Stories

Phad painting, an ancient art form dating back 700 years, originates from Shahpura, near Bhilwara, Rajasthan. This traditional scroll painting uniquely blends visual art with performance, narrating the sacred tales of local deities through intricate and colorful illustrations. The Joshi family, belonging to the Chipa caste of Rajasthan, has been the sole custodian of this vibrant tradition, ensuring its legacy continues uninterrupted for centuries. The essence of Phad lies not only in its visual appeal but also in its dynamic storytelling. The paintings are not mere static images; they come alive through the performances of Bhopa, the priest-singers, and their wives, Bhopi. These performances are accompanied by the hauntingly beautiful strains of the Ravanhatta, an ancient bowed instrument. As dusk falls, these portable temples are unfurled, and the tales of deities such as Devnarayanji, a reincarnation of Vishnu, and the valiant local hero Pabuji, are narrated, captivating audiences t...

Pithora paintings, a cherished artistic tradition originating from the Rathwa and Bhil tribes of Gujarat and Rajasthan in India, have been meticulously preserved through generations. Initially emerging as cave art, these intricate paintings eventually adorned the main walls of households, with the most sacred space reserved for depictions of Pithora, the deity associated with food grains. This revered deity, considered the principal god by the tribes, lent profound significance to the partition between the kitchen and the hall where the paintings were housed. Characterized by the portrayal of seven horses, Pithora paintings hold symbolic value, with some historians attributing the horses to represent the seven hills surrounding the Gujarat-Madhya Pradesh border region. The term "Pithora" derives from the name of the folk deity revered by these tribes, believed to embody an aspect of Lord Shiva. Situated within India's rich cultural tapestry, Pithora painting stands as a v...