RAS question
The 'Pichwai' paintings of Nathdwara are also associated with which seasonal festivals?
Correct answer: (C) All seasons (Sharad, Vasant, Varsha, etc.).
The Pichwai paintings of Nathdwara are associated with festivals and celebrations across the seasons, including Sharad Purnima, Janmashtami, Diwali and Holi.
Explanation
Pichwai is not tied to one festival or one season. These Nathdwara paintings show Shrinathji in different moods for festivals and seasons through the year, including Sharad Purnima, Holi, Janmashtami and Diwali. The verified Rajsamand industrial survey supports that reading: its Pichwai section identifies Nathdwara as the place of origin, says Pichwais depict Lord Krishna, often as Shrinathji, and lists Sharad Purnima, Raas Leela, Annakoot or Govardhan Puja, Janmashtami, Gopashtami, Nand Mahotsav, Diwali and Holi as frequent themes. It also says Pichwais were hung behind Shrinathji in Nathdwara to celebrate different seasons, festivals and events in Lord Krishna's life. So the correct choice is the all-seasons option, not a single-festival restriction.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) Diwali is one of the festivals frequently shown in Pichwai, but Sharad Purnima, Janmashtami, Holi and other celebrations are also listed.
- (B) Holi appears in the Pichwai festival cycle, but it is not exclusive because the paintings also depict several other seasonal festivals and events.
- (D) A winter-only reading is too narrow because Pichwai is connected with different seasons, festivals and events across Lord Krishna's life.
Concept
This tests Rajasthan art and culture through the link between a regional painting tradition, Nathdwara's Shrinathji worship and the ritual calendar. RAS often asks such craft questions because they connect place, deity, festival and living tradition.