Pichhvai paintings are mostly made in :

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 4:
Pichhvai paintings are almost exclusively and traditionally associated with the temple town of Nathdwara in Rajasthan. The term 'Pichhvai' literally means 'behind' (*pichh*) and 'hanging' (*vai*), referring to the large painted cloth hangings used as a backdrop for the idol of Lord Shrinathji in the main temple. This art form is a vital religious practice for the Pushtimarg sect, which venerates Shrinathji, a form of Krishna. The paintings depict scenes from Krishna's *leelas*, especially those related to festivals like Sharad Purnima and Janmashtami, and are characterized by a flat, bold style and the use of natural pigments. Therefore, Nathdwara remains the singular, primary, and most famous center for this specific devotional art.

The incorrect option is 1:
Alwar is recognized as a separate school within the Rajasthani miniature tradition, known as the Alwar School of Painting. This school developed under the patronage of rulers like Rao Raja Pratap Singh in the late 18th century, drawing influence from both the Jaipur and Mughal styles. The characteristic subjects of Alwar painting included court scenes, royal portraits, and historical events, but its artistic output was distinctly separate from the Pichhvai tradition. While all these centers belong to the larger art heritage of Rajasthan, Alwar's focus was not on the temple art of the Pushtimarg sect.

The incorrect option is 2:
Jaipur was the capital of the Amber-Jaipur school, a prominent center of Rajasthani painting. Jaipur art is famous for its large-format portraits, illustrated manuscripts of texts like the *Ramayana* and *Bhagavata Purana*, and detailed documentation of court life. The Jaipur school is also known for its strong blend of Mughal and indigenous styles and was a key center for frescoes. However, the specific, cult-based tradition of the Pichhvai painting, required as a ritualistic backdrop for the Shrinathji temple, remained centred at Nathdwara, a town with a direct and unique religious link to the deity.

The incorrect option is 3:
Udaipur is the historical capital of the Mewar region and the main center of the Mewar School of Painting, which is one of the oldest and most dominant schools in Rajasthan. The town of Nathdwara actually developed as a sub-school of Mewar art after the image of Shrinathji was moved there from Mathura in the 17th century. While the broader Mewar style is the foundation for Pichhvai art, the direct and most prolific production of these specific temple hangings is situated in the dedicated religious town of Nathdwara itself. The question asks where they are *mostly* made, pointing specifically to the artistic hub of Nathdwara.