Chitrakathi is an art-form performed by the Thakar tribe of Pinguli village in
Maharashtra. The artists recite tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata through paintings, puppet and shadow puppet shows. Under the patronage of Chhatrapati Shivaji Raje Bhosale, these artists performed in temple complexes during festivals such as Navratri and Dussehra. And as a reward, the
villagers under the order of Shivaji Raje, offered food, rice, grains, coconuts and other items to Chitrakathis. But as a result of development, new modes of entertainment and information
consumption came into the scenario and eventually replaced this traditional art-form.
Ramayana and Mahabharata now seemed to be more convenient on radio and
television. There was no longer a need for people to gather to hear the stories in Chitrakathi.
Some artists of Pinguli village still perform Chitrakathi just to preserve their heritage and
keep this art-form alive even though it cannot serve as a livelihood anymore to them.
