What is Pithora Painting?

Pithora Painting is a ritual painting done on the walls by several tribes members of Rathwa, a tribe in Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. It is the principal of Rathwa tribe's cultural and religious life primarily. This art depicts Philosophy of priest hood and social life of the Rathwa tribe and is centred round the worship of Pithora Baba (equivalent to Lord Shiva in other tribal cultures) the deity of prosperity and welfare.

The significance of these devotions is not restricted to the art but also to the religious faith reference of the Rathva tribe. The production of such a painting is a religious act in itself, where the gods of the other worlds are worshipped and prosperity is wished to the community.

Introduction and Definition of Pithora Painting

Pithora painting is a distinct tribal art developed by the Rathwas of Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh area of India. Its distinctive shapes, colours and symbolic content make part of the cultural, religious and magical rites of these tribes. The Pithora paintings are not only decorative, but are considered sacred and a religious ritual, to invoke the blessings of the deity and prosperity. This is house wall painting and involves colorful and geometric symbols.

It originated more than thousands years ago as Pithora painting. It is connection with cave paintings that tribes were in the past a hidely characteristic if cultural life. This school of art is believed to date back to the l1th and 12th centuries, when in the far western parts of the country, tribal folk began to paint on such surface as they could find to depict their religious and social life.

The Pithora painting is the most popular type of painting and is the worship of its main deity the Rathwa. The tribe pays homage to their god, Pithora Baba, their deity that is said to be a god of fertility and abundance. So Pithora paintings are drawn on the wall of the house due to religious customs and to make the deities happy.

Definition of Pithora Painting

It is a religious and cultural ritual to create Pithora painting, that is made on special occasions. It is largely a ritual art done after marriage and harvests; it is also done for childbirth or to get rid of an illness. The main characteristic of Pithora painting is its bold and vibrant figures of human forms, animals, plants and mystical beings.

Brief Introduction of Rathwa Tribe

The Rathwa is the dominant tribe of the region inhabiting Chhota Udaipur of Gujarat and along the borders of Madhya Pradesh. This tribe is also one of the major tribal communities in India and has a strong cultural and religious heritage. The tribal art Pithora is the symbol of their religious customs and inner spirits of Rathwa tribe.

Rathwa people are very religious and deeply religiously inclined. They worship main Pithora Baba, a goat and Pithora Vakta, there principal god. Pithora baba is worshipped as the god for plants and good grains and so the tribe tries to keep him pleased by having Pithora paintings done on their houses walls.

They are primarily an agrarian society, and these people place a high honour in community life. The tribe retains its traditional customs and folklore and still practises folk songs, folk dances and folk celebrations etc.

In Rathwa society, social and religious rituals are performed in a group. Marriage, birth and death are rituals that affect the entire community. They also celebrate various festivals and communi Anything related to art depicts community spirit in Banswara, festivals, cultural activities, Pithora painting etc.

The Rathwa have retained some measure of cultural distinction by way of the words they speak, tradition and customs. They speak the Rathvi language (a dialect of Gujarati language). In addition, the Rathwa people are famous for their folk music and dancing, which they perform in festivals and religious functions.

History and Religious Significance of Pithora Painting

Pithora painting is a tradition from the Rathwa community, an ancient tribal art from the region of Chhota Udaipur in Gujarat, India. It originated in, perhaps, the 11th century when tribal artists used wall paintings to articulate their religious quest for their identity in their own ways.

Cultural and Historical Background of Rathwa Tribe

The Rathwa are a tribe from the central region of India in the state of Gujarat particularly in Chhota Udaipur, and Dahod, and in the Western Part of Madhya Pradesh. This tribe is one of the Indian tribal groups whose history is many centuries old. Agriculture and animal husbandry are lives of the people of Rathwa tribe. They are known for their communal existence with shared labor and religion.

Affiliation The history of the Rathwa is intimately connected with several societies and cultures. Historical aspect: It is known from historical evidence that once the Rathwa was a ferocious tribe; who would fight for safety and prestige. The main characteristic of this tribe are the Pithora paintings which represent their religious practices and cultural concepts.

Origin of Pithora Painting and its Cultural Significance

The birth of Pithora Painting relates to the religious and cultural life of people of the Rathwa tribe and this folk art form was originated in the region of Chhota Udaipur in the Indian state of Gujarat. It is believed that this art began in the 11th century, when the tribe’s people began using it to illustrate their beliefs and heritage. This painting is meant to worship Pithora Baba, the principal deity of the Rathwa community, and is a prayer for his blessing.

