THE CRAFT
Mata Ni Pachedi Painting
From the state of Gujarat
Ahmedabad, Gujarat
Mata Ni Pachedi, which literally translates to ‘behind the Mother Goddess,’ is a textile art native to Gujarat. It emerged as a resounding expression from the Chhipa and Vaghari communities. The latter are mostly landless labourers. The central figure of these paintings is a female deity (mata). The two communities developed this tradition to connect with the goddess when they couldn’t access temples. This is also why the cloth is known as a ritual textile.
Heritage Value
Three centuries ago, the nomadic communities from the banks of the Sabarmati River became skilled creators of Mata Ni Pachedi artwork. These paintings would hang in place of an idol in temporary shrines. Today, they are also used as wall hangings.
The cloth is first de-starched and treated with harda before painting. The design is traced and outlined with black colour extracted from iron. It is then filled with natural colours using bamboo brushes or wooden blocks. The dyeing process involves combining dhawda flowers with alizarin. This helps give the fabric a red colour. The artists use dye from a mixture of alum and tamarind seed powder, giving a yellow appearance. The finished textile would be washed in the Sabarmati River and sundried on its banks.
A typical painting features goddesses Amba, Durga, Meladi, Momai, Shikotar, Khodiar, Bahuchara, Jogani, Solanki, or Vanvati as the central figure. She would be surrounded by mythological characters and celestial bodies. The borders are made of architectural elements such as doors and archways.
The art form was certified with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023.
The cloth is first de-starched and treated with harda before painting. The design is traced and outlined with black colour extracted from iron. It is then filled with natural colours using bamboo brushes or wooden blocks. The dyeing process involves combining dhawda flowers with alizarin. This helps give the fabric a red colour. The artists use dye from a mixture of alum and tamarind seed powder, giving a yellow appearance. The finished textile would be washed in the Sabarmati River and sundried on its banks.
A typical painting features goddesses Amba, Durga, Meladi, Momai, Shikotar, Khodiar, Bahuchara, Jogani, Solanki, or Vanvati as the central figure. She would be surrounded by mythological characters and celestial bodies. The borders are made of architectural elements such as doors and archways.
The art form was certified with a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2023.
Memory Vault
The former President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam, conferred Sanjay Chitara, a Kalamkari artist, with the Master Craftsman Award for his work to conserve Mata Ni Pachedi paintings. Chitara, who grew up with the Vagheris, picked up this craft. The entire Chitara family works to keep it alive today. Their paintings are also displayed at the Jaye He GVK New Museum at Mumbai’s international airport.
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