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Pichwai Art & Krishna Paintings

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Pichhwai paintings are an exuberant expression of the life of Lord Krishna and are used as a backdrop for the image of Krishna in the temple town of Nathdwara. Catch the story of this unusual devotional craft

Pichhwai: A Celebration of Lord Krishna

To visit the temple town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan is to be engulfed in a sea of devotion. In this town, 50 km from Udaipur, Lord Krishna is everywhere – wherever you look, you see images of the Lord. The most popular representation of Krishna, though, is on Pichhwais, paintings of Krishna on cloth, and these are found in the temples of the Pushtimarg sect.

Pichhwais originated in Nathdwara and are traditionally used as the backdrop of the Krishna idol in the sanctum sanctorum of the Pushtimarg temples. The term is, in fact is derived from the Sanskrit word ‘pich’, which means ‘back’ and ‘wai’, which means ‘hanging’.

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Mewar miniatures are among the most prominent paintings to have originated in Rajasthan. Explore the vibrant colours, history and themes of this school, whose work thrives even today

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First of our four part series on Rajasthan’s miniature art

Miniature paintings from Rajasthan are some of the most exquisite art forms India has. This form of painting developed across this region in medieval times and, although generically referred to as ‘Rajput miniatures’, this style of painting shows great diversity depending on geography and time period.

Rajasthan was a hotbed of political and military activity in medieval times, and as a result, dozens of states emerged, most of them establishing artistic ateliers in their courts. A wide range of subjects was depicted in these paintings, from portraits, court scenes, hunts and festivals to religious paintings depicting gods and goddesses and depictions of significant texts and epics in illustrated manuscripts.

Explore the vibrant colours, history and themes of this school, whose work thrives even today

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The Legacy of Maharana Kumbha

The story of Maharana Kumbha, one of the greatest kings of Mewar and builder of the mighty Kumbhalgarh Fort.

The young Krishna is an enduring theme across schools of art in India and his capers have lit up many a canvas. On the occasion of Janmashtami, here are some iconic art works that depict scenes from the life of the child Krishna 

Krishna’s Exploits in Art

Lord Krishna, one of the most loved deities of the Hindu faith, has also been a great muse for artists. In fact, it is fair to say that without Krishna and the tales of his childhood, Indian art would have been much poorer.

Almost every significant school of art in India has a liberal dose of young Krishna and his exploits. They range from Chola bronzes and Rajasthani miniatures to Kalighat paintings. On Janmashtami, let’s explore some of these exquisite artworks that make the young Krishna come alive and tell his story.

On the occasion of Janmashtami, here are some iconic art works that depict scenes from the life of the child Krishna

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|Pichhwais are paintings from Nathdwara, Rajasthan that narrate and celebrate tales from the life of Lord Krishna

Spotlight on Pichhwais brought to you by @PeepulTree Pichhwais are devotional paintings that narrate and celebrate tales from the life of Lord Krishna and this art originated in the temple town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan. Know more here-

The Art of Pichhwai 

Pichhwais are paintings from Nathdwara, Rajasthan that narrate and celebrate tales from the life of Lord Krishna

The Art of Pichhwai

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The Art of Pichhwai

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