Pithora Paintings derive their nomenclature from the word 'Pitora', which implies 'painted' or 'painting'. This art is predominantly painted on walls, more particularly in the inner side of a house and the figures in such paintings consist of the activities of the local tribes like wedding, farming, religious rituals etc. The paintings are done with naturally made colors from soil, plants and minerals, thus preserving the naturalness of the art.

Cultural significance

The socio-cultural significance of Pithora painting can be analyzed from several levels.

• Religious belief:

The most significant role played by Pithora painting is in the worship of Pithora Baba. The Rathwa: They worship a painting with tribal designs on a cloth or on the mudwall of their house, and they get blessings from their god in it. They get blessings of the god upon their house from a painted symbol on the cloth or mud wall of their house. This art is not just an expression of the religion - it is the identity of the tribe.

• Community unity: A Pithora painting epitomizes the work as well as anticipation of the whole community. A wall-painting is everyone there, when a special event is taking place. It is performed as a community ritual to foster the spirit of solidarity and mutuality of the community.

Worship and religious rituals of Pithora deity

Pithora Pithora, the most revered of the deities of the Rathwas, the king of gods, the god of agriculture, good luck, prosperity and happiness. It is said that by the grace of Pithora Baba the tribals have good crop production and prosperity in the family. By the people, he is venerated, through Pithora paintings painted on the walls that depict their beliefs.

Pithora is the god of the tribal people of Chhota Udaipur district of Gujarat as well as in Jabua, Jobat and Aliraipur district of Madhya Pradesh, the Rathwa, Bhil and Bhilala community of one of the most colourful wall art of this tribal community. This is a community that believes in nature. This society thinks that God lives in every nature venue such as the forest, land, moon, sun, plant, and creeper and governs this entire world and beings. The deity this community worships is known as Baba Pithora Dev. Friends, family and entire community will come together and chant mantras and paint beautiful designs on the walls of the house. Pithora, as the Lord is called here, is considered to be the Kul-Devta of the Gujarati tribal clan Rathwa. Pithora The most significant representation of the ancient culture of the Rath. It’s believed to be a curse from God or that God is upset or the soul of the dead person is responsible for it.”

At that time bathovo with kuakhur leaves at the very sight of the householder. The Badvo places two or three drops of oil on the ground and writes a few words on a water-filled box. Then he shows householder that your God is angry or he is upset or soul(प्रत) of dead clan person is disturbing so there is no happiness in your home. The householder has to swear that within a stretch of five and seven years that the joints shant be paralyzed so as to escape Gods anger or the souls awkwardness. If during the term of this oath the house of the householder whose life is the object of this line be disposed of.

Then he is told to paint the picture of Pithora God on the wall to complete his oath. For weeks before the paint is applied, virgin girls plaster the walls and compound of the house in which Pithora is to be painted with the mud and cow-dung mixture. On Pithora painting day, after giving them (Lakhara Pithora painter and Badvo Pujari) a bath in hot water, the owner of the house offers dry clothes to them. Then, the painter worships the wall by piece of a plate, on which serving lamp, raw rice and vermilion are placed and subsequently Mahude wine is sprinkled. When making this Pithora painting first a wide border like a mountain is drawn to be the border of the painting, called border of the earth. Ankutta is in the middle of the Pithora principal horse first is a village god and second is the horse of Pithora's mother queen Kajal. Third horse is the saddle horse, fourth one is of the main Pithora holding parrot as symbol in his hand, fifth horse is of Pitho Rani, sixth one of Kalya, and seventh of Hoka Ganesh. At the lower left is Pithor and in the middle King Bhoj's elephant and cart.

What is portrayed then comes a farmer who is working, a store house of grains, Raja Ravana having twelve heads, the Mahudanu plant, the date palm and man going up the palm tree, well, the goat which is drawing water and the brood of the hen, a cow is singing in the field, the act of Tihatyo, Kalu King’s horse, the hunter Damordev in the superior part, dancing and chanting of Rathawa people (in the inferior part), Hatraj Devta being transported on hirao camel, in between five monkeys, snake, scorpion, ant, a police post, couple of Rathwa, cohabitating couple, etc. alongwith the nature and the animales. Surrounding them are five Formation Horses and two great-grandfathers’ horses.

