A Pabuji Ki Phad Painting On Cotton - Late 19th Century

This dramatic textile painting is exclusively found in Western Rajasthan. The style of work is called Phad Chitra and it is a religious depiction of folk deities Pabuji and Devnarayan that can run up to 30 feet in length. These textiles were used for a musical rendition by the Bhopas of Pabusar (bards and priests) singing from a 4000 verse poem. They are also called kavya (bard) cloths These phad are one of the few remnants of an ancient traditional folk art form. 

Pabuji was a Rathore tribal chief who lived between 14^th & 16^th centuries and became venerated for his heroic deeds. His black mare, Kesara Kali can be seen depicted in the center. He was considered to be an incarnation of God and was believed to have traveled beyond the Indus to defeat Ravana and bring home camels as war trophies. Stories of his battles and events from his life would be performed infront of the Phad and it would have acted as a mobile altar. 

As to be expected from a well used folk textile, there are multiple points of wear, all of which are shown in the photos. The textile is mounted on a cloth backing. 

References:

Further information can be found in 'The Epic of Pabuji' by John D Smith.

A similar example can be found in the Tropenmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands. 

Another similar example can be found on page 193 of The Everyday Art of India by Robert F. Bussabarger & Betty Dashew Robins and 'India - Village, Tribal, Ritual Art' by Mingei International Museum of Folk Art, page 2 & 3. 

Calico Museum, Ahmedabad, see Talwar & Krishna 1979, p.101ff, no.120

From India

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