Basag Phad

A large section of Rajasthani tribes worships Dev Narayan as Vishnu's incarnation. There are a number of shrines devoted to him and to the serpent Basag but more characteristic of the deity are the cloth paintings devoted to them both. These paintings are obviously folk but with characteristic bold colours, prominent features and robust male and female figures they are highly impressive. This Phad enshrines Basag in the centre as its main deity. It depicts a Gujjar chieftain proceeding to battle-field. The three arched topmost chamber is the apartment for royal ladies. Flowers in their hands symbolise their royal status. Apprehension of war lurks upon their faces. They are mutually sharing their feelings. Centrally located is Basag's shrine. This part is divided into three compartments, Basag's sanctum and its ante- and back chambers. The ante-chamber is occupied by the chieftain who is offering to the deity his worship and the back chamber by his armed personnels waiting upon their chieftain. The bottom of the canvas depicts his wife bidding him farewell.She is applying on his forehead a tilaka, the mark of victory. The horse awaiting beside them aptly defines the hour of departure.

Indian Art: Exotic India