One of the most ancient crafts of the world, etching and paintings on the palm leaf still thrive 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 goddess figures complete with details of hairstyle and dress, animals, flowers, trees etc. Stories and incidents of Mahabharat, Ramayana and other epics are also etched. The palm leaf bookmarks are screen-printed and made by the Saura and Munda tribes.