|
What is a Pichwai?
A Pichwai is a meticulously detailed, hand-painted textile traditionally hung behind the idol of Shrinathji, an incarnation of Lord Krishna, a revered Indian deity. Originating within the Vaishnavite Pushtimarg* tradition, these sacred textiles emerged in Nathdwara, Rajasthan, home to the principal shrine of Shrinathji. The term 'Pichwai' derives from the Sanskrit words pichh (back) and wai (hanging), reflecting its purpose as a backdrop for temple rituals.
The Legacy of Pichwai
Shrinathji is a form of Krishna, manifested as a seven-year-old child, central to the Pushtimarg sect’s worship. According to legend, he was carried from Govardhan Parvat (mountain) by Saint Vallabhacharya and enshrined in the haveli (temple) of Nathdwara. Devotees honour him through seva (ritual service), expressed in raag (devotional music), bhog (food offerings), and shringar (adornment).
The temple's sanctum doors open eight times daily, allowing brief darshan (sacred glimpses), where Shrinathji appears in different attire and settings, creating a deeply immersive and spiritual experience for devotees.
Historically, large Pichwais adorned temple sanctuaries for festivals and seasonal changes, while smaller works were sold to pilgrims as mementos. These pieces allowed worshippers to carry a piece of their spiritual experience home and find a place in their personal shrines.
*Pushtimarg: a Hindu sect that emphasises devotion to Lord Krishna
How the Pichwai Artform Came About
The tradition began with five artists being allowed into the sanctum during the brief darshans. They would sketch the deity in all its splendour and later transform their sketches into detailed paintings reflecting not only the deific representation of Shrinathji but also festival themes and stories from Krishna’s life. These unsigned works, deeply embedded in devotional practice, illustrate not only the darshans but also the various festivals celebrated within the shrine, alongside the narratives and folklore of Krishna’s life.
Over time, this tightly knit tradition expanded to a thriving artistic community of nearly 300 artists living in Chitrakaron Ki Galli (Lane of Painters) in Nathdwara. While initially reserved for temple rituals, these artworks found their way into havelis (traditional mansions), private homes, and eventually, international museums, appreciated for their intricate craftsmanship and cultural depth.
How a Pichwai Painting Is Created
Traditional Pichwais were hand-painted on cotton-silk fabric sourced from select mills in Rajasthan. Artists employed mineral pigments derived from natural elements like emeralds, rubies, and lapis lazuli. Historically, even organic pigments were created from unconventional sources; for instance, in ancient times, the women of the house would extract yellow pigment from cow urine after feeding cows a mango-rich diet during summer.
The base cloth of the painting is coated with khadia, a white chalk paste mixed with natural adhesives to create a smooth, absorbent surface that enhances pigment adhesion and gives the Pichwai its muted earthy hues. The artist sketches the initial design using fine squirrel hair brushes on the prepare basis. Layers of ground mineral colours follow, finished with gold and silver foil. The final step is likhai, a delicate outlining technique that adds definition and depth, bringing the intricate details to life.
