Authentic Making Process
The fabrication of an authentic Jadopatia scroll adheres to ancient forest-foraged methodologies passed down orally through artisan generations:
1. Katha Pat (Scroll Foundation) Fabrication:
Sheets of tough handmade paper or heavy cartridge paper are measured and joined horizontally into long vertical rolls (varying between 8 to 20 feet in length and 12 to 18 inches in width). To withstand hundreds of performance rollings without tearing, the paper strip is permanently mounted onto a backing of recycled cotton dhoti or handloom khadi using a thick, natural adhesive made by boiling pounded tamarind seeds and wheat flour with a pinch of neem oil to deter booklice.
2. Native Riverbed & Forest Pigment Gathering:
Jadopatia relies strictly on raw mineral and botanical colors extracted from the Santhal Pargana topography:
- Geru Matti (Red Ochre): Mined from local ravine banks, providing rich brick-red tones.
- Dudhi Matti (White Earth): Refined kaolin clay from river beds for eyes and highlights.
- Wild Berries & Sim (Green Leaves): Crushed in stone mortars to yield deep earthy greens.
- Palash Flower & Turmeric Extract: Boiled into bright festive yellows and oranges.
- Charcoal & Lampblack (Kajal): Hand-collected over earthen lamps fed with Karanj oil, producing permanent carbon black for expressive linework.
3. Botanical Gum Preparation:
Artisans harvest sticky amber gum from wild Babool trees and resin from the wood-apple (Bel) tree. The dry gum tears are dissolved in warm water and filtered through muslin. This organic binder is mixed with ground mineral pigments in broken terracotta cups (Chukad), granting the colors exceptional longevity and elasticity on canvas.
4. Quill & Hair Brush Crafting:
Traditional brushes are constructed by binding fine goat-hair tufts, squirrel tail fur, or soft bird plumage to slender date-palm reed sticks or hollow bamboo shafts using waxed cotton thread.
5. Episodic Narrative Blocking:
The master Jadupatua rolls out the canvas and paints freehand narrative divisions, establishing between 8 and 16 sequential rectangular frames. Each frame captures an iconic episode from Santhal folklore or spiritual journey, separated by horizontal geometric borders decorated with fish-scale or lotus motifs.
6. Color Application & Flat Gouache Filling:
The artist lays down bold, flat coats of natural pigment within the outlined character figures and landscape settings. Contrast is created between the luminous earthen figures and deep red or ochre background washes. Facial expressions are built with deliberate exaggeration to ensure visibility to village audiences seated around the performer in dim evening light.
7. Master Black Linework & Conch Burnishing:
Using an ultra-fine goat-hair quill dipped in dense carbon black, the artist delineates all expressive contours—captivating eyes, flowing tresses, jewelry beads, and weapon details. After thorough air-drying, the reverse of the scroll is burnished using a polished sea conch shell (Shankh) to compress the fibers and impart a flexible, satin sheen. Finally, round wooden or split-bamboo spindles are stitched to both ends with cord ties for easy storage and ritual presentation.
