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Pichwai Art & Krishna Paintings

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Cuisines & Cultures

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’.

Treasures

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

The Living Art of Mewar

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

It is one of the largest forts in a country that is home to countless forts. Visit  Chittorgarh: A ‘water fort’ in the heart of Rajasthan, through Harsunit’s lens

Chittorgarh: An Oasis Fort

One of the largest forts in India that has captivated visitors for centuries! Take a look at Chittorgarh Fort 

The Great Wall of China is a well known wonder, but did you know that India’s own Kumbhalgarh fort wall, is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the longest fort wall in the world?

Kumbhalgarh: The Great Wall of India

Did you know that India’s Kumbhalgarh fort wall, is longest fort wall in the world?

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

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

Trails

The Making of Jaipur

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DHOKRA BANKURA HORSE

Lippan turquoise mirror | Handmade in India

Candle stand in bastar wrought iron | Handmade in india

Terracotta Harappan Elephant Seal Replica with Frame

Visit the house of young Krishna, Shrinathji, in the town dedicated to him and soak in the splendour of its art

Visit the house of young Lord Krishna, Shrinathji, in the town dedicated to him - Nathdwara in Rajasthan and soak in the splendour of its art.  

Nathdwara: Krishna’s Abode

The Secrets of Ladakh: A Rare Journey

Dholavira: Tracing the Story of the Harappans

South Asian Masterpieces at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

Revisiting India’s First Port City: Lothal

Join us on unforgettable journeys week after week and meet those who are defining the way we look at history

Nathdwara: Krishna’s Abode

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