Depiction of Gods and Goddesses in Pithora Painting

Pithora Painting Issue of Gods and Goddesses in Rathwa Pithora At the heart of the unique art is the painting of the God’s and Goddesses. This image is one of religious faith but also suggests the cultural identity and way of life of the community.

• Pithora Baba- The extensive god of harvest and growth as believed by Rathwa tribe is Pithora Baba. He is honored in numerous religious ceremonies and his images are incorporated into paintings to include horses to represent his strength and protection.

• Other deities: In addition, the paintings portray other local gods. Its depictions also contain their own virtues and symbols. Such images are not just of religious significance; they represent diverse facets of tribal existence.

• Stories and fables: In Pithora paintings, the gods and goddesses come alive as do the many stories and fables. These tales are about what the tribe believe in, as well as their traditions and history, which are then passed down from one generation to the next through the paintings.

Features and Techniques of Pithora Painting

The Rathwa carry out Pithora painting is an ancient and unique art of the tribe that projects the religious rituals as well as the culture of the Rathwa tribe. Here are some of the features or techniques in this painting.

Dotted and Geometric method of Pithora Painting

The Rathwa tribe’s special art style- Pithora painting, is famous for its dotted and geometric patterns. This method enhances not only the visual appeal of this art, but also its cultural and religious significance.

Dotted Style

1. Unique Shapes: There are small dot shapes in the dotted pattern. These dots are variously colored, which enhances and deepens the picture. Dots are typically painted to represent different forms of life in the picture, from human life to animals and the natural environment.
2. Sensitivity and Detail: The dotted style paintings are very intricate and provide viewers with texture as described above. This is a style that symbolizes sensitivity and concern for the subjects painted and has a religious meaning for the Rathwa tribes.

Geometric Style

1. Combination Patterns: The graphics painting with combination colors and shapes are excellent and neat. It uses shapes such as triangles, circles or squares in order to achieve stability on the painting. These forms may often be found in religious symbols and images of gods.
2. Color Use: The choice of colours in geometric patterns is crucial. The colours of paint are, in general, prepared from earths, plants and minerals. This adds to the attractiveness of the painting and also increases the robustness of the painting.

Use of colours and materials

Pithora painting is a particular form of the art of the Rathwa tribe, where color and material are of significant importance. It adds to the physical beauty of the art not only does, but has deep cultural and religious significances entwined behind the colours and materials in use. Pithora painters produce leaves of khakhar, prepare from sindoor orange and red colours, turmeric yellow, from kajal blackturpentine or tree leaves green, from white clay, lime white colour, then add three-five drops of mahuda wine and cow milk and, also get the stand smoke, fuchs and bamboo sticks, whatnot.

Colours used

• Natural Colour: The colours used in the paintings are natural. The hues are made from earth, plants and minerals. This is an age-old and natural process that increases the quality of the painting and its value.

• Sunflower yellow: This colour is generally thought to be a symbol of happiness and prosperity.

• Green: This colour represents nature and life, which is essential for farming and harvesting.

• Red: It is a colour that represents strength and power and is associated with religious illustrations as well.

• Compatibility and balance: Painting colours are chosen in relation to their compatibility and balance. Harmonious combination of colors brings color, and also luster to the drawing. Artists of the Rathwa tribe ensure they use each colour based on religious and cultural references.

Materials used

• Wall as graffiti wall: Any kind of wall surface, especially in the house at altar places is good for pithora paintings. These walls are formed of mud and stone, with the paint adhering very well to this surface.

• Tools: Painting tools are traditional too: hand-made brushes and fingers. Through their skill and commitment to painting, artists demonstrate the beauty of it.
• Other materials: Occasionally the painting incorporates flower petals, leaves and other natural materials. These materials provide a distinctive visual look and depth to the painting.

Painting process and technical information

Pithora painting is a tribal painting done on the wall by Rathwa tribe which is a visual art as well as religion function. The procedure and technicalities of this painting make it unique.

Process of painting

• Selection of the surface: You need to choose a surface to paint on It could be a wall, a piece of cloth or paper. In the traditional means, the painting is done on the house interior walls, mainly at the worship corner and is closely associated with the community ceremonies.

•Preparation of Base: The base is prepared by using mud or lime to even the surface. This base is an appropriate base for the painting with that can last for ever. What results is the competition for the painting to endure as long as it can.

• Preparation of Colours: The painting colours are made from natural sources. They are coloured with soil, plants, and earth-derived minerals. This is a very slow process but produces a true life vibrant look to the painting.

