Phads and Pichwais

The ancient tradition of scroll painting survives to this day in Rajasthan. This art is known as Phad. A typical Phad is a long rectangular coarse cloth with paintings illustrating the life and heroic exploits of the two popular folk heroes Pabuji and Dev Narain. It displays much of the tradition in narrative form. Phads are painted by the Joshis of Shahpura, near Bhilwara, based on subjects like Bhagavad purana or other popular folk stories.

The Pichwais are refined works of art, created to be used as backdrops in the Srinathji at Nathdwara. They contain the figure of Srinathji (attired with a variety of costumes) and scenes of Nathdwara festival. These could be painted, printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué form. It is interesting to note that the colorful tradition of Phads and Pichwais continues to this day.