The correct option is Pichhwais.
Explanation
Pichhwai art is a traditional style of painting originating from Nathdwara, Rajasthan. The term is derived from the Sanskrit words pichh (meaning back) and wai (meaning hanging). These are large, intricate paintings done on cloth that serve as devotional backdrops for the idol of Shrinathji (a manifestation of Lord Krishna) in the temple sanctum.
Option Analysis
- Phad is incorrect: Phad paintings are long, horizontal scroll paintings from Rajasthan (specifically the Bhilwara region). They depict the narratives of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan and are traditionally used by traveling priest-singers known as Bhopas.
- Pichhwais is correct: Pichhwais are specifically designed to hang behind the deity. They portray Lord Krishna in various moods, postures, and attires suited to different festivals (utsavs) and seasons. They are a sub-school of the Mewar School of painting.
- Patta is incorrect: Patta (or Pattachitra) refers to the traditional cloth-scroll painting style from Odisha and West Bengal, primarily centered around Lord Jagannath and Vaishnava themes.
- Waslis is incorrect: Wasli is not a style of painting but a technique of preparing the canvas. It refers to a special multi-layered handmade paper board used as the surface for creating miniature paintings.
Key Takeaway: Pichhwais are large devotional cloth paintings from the Nathdwara school used as backdrops for the deity Shrinathji.