One of the most ancient crafts of the world, etching and paintings on the palm leaf still thrives in the state of Odisha in India. Called Talapatrachitras The art originated when written communication began. Messages and manuscripts were written on the palm leaf to be disseminated. Gradually the trend to decorate the text with images began and it became an art in itself. The ethnic art form essentially consists of inscribing letters and artistic designs on palm-leaf, Themes of mythological incidents, Gods and Goddesses figures complete with details of hair style and dress, animals, flowers and trees etc. Stories and incidents of Mahabharat, Ramayana and other epics are also etched. The palm leaf book marks are screen printed made by the Saura and Munda tribes.