Correct Option
The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Phad painting is a traditional style of religious scroll painting and folk art, unique to the state of Rajasthan. These paintings are executed on long pieces of cloth or canvas, known as phad, which serve as mobile temples for itinerant storytellers.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: While the Bhopas are the itinerant priest-singers who carry and perform with the Phad scrolls, they do not paint them. The paintings are traditionally created by members of the Joshi community of the Chippa caste, primarily based in Shahpura and Bhilwara. The Bhopas commission these scrolls from the painters.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The central themes of Phad paintings revolve around the valorous tales of local folk deities and heroes, often referred to as Bhomias (protectors of the land and cattle). The most popular narratives depict the lives of Pabuji and Dev Narayan.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The performance, known as Phad Bachana, is a night-long ritual. As the Bhopa sings and narrates the story playing a musical instrument (often the Ravanahatha), his companion (usually his wife, the Bhopi) holds an oil lamp against the scroll to illuminate the specific scene being described, while the rest of the scroll remains in darkness.
Key Takeaway
Phad paintings are Rajasthani cloth scrolls painted by the Joshi community and used as visual aids by Bhopa priests for narrating the legends of folk deities like Pabuji and Dev Narayan using a lamp for illumination.