight were SEWAK RAM, HULAS LAL, JAIRAM DAS, FAKIR CHAND, JHUMAK LAL, NITYANAND LAL, TUNNI LAL, SHIV LAL, MAHADEO LAL, SHYAM BIHARI etc. Painters of later half were ISHWARI PRASAD VERMA, RADHA MOHAN BABU. RADHA MOHAN BABU left no stone unturned to glorify Patna Qulam Painting. He founded Patna School Art which began as a single room in GOVINDA MITRA ROAD, PATNA which later turned to Patna school of Arts and Crafts.

SALIENT FEATURES
1.    This are very simple, clear and proportionate style of painting.
2.    This painting is blend of Mughal Painting and Company style of Painting. Also Bengali influence was also seen.
3.    Unlike Mughal painting which was royal, full of court and hunting scenes Patna Qulam Painting was based on daily activities, local festivals, local rulers etc.
4.    Famous GOLGHAR PAINTING shows the dynamism and the changing limits of the city.
5.    The painting used to be fully filled with colored sketches and life like representations.
6.    Absence of borders, background and foreground were seen.
7.    Shading of solid forms were observed.
8.    The painters never drew outlines but straight away used brush to paint the themes.
9.    Finishing touch was so outstanding and brilliant that one could easily believed it to be real photograph.
10.                       The people featured in the painting were shown with pointed nose, heavy brows, thin face, sunken eyes and very big moustache.
11.                       The paper used for the painting was recycled waste paper and the colors were obtained from flowers, barks , leaves. The brushes were made of animal fur, specially squirrel fur was painter’s favorite.
12.                       The painting was treated with vitriol to give it lustrous effect and preserve it for long time.

DECLINE
The PATNA QULAM PAINTING saw downfall because there was no patronage observed in the time of British Aristocracy. Also with the advent and capture of photography the demand for this painting gradually lost. It faced competition from MADHUBANI PAINTING and was not commercialized like Madhubani Painting.

PRESENT SCENARIO
In 2010, Government of Bihar released a calendar with the theme of Patna Qulam Painting. These painting can be seen is Patna Musuem, Patna Arts College and Khudabaksh Library of Patna.

WAY FORWARD
PATNA KALAM PAINTING survived for nearly two centuries because of its simplicity, versatility and uniqueness. This can be revived and rejuvenated once again. Because it has its heritage roots in Bihar, Government of Bihar should come forward and promote the PATNA KALAM PAINTING as it has promoted Madhubani Painting. This painting can be commercialized in India and globally resulting in revenue generation and in bringing back the glory.