Phad painting is a painting, that is beautifully executed on the cloth in the region of Rajasthan. It is basically a folk painting on cloth, which commemorates the deeds of a hero. It also depicts the local deities and their stories, and legends of erstwhile local rulers. Phad is a type of scroll painting.
Most of the Phad paintings available belong to the late 19th century or early 20th century. The paintings generally portrayed the life and the events of great rulers like Goga Chauhan, Prithaviraj Chauhan, Amar Singh Rathor, Tejaji, and so on. In the modern Phad paintings, apart from the life event of these kings, the stories from the life of Papuji, and Narayandevji are also depicted.
How Paintings are Made? 
Phada paintings are made by the painters belonging to chhipa caste, also known as Joshis. These paintings are considered sacrosanct, and are begun only after certain ceremonies. Phadas do not do paintings during the monsoon season, as they believe that the folk hero deities are asleep during this period.
Phada paintings are made by the painters belonging to chhipa caste, also known as Joshis. These paintings are considered sacrosanct, and are begun only after certain ceremonies. Phadas do not do paintings during the monsoon season, as they believe that the folk hero deities are asleep during this period.
Chhipa draws the initial sketch (chakna dena) on a coarse and starched white cloth with a non-permanent yellow color. After that, the faces and the figures are painted with a saffron color (munda banana). Colors are applied in the following sequence-green, brown, vermilion, sky blue, and finally black. These colors are used for outlining the figures. Traditionally, colors derived from vegetables and minerals are used but today synthetic colors have also become popular.
The brushes used by Chhipa are prepared from the hair of the squirrel tail or goat. The most interesting thing about the making of this painting is that the artist does not paint the eyes of the main character till the time he does not hand over the cloth painting to the bhopa (a person from the bhopa caste who specializes in singing different tales). At this time he adds the name of the bhopa and the date on the painting.
The central portion of the paintings depicts the main story while the puranic tales are illustrated on the border areas. Today, phadas have become an important item in the commercial market for their unique appeal.
Materials used Materials used for making this painting include: khadi silk, Cotton cloth and canvas, Mercury based stone colors, vegetable colors and sometimes synthetic colors. The paintings are shaped in all sizes : miniature / middle and large.
Materials used Materials used for making this painting include: khadi silk, Cotton cloth and canvas, Mercury based stone colors, vegetable colors and sometimes synthetic colors. The paintings are shaped in all sizes : miniature / middle and large.
Themes of the Paintings
Besides, mythological depiction, the school of painting also depicts historical events like invasion of Mahmud Gajnavi on Somnath Temple, Johar of Rani Padmini of Mewar the battle of Haldighati between Rana Pratap of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Jaipur , elopement of Sanyogita with Prithvi Raj etc.
Besides, mythological depiction, the school of painting also depicts historical events like invasion of Mahmud Gajnavi on Somnath Temple, Johar of Rani Padmini of Mewar the battle of Haldighati between Rana Pratap of Mewar and Raja Man Singh of Jaipur , elopement of Sanyogita with Prithvi Raj etc.
Where it can be used
Phad paintings are beautiful paintings that can be used for the following:
Phad paintings are beautiful paintings that can be used for the following:
- Interior decoration
- Govt. Offices
- Secretariats
- Public Libraries
- Town Halls
- Educational institutions
- Foreign Embassies
- Museums and Five Star hotels
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