Phad Folk Paintings

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Rajasthan the land of colours is known for Phad painting, which is done on cloth. This type of painting is mainly found in the Bhilwara district. The main theme of these paintings is the depiction of local deities and their stories, and legends of erstwhile local rulers. Phad is a type of scroll painting. These paintings are created while using bright and subtle colours. The paintings depicting exploits of local deities are often carried from place to place and are accompanied by traditional singers, who narrate the theme depicted on the scrolls. The outlines of the paintings are first drawn in block and later filled with colours. Rajasthan is also known for Pichwais, which are paintings made on cloth. Pichwais are more refined and detailed than Phads. They are created and used as backdrops in the Shrinathji temple at Nathdwara and in other Krishna temples. The main theme of these paintings is Shrinathji and his exploits. Pichwais are painted, printed with hand blocks, woven, embroidered or decorated in appliqué.

The folk art of India too exists as an unfettered artistic outburst of its people, be it dance and song or the skill of craft. This is so true of the Mithila painters in Dharbhanga in Bihar where every home is decorated with wall paintings made of natural vegetable colors. The colors are made of flowers, creepers, wood coal, lampblack and leaves. The gum from the bel fruit is used to fix colors. Local bamboo grass is used as a brush. Mithila paintings now available on cloth scrolls or on thick paper evolved basically out of complex religious, social and natural themes that affect the people. Painted by women in little blots of color they reflect the symbiotic relationship of women with nature and include childbirth, marriage, spring and animals in the forest.