NCERT Class 12 Art & Culture — Chapter 8: The Living Art Traditions of India

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The 'Khyal' style of singing is traditionally performed to narrate stories associated with which folk painting tradition?

Official previous-year question

Verified 1 Aug 2026.

Options

AWarli of Maharashtra
BPata Chitra of Bengal
CPhad of Rajasthan
DPithoro of Gujarat

Did you get this right?

Solution

The correct option is Phad of Rajasthan

Explanation

The question pertains to the intersection of folk p and oral storytelling traditions. Certain Indian folk painting styles, particularly scroll paintings, are not merely visual art but serve as visual aids for travelling bards who narrate stories through song and music.

Analysis:

Phad of Rajasthan Phad of Rajasthan: Correct.
- Phad paintings are long, horizontal cloth scrolls that depict the narratives of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan.
- They are traditionally carried by priest-singers known as Bhopas (and their wives, Bhopis).
- The Bhopas perform a musical narration of the painted stories, often using a string instrument called the Ravanahatha.
- While 'Khyal' is technically a distinct form of Rajasthani folk theatre, the term is linguistically and culturally rooted in Rajasthan. In the context of this question, the "Khyal style of singing" refers to the regional tradition of musical narration associated with Rajasthani folk arts, of which Phad is the most prominent pictorial example.
Pata Chitra of Bengal Pata Chitra of Bengal: Incorrect.
- Pata Chitra is also a scroll painting tradition where artists (Patuas) sing stories. However, the songs are specifically called Pater Gaan, and the tradition belongs to Bengal and Odisha, not the region associated with the term 'Khyal'.
Warli of Maharashtra Warli of Maharashtra: Incorrect.
- Warli paintings are tribal wall paintings created by the Warli tribe. They use geometric shapes to depict daily life and nature. They are ritualistic and decorative, not used as props for a travelling musical narration.
Pithoro of Gujarat Pithoro of Gujarat: Incorrect.
- Pithoro paintings are ritualistic wall paintings made by the Rathwa tribe to appease the deity Pithoro Baba. They are connected to healing and vows, rather than a narrative singing performance.

Key Takeaway:
Phad paintings (Rajasthan) are unique because they function as portable temples and visual backdrops for the musical narration (Phad Bachana) performed by Bhopas.

Your note

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Solution

The correct option is Phad of Rajasthan

Explanation

Analysis:

Phad of Rajasthan Phad of Rajasthan: Correct.
- Phad paintings are long, horizontal cloth scrolls that depict the narratives of folk deities like Pabuji and Devnarayan.
- They are traditionally carried by priest-singers known as Bhopas (and their wives, Bhopis).
- The Bhopas perform a musical narration of the painted stories, often using a string instrument called the Ravanahatha.
- While 'Khyal' is technically a distinct form of Rajasthani folk theatre, the term is linguistically and culturally rooted in Rajasthan. In the context of this question, the "Khyal style of singing" refers to the regional tradition of musical narration associated with Rajasthani folk arts, of which Phad is the most prominent pictorial example.
Pata Chitra of Bengal Pata Chitra of Bengal: Incorrect.
- Pata Chitra is also a scroll painting tradition where artists (Patuas) sing stories. However, the songs are specifically called Pater Gaan, and the tradition belongs to Bengal and Odisha, not the region associated with the term 'Khyal'.
Warli of Maharashtra Warli of Maharashtra: Incorrect.
- Warli paintings are tribal wall paintings created by the Warli tribe. They use geometric shapes to depict daily life and nature. They are ritualistic and decorative, not used as props for a travelling musical narration.
Pithoro of Gujarat Pithoro of Gujarat: Incorrect.
- Pithoro paintings are ritualistic wall paintings made by the Rathwa tribe to appease the deity Pithoro Baba. They are connected to healing and vows, rather than a narrative singing performance.

Key Takeaway:
Phad paintings (Rajasthan) are unique because they function as portable temples and visual backdrops for the musical narration (Phad Bachana) performed by Bhopas.