The Kalighat Paintings get their name from their proximity to the Kali Temple, Kalighat, Kolkata. These originated in the 19th Century using water colours on cloth or patas. Goddess Kali remained the central theme, with depictions of other deities and eventually scenes from the Ramayana.

Each deploys fine brushwork and delicate strokes. The brushes were, like the paints, also natural and made from the fine hair of young calves, as well as, squirrels. Over time, the Kalighat paintings evolved to reflect a variety of more contemporary social themes like the lives and practices of Zamindaars or feudal landlords, in the 1900s. Impressive; Timeless.