THE ORIGIN OF TRADITIONAL PICHWAI PAINTINGS

RAJASTHAN, THE ORIGIN OF TRADITIONAL PICHWAI PAINTINGS Rajasthan is known as a treasure of cultural heritage. The place is origin to various cultural elements that shape up our society. Pichwai paintings of Nathdwara, traditional paintings and artifacts, the folk culture, Rajput culture, the food, all make Rajasthan a cultural hub of great quality. One of the most famous and prestigious of Indian artifact is the pichwai painting of Nathdwara. The paintings are famous for its richness of technique and exclusivity.

Nathdwara is the world famous town for it's one of the richest ‘Shri Nathji Temple’ in Mewar Kingdom of India. Lots of people from Gujarat, Maharashtra and other states of India come to visit the holy temple of. At Nathdwara, the installation of Lord Shri Nathji gave rise to fresh dimensions in art.

During the eighteenth and the nineteenth centuries, the Mewar paintings, imbibing the Brij and Mughal influences, continued to manifest its rise and fall through epicpainting, wall-painting and miniature paintings. A distinct Mewar style of painting is termed Nathdwara substyle.

To avoid the oppression of Aurangzeb, the image of Shri Nathji, installed at Govardhan was brought to Rajasthan and installed at Nathdwara in 1670. Along with Acharya Gopi Nathji, many artists endowed with great religious fervour came here and created many beautiful paintings of Lord Shri Nathji.

Depiction of natural scenery from the 18th century to this date is a distinct feature of the Nathdwara style. The Nathdwara style continued to achieve artistic beauty and excellence. One of the famous paintings is Shreenathji Nathdwara Painting. Nathdwara is famous for the pichwai paintings in Rajasthan. Pichwai paintings are painted in permanent natural colors that do not lighten for years. They are put to use in printings and embroidery also. Portrayal of the artist’s love for Gods makes the Nathdwara style distinct from other forms.

Pichhwai paintings are created and used as backgrounds in the Shrinathji temple and in other Krishna temples.

The main theme of these paintings is Lord Shrinathji and his exploits. Pichhwai paintings have deep religious roots and they are a part of devotional expression. The main themes of the paintings are based on the numerous festivals of the Shrinathji temple. They show the figure of Shrinathji decked in different festive costumes, whether it is in the vibrant colors of Holi or the festivities of Janmashtami and the everfamous Raas-Leela.

A pichhwai painting is often a group effort, where several skillful painters work together under the supervision of a master of the art. Nowadays pichwai paintings are painted in Udaipur and Nathdwara. Thus, Sreenathji Nathdwara paintings are famous worldwide and amongst pichwai painting lovers.