Kalighat painting or Kalighat Pat originated in 19th century Bengal, in the vicinity of the Kalighat Kali Temple, Kalighat, Kolkata, India, and from being souvenirs bought by visitors to the Kali temple, the paintings over a period of time developed as a distinct school of Indian painting.

From the depiction of Hindu gods and other mythological characters, the Kalighat paintings developed to reflect a variety of themes.