Palm leaf engraving, also called talapatra chitra, is an ancient form of folk art originated in the Indian State of Orissa that has timeless appeal. In palm leaf engraving, colours are muted and play only a minor part. Where colours are applied, they are just painted either to emphasize the inscriptions, or to fill up blank space. In the limited space of the oblong palm leaf with a small width, human figures completed with details of hair style and dress, animals, flowers and trees are hand crafted with great precision and beauty. The themes used are mythological, spiritual and erotic.