Pichwai - Traditional Indian Art Form
A 400-year-old pichwai painting originated in the holy town of Nathdwara near Udaipur, Rajasthan. The motive behind these pictures was to narrate the tale of Krishna's life.
The Pichwai paintings are renowned for depicting festivals such as Janmashtami, Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela, Diwali, among others. The paintings that illustrate festivals portray Srinathji differently compared to the Pichwai paintings of other festivals.
Pichwai is a Sanskrit word in which 'pich' stands for back and 'wai' stands for hanging. Pichwai paintings are referred to as Mewar-style textile paintings hanging on the walls of temples, houses, art galleries, and museums, specifically the Nathdwara temple from where they first originated.
Originally Pichwai was painted on the handspun starched cotton fabric. The artisans would then sketch the art on that starched cloth. Then the decorative and beautiful images were created. The images were then ready to be painted with completely organic and natural colors, paints and even natural brushes.
Pink lotuses, peacocks, women, cows, village scenes and nature, are some of the most common subjects of a pichwai painting. Apparently, different timelines of Krishna's life are depicted.