History Of Phad

History Of Phad-Art Is So Famous, But Why?

Updated: Mar 28

 Phad-Art is one of the world's few remaining scroll painting art forms. This folk craft was started by a family (the Joshi Family of Shahpura, Bhilwara, Rajasthan) during the reign of Mughal emperor Shahjahan, and the art is now in the hands of their descendants. The scroll paintings are done on a long length of cloth called Phad (a specially prepared canvas), hence the name.

 Phad-Artdiffers from other traditional art forms Tribal Art in that it depicts exceptional topics and stories in their entirety, flowing with a graceful rhythm and conveyed through melodious songs sung by the bhopas in front of the viewer. These painted ballads were accompanied by melodies performed by Rajasthani priest singers known as bhopas, and constitute a visual narrative of regious epic, folklore, legends of local heroes, and historical stories. These Bhopas move from town to town, narrating the stories in community gatherings with the use of this scroll and songs and music.

 In the History Of Phad-Art when the Bhopas from Marwar (Jodhpur-Nagaur area) travel from village to village with their audio-visual paraphernalia, which includes painted Phadscrolls and their musical instruments, the Ravanahatha(Believed to be a precursor to the violin) and lyrical narration accompanied by dancing, it is a joyful occasion. These performances begin shortly after dusk and last all night. The scroll is gradually unfolded, and the prabcham(narration) acquires velocity as each event comes to life, and the mute audience, enthralled, savors the dramatic aspects of the legend. Except during the rainy season, when the deities are meant to be in slumber, the Bhopas perform all year.

Apart from being a fun and engaging activity for the villagers, these performances were also crucial to preserving history and folktales, as well as passing along traditions from generation to generation.

Origin, Themes & Traditions

Vijay Joshi teacing his kids PhadVijay Joshi teacing his kids Phad

Vijay Joshi teaching his kids Phad

The Shahpura School of Phad-Painting was initiated by the Joshi Family of Shahpura, even before Shahpura emerged as a princely state of Rajasthan. Descendants of the Joshi family are still the custodians of this 700-year-old art inheritance.

Phad Hanuman ChalisaPhad Hanuman Chalisa

Phad Hanuman Chalisa

Traditionally, Shahpura Phad Paintings are divided into two categories based on their themes: devotional and historical. One is based primarily on religious tales and anecdotes from the lives of Hindu Gods and Goddesses such as Pabuji, Devnarayan, Ramdala (related to Lord Ram), Krishnadala (related to Krishna), Ramdevji, and Mataji ka chandwa (a depiction of Mother Goddess displayed at temples), as well as Hindu epics such as Ramayana, Hanuman Chalisa, Mahabharata, Bhagvat Gita etc.