• Drawing Technique: When painting, the artists draws thin lines before colouring. Fine details are created with dots and lines that add definition and depth to the paintings.

• Closing and Rituals: The painting is worshipped as a religious rite when the painting is finished. Mantras, (special incantations) as well as religious gatherings and community ceremonies take place at this stage giving the painting a particular religious and cultural aura.

Contemporary Relevance of Pithora Painting

Pithora, the folk art of the Rathwa tribe, is valuable today for many reasons. It has its relevance today in more than one way:

Importance of Pithora Painting in Modern Times

1. Preservation of Culture

Traditional Pithora paintings are the Ramtwa tribe's cultural legacy. In the current days of globalisation when indigenous cultures are shrinking and endangered the history of the Pithora paint should be preserved. This enables members of the tribe to maintain their identity and their history.

2. Economic Development

Pithora painting is also commercially oriented in the modern context. A lot of artist are showing paintings at different art galleries, craft shows and on internet. This provides the members of the Rathwa community with employment and raises their standard of living.

3. Integration into Modern Art

The components of the latter style are appearing in modern painting. Designs and techniques used by traditional artists are transformed and incorporated in the work of modern ones, adding a new flavor to this art. That is why Pithora painting is still in vogue and it still remains in vogue because of the innovation and creativity.

Padma Shri Pareshbhai JayantibhaiRathwa is a leading artist of Pithora art from Gujarat who has earned distinction for promoting and propagating the ancient tribal art not only in the country but across the world. Pithora painting, that finds its origin in thousands of years old tradition, have great emotional, traditional and spiritual value for the Rathwa’s. These paintings are traditionally used as offerings to Hindu deities and they form part of religious rituals, representing petitions for prosperity and health.

Commercial and Cultural Uses of Pithora Paintings

Commercial Uses

• Art Galleries and Exhibitions: Pithora Paintings are found showcased in different art galleries and exhibitions. This provides an opportunity for artists to show their work to a broader group of people. It creates new paths to sales and is another source of income for the artists.

• Participation in Handicraft Fairs: Many handicraft fairs or festivals exhibit pithora paintings. The exhibitions serve as a market for the artists, who belong to the Rathwa community, to showcase and sell their works. These fairs also bring money to the area.

• Online Platforms: Traditional Pithora artwork is now being retailed on various e-commerce websites in the age of internet. It allows Rathwa artists to make their way to broader markets, enabling their works to be recognised at both national and international level.

Cultural Uses

• Religious and Spiritual Symbolism: Religion is a massive driver for Pithora painting. The Rathwa tribe uses it as part of religious rituals. The painting represented gods and goddess along with many divine episodes, and sends spiritual messages for this art.

• Community Identity: Pithora painting is a significant aspect of Rathwa culture. This art is symptomatic of local traditions, beliefs, customs and social organization. It is an inheritance received from one generation to the other, contributing in the preservation and reinforcement of the social homogeneity and identity of the tribe.

• Education and Awareness: Workshops, training programs, and youth camps in Pithora painting are being held to spread awareness and educate the younger generation on the significance of this art form and its cultural influence. They excited young artists and linked them to identity and culture.

Efforts for Art Conservation and Promotion

1. Educational Programs and Workshops

Many NGO's and cultural institutions are conducting workshops and education programs to demonstrate Pithora painting and create awareness towards its significance. These initiatives include the participation of local communities and students to learn the skills and traditions in making wood land sculpture.

2.Art Galleries and Exhibitions

Pvasu, Hemraj.B., "Socio-Religious Aspects in Pithora Paintings" Archived at the Wayback Machine, Journal of D.G.Ruparel College, Mumbai, 2010, 350. Pithoras are exhibited in different art galleries and at exhibitions of artist artist can be seen putting up a painting in the presence of viewers at an exhibition. It's not just credit to the artists, but hopefully others will begin to notice the impact this category of art has on society. Special exhibitions of Pithora paintings are held in various art fairs, which provides a good forum for the art to be propogated as a dominant medium.

3. Digital Platforms and E-Commerce

With the availability of the era's technology, Pithora paintings are seen on digital platforms. Artists have also taken to social media and e-commerce sites to bring their paintings to a worldwide audience. Not only does this protect the art, but it also creates new markets for the artists.

Prominent Pithora artists and their contributions

Pithora painting have been able to emulate the caliber and alacrity of various well acclaimed artists, who have fairly contributed to the art form and therefore to the culture of Rathwa tribe.

