PHAD
THE SACRED ART OF STORYTELLING IN RAJASTHAN
"PHAD" is an insightful exploration of one of India's most unique and sacred art forms-Phad painting, a narrative scroll tradition that blends visual art, oral storytelling, music, and ritual. Rooted in the arid landscapes of Rajasthan, this art form is not just a style of painting-it is a living, breathing performance tradition that once served as a moving temple and a cultural archive for rural communities.
The book opens with a historical overview of Phad painting, tracing its origins to over 700 years ago. It discusses the Bhopa-Bhopi tradition, in which priest-singers (Bhopa) and their female counterparts (Bhopi) would carry these long painted scrolls (Phads) from village to village. At night, under oil lamps, the Bhopa would unfold the scroll and sing tales of folk deities like Pabuji, Devnarayan, Gogaji, and others, bringing divine legends to life for illiterate rural audiences. These performances were devotional, theatrical, and communal acts of worship, celebration, and education.
The book then delves into the symbolism and iconography that define Phad art. Each element on a Phad is carefully composed to reflect both narrative sequence and spiritual significance. Deities are drawn larger to reflect their importance, and no space is left blank, embodying the belief that every inch of the scroll must pulse with divine presence. The summary elaborates on how the narrative flows in a non-linear, cyclic pattern-requiring deep knowledge from the Bhopa to interpret and present the story in the correct order.
In its core chapters, "PHAD" details the making of a Phad scroll-from preparing the hand-woven cloth with natural resins and chalk, to drawing intricate outlines using squirrel-hair brushes, and painting with vibrant natural dyes made from minerals, vegetables, and flowers. It highlights the sacredness of the process, where certain rituals are observed and traditional color palettes are followed, with saffron for bravery, green for fertility, and red for sacrifice.
The book also features the evolution of the art form-how it was once restricted to the Joshi community of Bhilwara but is now being revived and taught in schools and art institutions thanks to master artists like Shree Lal Joshi and Pradip Mukherjee, who modernized the themes while preserving the core aesthetics. Modern Phad paintings now portray social themes, freedom fighters, and even stories from the Mahabharata and Ramayana, making the art form accessible to a global audience.
"PHAD" goes on to explore the challenges facing this tradition in a rapidly changing world. The decline in Bhopa performances, commercialization of sacred art, and the younger generation's shifting interests threaten the sustainability of Phad. However, the book also sheds light on revival efforts-government programs, art residencies, exhibitions, and digital archives that aim to document and support traditional artists.
A special section of the book is devoted to interviews with Phad artists, behind-the-scenes photos of scroll making, and anecdotes from performances, enriching the reader's understanding of the living legacy of this tradition.
In its concluding chapter, the book makes a passionate call to preserve Phad not as a relic, but as a vibrant cultural phenomenon. It urges readers, educators, and art lovers to view Phad not merely as decorative art but as a sacred performance of memory, myth, and meaning.
Through rich narrative, visual references, and ethnographic detail, "PHAD" becomes both a cultural chronicle and an artistic tribute. It stands as a testament to the resilience of indigenous traditions and the power of storytelling in shaping collective identity.
