Rajasthani Folk Art

Folk Art are the traditional artistic expressions that reflect the lifestyle, beliefs, and cultural identity of the people. In the subject Rajasthan Art & Culture, folk arts hold special importance as they showcase the state’s vibrant traditions through music, dance, painting, and crafts. These art forms preserve the rich heritage and community values of Rajasthan.

Classification of Folk Arts

Mandana (मांडणा)

• This is a form of design created by women on auspicious occasions in homes and courtyards using Geru (red ochre) and Khariya (white chalk). 
• Decoration Areas: Doorsteps, doorframes, walls, platforms, courtyards, and temples.
• ​Purpose: Beyond decoration, it is intended to protect the home from negative energies.
• ​Themes Change according to the occasion:
  • Weddings: Footprints of Ganesh-Lakshmi, Swastika, peacocks, vases, animal and floral patterns.
  • ​Return from Pilgrimage: PAIDI (पैड़ी)’ and ‘Pathwari’.
  • ​Birth of a Child: Satya/ Satiye Mandana (Swastika).
• Shapes: Geometric figures such as triangles, squares, hexagons, octagons, and circles are prevalent.
• The components of Mandana are known by names like Belbharat, Phuladi, and Jhambara.

Sanjhi

• During the Shradh Paksha, unmarried girls engrave various shapes using cow dung on white-washed walls; this is called Sanjhi. Girls worship Sanjhi as a symbol of Goddess Parvati to seek a suitable husband.
• ​Process: During the first ten days, natural symbols, musical instruments, sweets etc are depicted daily. In the final five days, a large-scale Sanjhi is made, known as Sanjhya Kot.
• ​Origin: Dates back to the era of Lord Krishna; 
• The tradition reached Rajasthan from Vrindavan.
• Performed from Bhadrapada Purnima to Ashvin Amavasya.
• ​Famous Sanjhi Locations:-
  1. Matsyendranath Temple (Udaipur): Also known as the Sanjhya Temple.
  2. ​Shrinathji Temple (Nathdwara): Famous for Sanjhi made using Kadali (banana) leaves.
  3. ​Ladliji Temple (Jaipur): Known for making Sanjhi everyday during Shradh.

Phad Painting

• The depiction of the historical, religious, and mythological life sagas of folk deities on cloth is called Phad.
• Khadi or Rezi cloth is used.
• Believed to have originated from the Mewar school of art.
• ​Primary Center: Shahpura (Bhilwara). The Joshi family of Shahpura is world-renowned for this art.

• Key Artists: 
  • Shrilal Joshi (Padma Shri 2006).
  • Panchoji Joshi: The one to initiate Phad painting.
  • Other artists: Durgesh Joshi, Shantilal Joshi, Vijay Joshi, Gautali devi. 
  • ​Parvati Joshi: The first female Phad artist (Chiteri).
  • ​Pradeep Mukherjee: A disciple of Shri Lal Joshi who depicted ‘Gita Govinda’ and ‘Shrimad Bhagwat’.
• Characteristics-
  • ​A unique blend of folk drama, singing, music, oral literature, and religion.
  • Phad is approximately 30 feet long and 5 feet wide.
  • In this art form, the symbolic use of colors aids in the expression of emotions and sentiments.
  • Colors: Red and green are dominant. The protagonist wears red, while the villain is depicted in green.
  • Scale: The main character is drawn largest to establish prominence.
• Performed by Bhopas (priest-singers) using specific musical instruments.
• Phad painting is not done during Chaturmas (as the deities are believed to be sleeping). Work resumes on Dev Uthani Gyaras (Kartik Shukl Gyaras).
• The reading (vachan) of the Phad is generally performed to ward off any misfortune. It is conducted collectively on dates associated with the deities, in an open space or a Chaupal (community hub) with faith and devotion.
• Phad Thandi Karna: When a Phad becomes torn or worn out, it is ceremoniously immersed in Pushkar Lake. This ritual is called “Phad Thandi Karna,” followed by a communal feast (Savamani) in Bhopa community.
• The reading (vachan) of the Phad painting is performed by Bhopas accompanied by a specific musical instrument.

Ramdevji ki Phad –

• Recitation is done by the Bhopas of the Kamad community using the Ravanahatha (a musical instrument).
• ​First Phad of such kind was created by Chauthmal Chithera.
• This Phad is prevalent among the Meghwal, Chamar, and Koli communities.

Pabuji ki Phad –

• This is the most popular Phad in Rajasthan.
• Performed by the Bhopas of the Thori or Nayak community using Ravanahatha.
• The recitation takes place at night by painting a picture of Pabuji’s mare, Kesar Kalmi, in black, and depicting various battle scenes.
• In the image, the spear is positioned in front of the deity’s face.

