The oldest mention of Patuas dates back to 200 BC when Patanjali talks about the Chitrakara tribe in his writing. We even find mentions of Patuas by Kalidasa in his dramas Abhigyanam Shakuntalam and Malabikagnimitram.
The presence of Yampata in the 8th century A.D. drama Mudrarakshas by Vishakadatta states an interesting account. It is written that the Patuas had to act like secret emissaries to retrieve information for Chanakya in Patliputra who used to collect paintings that revealed the locations of his enemies.
The Patuas drew images of Dharmaraja Yama and the terrific sight of hell which were usually accompanied by relevant songs. On the scroll we see the ultimate punishment given to sinners on earth, a theme that draws parallels with many other religions that have formulated elaborate beliefs on the concept of life and death.
