Phad Paintings: Dev Narayan from Rajasthan

Commemorative Stamp Set: “Pad/Phad – Traditional Storytelling Scrolls of Rajasthan”

Design Elements:

• Main Image: Depictions from a Phad painting, especially focusing on Dev Narayan Ki Phad.
• Background: Traditional Rajasthani patterns and motifs.
• Symbols: Traditional lamps (diyas), the Jantar musical instrument, and scenes from the Phad scroll.
• Text: Brief description of the Phad art form and its cultural significance.

Cultural and Historical Significance:

• Historical Context: Phad paintings are a traditional Rajasthani art form, rich in cultural history, depicting the tales of folk heroes like Dev Narayan and Pabuji.
• Cultural Impact: These painted scrolls, along with their performances by the Bhopas, keep the storytelling traditions alive and help in the preservation of local folklore and cultural heritage.

Usage:

• Commemorative Value: Celebrates and honors the traditional art form of Phad painting and the cultural narratives it preserves.
• Educational Tool: Raises awareness about the Phad art form and its significance in Rajasthani culture.

Importance of the Commemorative Stamp Set:

• Preservation of Tradition: Highlights the importance of Phad paintings in the cultural heritage of Rajasthan and ensures the art form is remembered and appreciated by future generations.
• Public Awareness: Promotes the rich tradition of storytelling in India and the unique ways these stories are preserved and conveyed through art and performance.

Example of the Stamp Design:

• Stamp 1 (100P): Features a central figure of Dev Narayan with a cobra in front of him, symbolizing him riding the Basag Nag, surrounded by scenes from his life.
• Stamp 2 (650P): Illustrates Bhopas narrating from the Phad scroll, highlighting the use of the lamp or diya and the Jantar musical instrument.
• First Day Cover: Displays a detailed section of a Phad painting, showcasing various scenes like birth, marriage, and war, with the Bhopas performing in the foreground.
• Cancellation Design: Incorporates traditional Rajasthani patterns and symbols from Phad paintings.

The commemorative stamp set might include:

• Stamp 1 (100P): Highlights a detailed portion of Dev Narayan Ki Phad, focusing on the central figure and symbolic elements like the cobra, flower, and sword.
• Stamp 2 (650P): Depicts the Bhopas in the act of narrating and performing with the Phad scroll in the background, emphasizing their traditional attire and instruments.
• First Day Cover: Combines elements from both stamps, presenting a complete picture of the Phad storytelling tradition with detailed illustrations and cultural motifs.
• Cancellation Mark: Features symbols from Phad art and traditional Rajasthani designs, emphasizing the cultural heritage aspect.

Significance:

This stamp set commemorates the traditional storytelling medium of Phad from Rajasthan, celebrating its artistic and cultural significance. It honors the storytellers (Bhopas) and their unique way of preserving and narrating folk tales. The set ensures the legacy of this art form is recognized and remembered, promoting the richness of Indian cultural heritage and traditional arts.