Bhensasur ki Phad

• This Phad is worshipped as an omen (Shakun) by people of the Bagri or Bawari community before committing a theft.
• This Phad is not recited; only its ‘Darshan’ (viewing/ worship) is done.

Devnarayanji ki Phad –

• Performed by the Bhopas of the Gurjar community using the ‘Jantar’ musical instrument.
• It is a blend of oral literature, singing, drama, and painting.
• This is the most illustrated, the oldest, and the longest Phad (24 cubits long).
• The Indian Postal Department issued a postage stamp on this Phad on September 2, 1992, on the occasion of Devnarayan Jayanti.
• During recitation, an illustration of a snake is placed in front of the face, and Devnarayanji’s mare, ‘Leelagar’, is painted in green.
• A Devnarayanji Phad curated by Shri Lal Joshi is preserved in a museum in Germany.
• This Phad is recited at night by two or more Bhopas.

Ramdala – Krishnadala ki Phad

• Performed in the Hadoti region by Bhopas of the Bhat caste during the day and without any musical instrument, focusing on tales of Lord Rama and Lord Krishna.
• Originally illustrated by Dhulji Chithera.

​Other Phads

• ​Gogaji ki Phad: Recited with Deru (डेरू) musical instrument.
• ​Amitabh Bachchan ki Phad: Created by Ramlal and Patasi Devi.

Pane (Sanganer, Jaipur)

• In Rajasthan, drawings of various gods and goddesses, created on paper for different festivals and auspicious occasions are called ‘Pane’.
• ​These are considered symbols of good omens and sources of prosperity.
• ​Shrinathji’s Pane depicts 24 types of shringar, making it highly artistic.
• ​Panes of Ganeshji, Rama-Krishna, Shravan Kumar, Lakshmiji, Shrinathji, Ramdevji, Devnarayanji, and Gogaji are popular.
• ​Ganeshji’s Pane is used the most.
• ​Shivji’s Pane is the most expensive.

Pagalya

• Similar to a type of Mandana, these are drawn during worship rituals as symbols of the footprints of deities.
• ​These are the most common patterns among Mandanas.

Mehendi (Henna)

• Mehendi is considered a primary element of women’s beauty. In Rajasthan, it is regarded as an auspicious sign of marital bliss and good fortune.
• ​Sojat (Pali) is famous for Mehendi in Rajasthan.
• ​It received the G.I. Tag in September 2021.
• ​Deep red Mehendi from Gilund, Railmagra (Rajsamand) is also famous.
• ​Women of the Bissa community do not apply Mehendi.

Godna (Tattooing)-

• An indelible mark created by pricking the upper layer of the skin with a sharp tool and filling it with black pigment.
• Godna is associated with both beauty and superstitions. It is believed that an “untattooed” body is unprotected.
• ​Patterns: The designs of Godna are based on specific castes and personal preferences.
• The work of tattooing is traditionally performed by the men and women of the Nat community.
• This practice is highly prevalent among tribal communities. In the absence of wealth and jewelry, they satisfy their desire for beauty by getting tattoos on various parts of the body.
• Religious symbols like the Trident (Trishul), Om, Swastika, Rama-Lakshmana, and natural symbols like the Sun, Moon, flowers, and trees are commonly tattooed.

Thape

• Images printed on hands by rural women on auspicious occasions using a mixture of traditional colors.
• These represent the symbolic forms of various gods and goddesses.

Godaliya

• Large, artistic marks branded onto the bodies of animals. The act of branding is called ‘Aterna’, and the resulting marks are known as ‘Godaliya’.
• Done for animal identification and the recognition of stolen livestock.
• These marks are made by heating iron rods, clay lids, iron/brass letters, or specific tree-based tools (Doli).
• These symbols are associated with specific castes, regions, or particular royal families.
• The marks include natural, religious, and human symbols.

Other Folk Arts

Additional Facts

• ​Artistic Coconut Bangles (Patte): Crafted in Bhilwara and Kapasan (Chittorgarh).
• ​Kanthiyan (Necklaces): Primarily manufactured in Anta (Baran).
• Production of jute dolls, purses, and shoes takes place in Deenanath Ji Ki Gali, Jaipur.
• Jaipur is a center for making bone bangles, jewelry, and other decorative items.
• The Dr. Komal Kothari Memorial Lifetime Achievement Award 2022 was presented to Vijay Varma (Field: Folk Art).
• Manufacturing of swords and shields takes place in Sirohi.