Pichwai, an art form of ancient India that usually comprises bold and rich natural dyes. Initially, artisans in the 17th century started making paintings of Lord Krishna and his life. This art form holds cultural and regional significance and thus helps preserve the rare art form.
Furthermore, sometimes for exceptional paintings, even gold is used as a raw material to create and produce a distinctive output.
Artisans initially made paintings of Lord Krishna, cows, and Gopis. With the further changes in the time sphere, Govardhan, Annakut, and Rasleela pichwai gained significant attraction from people.
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Pichwai painting is a centre of attraction and depth, including colour composition, story and intricate details. The Cow has remained a significant part of the life of Lord Krishna; thus presence and significance of the Cow are prominent in pichwai paintings. The paintings of lord Krishna are hung behind the statue of Shrinathji in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.
These paintings are the heritage of rare art that are fine specimens of human skill and craft.
Lord Krishna is known to have an affinity towards animals. When he used to play his flute, every gopi and animal used to surround him in Vrindavan. In various religious texts, Lord Krishna is known to be a cowherd or a protector of cows. Thus, the Pichwai cow holds a specific history and significance with aspects of Hindu mythology.
If we study or know the basics of Hindu mythology, cows are considered sacred mother who provides nurturing and food. Another reason was cows were associated with Krishna as per Hindu religious text. Krishna always loves cows and is a protector of animals who cannot speak or express their feelings, thus ensuring the preservation of the world's natural balance.
The childhood of Krishna symbolises playfulness and a youthful spirit, and being cowherd was a significant part of his life. Kid Krishna has always been portrayed as a mischievous and joyful child who enjoys being adventurous with his friends and cows.
Cows also symbolise selfless love and devotion, often used in storytelling by Krishna for spiritual teaching and lessons. As per Hindu texts, the Cow signifies the importance of surrendering oneself to a higher power and serving others with love and compassion, as cows serve humanity with food and nourishment.
The relationship between Krishna and cows is sacred, imbibing selfless love, devotion, and cultural, symbolic, and spiritual dimensions. Moreover, It is also considered and texted that every being on this planet, however small and giant, are interconnected to each other for survival, nurturing and emotional support.
Pitchwai paintings are used as a decorative and visually appealing backdrop for the idol of Lord Krishna in temples. In these paintings one of the most common motifs in Pichwai paintings is the lotus flower.
As per Hindu texts and mystics, Lotus flowers are considered pure, graceful and divine. So, Lotus is used in Pichwai paintings as a focal element, surrounded by other intricate patterns. Gods and goddesses often hold Lotus as a sacred adornment item. The birth of Lord Brahma also has a story associated with Lotus. As per legend, Lord Brahma was born from the Lotus, which grew from the navel of Lord Vishnu.
Lotus signifies divine beauty and grace, signifying the quality of Lord Krishna. Thus, Lord Krishna is shown holding a lotus flower in his hand. Moreover, It is told in various of his life story that he used to play with Lotus in his childhood.
However, Lotus also symbolises the sacred nature of life and connection with the divine in everyday life.
Pichwai paintings showcase the rich cultural heritage of Rajasthan, India, while preserving the rare and distinctive art form. Although many motifs and backdrops are used in paintings, the most popular are Cow and Lotus, as these two motifs hold a deep religious significance in Hindu mythology.
In both, the Cow signifies the importance of mutual understanding, respect and care for all living beings, as each organism on this planet is interconnected. Cows are drawn or depicted in this painting as grazing in lush pastures or surrounded by floral motifs, defining their role in nourishing the natural world.
Whereas Lotus is a prime motif surrounded by other floral motifs and intricate patterns. The commonality in these two motifs is that both represent the sacredness of all life and the importance of connecting with the divine in everyday life. They symbolise purity, respect, and compassion among all life in the natural world.
However, Pichwai paintings are beautiful works of art that convey essential cultural and religious values and add adornment and grace to idols.