Rickshaw Paintings of Bangladesh: Representation of Reality, Evolution of Art and Preservation

Abstract

Rickshaw painting is one of the popular art forms of Bangladesh. It is also a symbol of Bangladeshi culture. But with the passage of time the subject of rickshaw pictures has changed. For various reasons, various topics and events have taken place in the rickshaw painting. This research has tried to investigate the past and present of the rickshaw painting, content of the rickshaw painting and its variations and some factors that have affected the rickshaw painting most over the time. In order to know all these issues, 14 rickshaw painters living in different regions of the country were interviewed to collect primary data and the rickshaw paintings stored in the Bangladesh National Museum were reviewed and thematically analyzed. Also the help of various books, journals, magazines, newspapers and other published information has been taken to achieve research objectives. This research reveals that apart from the topics discussed at different times, rickshaw paintings are being made considering the political and social context more. The research results also show that various types of contemporary events, morals, sermons, scenes and some popular topics have appeared again and again in rickshaw paintings. Various problems of rickshaw filming have been identified in this study. One of the problems is the industrialization and commercialization of rickshaw paintings. As a result the whole rickshaw painting industry is under serious threat. The study unveils that many rickshaws are now using digital banners instead of traditional rickshaw painting. Rickshaw painting is soon going to be included in the world immeasurable cultural heritage list from our own heritage. Therefore more research is needed to protect and preserve this industry. The research makes a contribution in understanding the content, evolution and problems of folk art of Bangladesh.