RAS question
The Pichwai painting tradition is primarily associated with which temple town in Rajasthan?
Correct answer: (B) Nathdwara.
The Pichwai painting tradition is primarily associated with Nathdwara, the Rajasthan temple town of Shrinathji.
Explanation
Pichwai is linked to Nathdwara because the paintings were originally used in the Shrinathji temple, where they were hung behind the deity. Government of Rajasthan, District Industries Centre Rajsamand describes Pichwai as a cloth-painting style from Nathdwara near Udaipur and says these paintings depict episodes from Lord Krishna's life, often showing Shrinathji. Pichwai literally refers to a textile hanging placed behind the deity, and the works change with seasons and festivals such as Janmashtami, Holi and Diwali. So the key association is not merely a generic Rajasthan painting style, but a devotional visual tradition centred on Nathdwara and Shrinathji worship.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Eklingji is associated with a Shiva temple, while the Pichwai tradition is tied to Nathdwara and Shrinathji.
- (C) Pushkar is known for the Brahma temple, whereas Pichwai belongs to Nathdwara and its Shrinathji temple setting.
- (D) Ranakpur is known for Jain temples, not for the Nathdwara-based Pichwai paintings made for Shrinathji worship.
Concept
Rajasthan History, Art and Culture links Pichwai with a traditional painting form, its temple town and its ritual use. The identifying chain is Pichwai, Nathdwara and Shrinathji.