Introduction to prominent Pithora artists

Padma Shri Paresh Bhai Rathwa

Padma Shri Paresh Bhai Rathwa is a prominent figure in the domain of Pithora painting. He is known as one of the most popular artists from the Rathwa community. Padmashree Paresh Rathwa Bravely Leading Pithora painting to the Land of the Rising Sun. His works are a combination of old and new.

The paintings of Padma Shri Paresh Bhai Rathwa reflect the gods and goddesses, and life-style of the common people of the Rathwa tribe. Not only does his work serve for religious purposes but it is also a way of ensuring that the traditions and stories of Pithora painting are not forgotten. The work of Padma Shri Paresh Bhai Rathwa’s art has contributed in making the people of Rathwa tribe more aware of their identity and bringing new generation close to their culture.

Shri Desing Rathwa

shri desing rathwa is a well known name in this region across world as pithora artists has done innovations and variations in his art. His art pieces include traditional painting techniques and his own style. The paintings of Shri Desing Rathwa are colourful and designed with elaborate patterns, which mesmerizes the viewer.

His work uses cultural stories and mythology of the Rathwa community. The paintings of Shri Desing Rathwa not only depict the traditional religious practices but also show the position of the artists in the society. In his art he has also addressed some of the social problems of the tribe, so his work is very timely.

Difference between Traditional and Modern Pithora Paintings

1.Technique and Style

Natural colours extracted from plants and minerals are quite common in the traditional Pithora paintings. These are wall and garment paintings that are intended for use in religious rites. Conventional designs in paintings like squares and dots could be seen, which was components of the usual Rathwa life and belief.

In contemporary Pithora painting, artists attempt to preserve tradition mediums, but bring in new style as well. Today artists use canvas, paper and other modern materials and the numbers of colour shades available have multiplied. Secondly, contemporary paintings exert personal and social expressions, these paintings are not only cultural existence, but also concern about contemporary society.

2.Theme

Old Pithora paintings are generally based on religious fervour, pujas to deities and other religious rituals. These images are a representation of the religious beliefs of the tribe and by this the culture is being sustained.

Modern Pithora paintings are seen with wide variations in themes. Artists do not necessarily paint typical religious figures and they also cover topics such as environment, city life, and social issues in their work. This approves of a new attention towards the current social moment, and which can also be used as a better connection with the audience.

3. Materials Used

Original Pithora paintings are made by natural colors and materials such as cow dung, clay, plant pigments and stones. These pigments also contribute to the painting’s quality and permanence.

Contemporary Pithora painters are deploying not just traditional colours but also aerosol sprays, acrylics, among other modern colours. It is the surrounding range of material that gives the painting a new impulse and makes it more appealing for the modern beholder.

Conclusion

Pithora painting, a craft closely associated with the identity of the Rathwa tribe primarily from Gujarat is an art that has found its space not merely in the domain of art but in culture, tradition and religiosity. This painting depicts the life, belief and Socio cultural system of Rathwa tribe. We will here in the conclusion put a total perspective of what Pithora painting stands for, its history & relevance today.

History Pithora painting is associated with the ritualistic wall murals of the Rathawa tribe . Art includes primarily scenes of the life of agricultural and pastoral communities with their deities and customary practices; The works include dotty and geometric designs, which are the hallmarks of the art form. It is not only an art but also a social and religious identity of the tribe Rathwa.

Pithora Paintings is very religious painting for them. Rathwa tribal people pray to the Pithora god, the god of guardian and prosperity. The description of deities in the paintings is not only a reverberation of faith but also embodies the tradition of the tribes. These are paintings that are executed in religious performance. So all these things connect together.

Natural colours of Pithora painting are from soil and plants. This art is primarily performed on walls and is designed for the enhancement of religious rituals. Then there is the contemporary Pithora painting which has adapted itself to using new materials and techniques. Artists these days paint on canvas and paper as well as other materials, which has added to the variety of paintings. This shift not only made Pithora painting appeal to a wider audience, but also made it globally known.

Pithora painting has quite a few artists who have been able to keep this art alive and not let it fade away into the oblivion. Contemporary artists such as Padmashree Paresh Bhai Rathwa, Shree Desing Rathwa and Divyanshu Bhaiya have breathed life into Pithora paintings through their unique styles and methods. Tthey are imbued with traditional wisdom and contemporary asks and telling therefore this art is not only cultural identity it offers solutions for contemporary problems.