Pichwai, The Indian Traditional Paintings of Nathdwara
Pichwai paintings are traditional paintings of India that has a huge cultural and creative importance. Pichwai, literally meaning ‘at the back,’ are lyrical paintings on cloth which hang as a backdrop to the an idol of Srinathji in the sanctum sanctorum of the Nathdwara Temple of Udaipur and the Krishna deities of other temples of the Pushtimarga sect of Vaishnavism. Pichvai painting's history is one of the most interesting. These paintings are mostly depictions of Krishna’s childhood in the imagined idyllic surroundings of Vrindavan: forests and trees in shades of verdant green, enormous pink lotuses entwined with leaves or growing with profuse abandon in ponds, and birds perched on flower-laden trees. These are summer Pichwais, while the monsoon ones feature Krishna Leela against the background of dark clouds, pelting rain and dancing peacocks! Pichwais, the traditional paintings of India are changed in the temple in tune with the changing moods of the deity, se...