Rajasthani paintings symbolize vibrancy and gallantry. Also, anyone who visits Rajasthan knows for a fact that it is unique in its own way.
Let us come hand in hand and explore the fading history of Rajasthani Paintings.
MARU GURJARA ART – The Ancient Form Of Rajasthani Painting
Maru Gurjara Art signifies the Art of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
Did you know Gujarat & Rajasthan were twins back in the 6th century?
The Gurjars ruled for many dynasties in this region, known as Gurjaratra. Also, Rajasthan and Gujarat shared the same cultural, governmental and racial similarities.
In fact, the ancient name of Rajasthan was Marudesha. Thus, their unity gave birth to the Maru Gurjara Art.
This form of art portrays the rich and royal heritage of ancient Rajasthan. Besides, the walls of Rajasthan are a proof to their intricate brushwork and diversity. Several styles of paintings emerged from the Royal Aegis. To add up, some of the popular styles are Gemstones, Phad, Miniature, Kajali etc.
PHAD PAINTINGS – Mewar Style Of Paintings
WHAT ARE PHAD PAINTINGS?
The term ‘Phad’ means a long scroll or canvas. Hence, Phad paintings used long scrolls and canvases.
The iconic Phad paintings depict historical and religious events in vibrant colors. In fact, the Phads depict the local folk deities and their stories. They were especially about Pabuji and Devanarayan.
The Pabuji Phads are about 15 feet long and the Devnarayan Phads are 30 feet in length. The Bhopas or the priest singers carry these Phads as mobile temples of the folk deities.
Phad paintings also depict the heroic deeds. As a matter of fact, some of them were Prithviraj Chauhan, Amar Singh Rathore, Gogaji etc.
HOW ARE PHAD PAINTINGS MADE?
Phad paintings are mainly done on clothes. The painters work on a large piece of cloth. In fact, the episodes of the story are divided into horizontal panels.
Also, the traditional phad paintings used natural vegetable colors.
WHO MADE THESE PAINTINGS?
The Joshi and Chippa communities are popular traditional artists of this folk art form. Also, they were mainly from Bhilwara district in Rajasthan,
Besides, there are many other artists who are in the run of innovating different styles of Phad painting. Some of them are Pradeep Mukherjee, Shree Lal Joshi, Shanti Lal Joshi, and Prakash Joshi.
GEMSTONE PAINTINGS
WHAT ARE GEMSTONE PAINTINGS?
Did you know Rajasthan is a powerhouse of precious & semi-precious stones?
It all started 2 centuries back. Gemstone paintings use semi-precious stones to provide shades of color.
Needless to say, it is a work of profound beauty, depth, and power.
HOW ARE GEMSTONE PAINTINGS MADE?
The stones used for these paintings are Amethyst, Agate, Bloodstone, Citrine, Crystal, Garnet, Jade etc.
In fact, these stones are carefully selected, ground and pasted on the rear side of the surface. It could be marble, acrylic or glass sheets. Also, rendering the paintings with crushed stones make them stand out.
Gemstone Rajasthani paintings use watercolor to outline the drawings. Thus, the paintings achieve a niche appearance.
WHO MAKE THESE PAINTINGS?
Gemstone paintings are handmade. Not to mention, only experienced craftsmen accomplish this job. These paintings do not lose their lustre or precision even after years.
STAY CONNECTED
We are losing these stories with every new page of history. We hope to bring it out in the most authentic form. Stay connected to unfold the history together.
A mystery is on the cusp with the versatility and diversity of Rajasthani Paintings.
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