With varied connotations, from a map with symbolic figures to sacred overtones, the art of Pithora paintings exhibits interesting facets of the cultural ethos of the bygone era.
Pithora Painting is a characteristic art form, that holds deep significance and history. It has its origins in the tribal community, mainly the Rathwa community, residing on the border of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.
The paintings and their connotations
The Pithora paintings exhibit varied connotations and context of the era when they primarily came into being. One of the purposes is that of a map. It depicts the world of the Rathwa tribe and the objective for which it was used, i.e., a map with symbolic figures to keep it mysterious and safe from perpetrators. Bharuch was a center of trade in the 11th century. The painting has peculiar figures e.g., the seven horses show the seven hills in the area where the Rathwas lived. It was enclosed within a rectangular frame that depicted the specific geographical boundary. The extent of this rectangular space was up to the Arabian Sea in the West, Bharuch in the South, and Indore towards the North. A way line cut through the painting which was symbolic of the river Narmada.
Pithora Painting: A sacred overtone
After this, the paintings developed a religious context, the Pithora became the God of the Rathwa tribe and it took shape of a ritual. People started considering these paintings sacred. They were used to heal illnesses or keep bad omens at bay. These paintings were prepared during auspicious occasions to seek the blessings of the divine. While these paintings were prepared, there was chanting and singing done in the background to create an ambiance of joy and divinity.
The process, the technique
Before the paintings were done on the walls, layers of cow dung and mud were applied to the walls, and over it, another layer of white chalk was applied too. Colors consisted of milk, flower seeds, leaves, and mahua liquor and the brush to paint was made out of bamboo sticks.
From ancient to modern ethos
To give a real picture of the world of the Rathwa tribe, there are elements in the paintings like wildlife, birds, trees, fields, the Sun and the Moon, and human figures, which helps us give a clear picture of the life of the people at that time. The inclusion of elements of modern times e.g., computers, means of transport like aircraft, railways, etc. indicates the transition from ancient to the modern era.
Unique feature of Pithora art
The significant point about these paintings is that no two paintings were similar. Each painting had a unique impression, a distinct mark of the artist to make it one of its kind.
Being a unique art form, exuding richness and deep significance, it is promoted by the state governments of Gujarat and MP to revive this versatile tradition. Pithora art has evolved over the years with changing times and contexts. Being Indians, we must promote these art forms on an individual level too, such that it stays ingrained within our lives for generations to come!
