The traditional Indian art form known as “Pichhwai Painting” has its roots in Rajasthan in Nathdwara. Both the ancient Indians and the Mughals engaged in the extensive use of it. It was resurrected in the 20th century and is now carried out both abroad and throughout India.
The Indian traditional art known as Pichhwai (sometimes spelled Pichvai) first appeared more than 400 years ago in the Rajasthani town of Nathdwara, close to Udaipur. Pichhwai paintings are intricate and stunningly beautiful; they are done on fabric and usually feature stories from Lord Krishna’s life.
Process of Making “Pichhwai” Or “Pichwai” Paintings:
Originally, Pichhwai or Pichvai was painted on hand-spun starched cotton fabric. Usually, a thick woven cotton cloth. These drawings were usually outlined with a black or white background.
The artisan used zinc white and charcoal to sketch the respective backgrounds. The artisans would then sketch the art on that starched cloth. Decorative and beautiful images are created.
Images can then be painted using only organic and natural paints and brushes. The initial colors came from sources including coal, zinc, indigo, saffron, gold, and silver. (The bristles for brushes were made from goat, squirrel, and horse hair.)
The vibrant color scheme of Pichhwai’s well-known paintings features some of the most popular tones, including red, yellow, black, and green.
Modern Manufacturing Pichhwai Painting is Nathdwara’s primary export. Foreign tourists are quite interested in visiting it. Chiron ki Gali (Street of Paintings) and Chitrakaron ka mohalla are where the majority of the artists reside (a colony of painters).
Famous Pichhwai Paintings:
The city of Nathdwara and Udaipur is home to a large number of well-known Indian paintings from the Rajasthan region. This has contributed to the popularity of these paintings not just in India but all around the world.
- Shrinathji (Shri Krishna) was painted by Pichhwai in black and gold.
- Krishna with cows in a gold Shrinathji Pichhwai painting.
- Purnama, Sharad Among the Pichhwais, the celebration of the autumn festival of Sharad Purnima, the swing ceremony of Radha and Krishna on the night of the full moon, is an intriguing ensemble.
- Krishna amuses his pals with a Pichhwai painting.
- Krishna and the gopis are shown in this artwork by Raas Leela Pichhwai, which is a full-length Shrinath Ji (Shri Krishna) Durbar Darshan.
- Orange Nandi Pichhwai Modern Style Painting
- Dark nandi pichwai painting.
- Shrinathji painting: Shrinathji charan darshan Pichhwai painting.
- Lotus Pichhwai painting — Pichhwai paintings and the lotus flower are almost interchangeable — Lord Krishna loved the lotus flower so much that, in addition to wearing a garland of lotuses and holding one in his right hand, even his bed was covered in the blooms.
- Copies and Krishna take shelter from the rain.
Different Themes of Pichhwai Paintings:
The Ras Leela: Lord Krishna is shown dancing with the Gopis in it. Krishna makes an eight-time appearance in a circle dancing with different pairings of Gopis. This dance form also addressed Rasleela with many forms of Shrinathji. Local artists created these paintings utilizing hues seen in nature.
The Giriraja Pichhwai: On his little finger, Lord Krishna is shown bearing the mountain Govardhan. In order to shield the villagers and his family from heavy rains. It is a well-known story in Indian mythology.
The Morebuti: It depicts 12 peacocks dancing in order to gain the attention of a flock of peahens. All these paintings are related to Lord Krishna. Lord Krishna used to wear “more pankh” (a peacock’s feather called “train”).
The Gopashtami: Gopashtmi is a Hindu festival. On this day, Hindus worship cows together with Lord Krishna. Krishna loves cows. The picture shows Lord Krishna surrounded by cows and playing the flute.
Pichhwai Painting Explained
Pichhwai depicts the story of Shrinathji, another personification of Lord Krishna, grabbing the Govardhan hill. The history of the tale is intriguing. Lord Indra, the deity of heaven, inflicted his fury on the people of Vrindavan in the shape of violent storms and downpours.
Then Lord Krishna stepped in to save the day. He raised Govardhan Hill, also known as Govardhan Parvat, on his little finger. With the tip of his little finger, Lord Krishna raised the Govardhan Hill, and everyone in Vrindavan took shelter there. Lord Indra then realized his mistake and put an end to the suffering.
Govardhan Hill has served as a place of devotion ever since. A typical Pichhwai has 24 boxes around called “Swaroops.” Each one has Krishna, Gopis, and other elements. The use of vibrant natural colors on fabric or paper exudes a sense of romance that speaks for itself. The elaborate Shringar of Shrinathji is captivating. Despite having various figurines and elements in it, Picwai is a sheer example of aesthetic balance and beauty.
