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Pithora paintings from the Rathwa tribe are rooted in Gujarat's cultural heritage. The prominent motifs include Raja Bhoj and his Elephant, representing the kindness and agricultural knowledge of Raja Bhoj. Colored in bright hues on earth walls, the pieces of art tell ancient tales and divine blessings. The motif of Raja Bhoj accompanied by an elephant illustrates the values of prosperity and harmony among people by the tribe.
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Pithora paintings from the Rathwa tribe are rooted in Gujarat's cultural heritage. The prominent motifs include Raja Bhoj and his Elephant, representing the kindness and agricultural knowledge of Raja Bhoj. Colored in bright hues on earth walls, the pieces of art tell ancient tales and divine blessings. The motif of Raja Bhoj accompanied by an elephant illustrates the values of prosperity and harmony among people by the tribe.
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In Raja Bhoj's theme, the elephant represents power, intelligence, and divine association. Raja Bhoj, depicted riding on his elephant, signifies guarding over tillage and cattle, essential to the Rathwa mode of life. The symbolism is centered on community well-being and the cycle of prosperity with the respect for ancestral and natural forces.
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Rathwa artists, or lakharas, paint these motifs on cow dung and chalk powder-coated walls to achieve a raised surface. Pigments are derived from flowers, leaves, and minerals. The Raja Bhoj motif is painted with elaborate details, with the royal figure's dress, the elephant's ornaments, and other symbolic elements emphasized.
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The scene of Raja Bhoj and his elephant is a part of the ritualistic Pithora painting process, which is usually performed as a thanksgiving for granted desires. The design symbolizes the divine favors of fertility, rains, and protection, which form part of the Rathwa's religious traditions. The painting rituals are performed with rigorous adherence to conventions, which preserves the sanctity of the art.
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The Raja Bhoj and his Elephant motif is distinguished by its bright colors and congruence with Rathwa folklore. The blue elephant is a symbol of prosperity, while the figure of Raja Bhoj oozes leadership. The use of symmetrical composition and addition of tribal components such as flora, fauna, and community life make it a central and worshiped motif in Pithora art.
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