Context: Recently, Chennai hosts an art exhibition, showcasing Pichwai, some dating back 350 years.

About Pichwai Paintings

• It is also known as ‘pichvai’, one of the most spectacular and ancient forms of art.

• Origin: The history of this art form can be traced back to the 17th century and believed to have originated in the town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan.

• Theme: It revolve around the various stages of Lord Krishna’s life, including his childhood, youth, and adulthood.

• Paintings: It is typically done on cloth, usually khadi but now being produced on various mediums such as paper, canvas, and silk.

• Different schools of Pichwai: Nathdwara, Kishangarh and Bundi in Rajasthan and Deccan school (relatively rare).

Materials used

• Use using natural colours made from minerals and plant extracts.

• Stone pigments are used for gold and silver tones.

• Vegetable dyes are used for brighter orange, red, chrome yellow and kesari colours.

Usage: As a backdrop for hindu deities in temples.

• They are often used to decorate the backdrops of Hindu temples, where they serve as a visual representation of the stories associated with Lord Krishna. 

• These paintings have distinct features of a heavier body and large elongated eyes, with a broad nose of Shrinathji, similar to the features of the idol at the temple. 

• Popularity: It is known for their intricate details, ornate borders, and fine brushwork.

Some of the famous Pishwai Paintings are:

• Shrinathji in Black & Gold

• Ras Leela – Krishna with Radha

• Giriraja Pichwai – depicting Lord Krishna carrying Govardhana mountain on his little finger