Shrinathji Pichwai Paintings of Rajasthan


India is well known for its cultures, traditions and its art forms. With long mythological history the country has adapted many art forms inspired by the lives of Gods and Goddesses.

One such Indian traditional painting inspired by Lord Krishna is the Pichwai paintings. These paintings are mainly found in the Nathdwara district of Rajasthan with it’s roots going back to 400 years Pichwai painting have made a place with the art world and its followers.
This word Pichwai comes from Sanskrit, ‘pich’ meaning back and ‘wais’ meaning hanging as the name suggests these paintings were used as wall hangings behind the deity of Shrinathji in Nathdwara temples.

Shrinathji is said to be the childhood phase of Lord Krishna thus paintings show activities, festivals and scenery with Lord Krishna in it. These paintings were a forgotten art until devotees of Vallabhacharya noticed them and created 24 iconic poses of Lord Krishna that made the Shrinathji Pichwai artwork so famous. 

Pichwai is considered one of the most complex and tough out of all the Indian traditional paintings. It takes immense skill and time to make one. Learning Pichwai is said to be impossible as its knowledge it based on ‘Guru Shishya’ which means that skills are taught and passed down through generations. 

Pichwai paintings depict the seasons and festivals in the life of lord Krishna. The radiant pink colour is used to show summer, whereas to illustrate the rainy season pictures of peacock is manifested. 

For the people of Nathdwara where this artform was born and made, these paintings have become the main source of income due to its increasing demand. On average a Pichwai Painting takes about 8-9 months to create and are sold between 50,000 – 100,000. 

Getting a Pichwai painting for your house has been made convenient by its producers as these paintings are made in smaller size to fit the hangings in your apartment/house easily. Also it is believed that God inspired paintings bring positivity into your house. 

Pichwai were the most underrated Indiantraditional paintings but with time and its evolution, art lovers and collectors have accepted the artform with open hands due to its inspiring stories, its endless beauty and natural paints which makes it look more authentic. 

If you ever get a chance to visit the Nathdwara temple of Rajasthan you would be able to experience to most exhilarating Pichwai paintings hanging behind the idol of Shrinathji.  

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