bridge bharat

This painting is an early work made by the master Pichwai artist Dinesh Soni; represents the topography of the Shrinathji’s haveli in Nathdwara. There are no temples in the Pushtimarg: the word mandir, which is now used to denote the Hindu Temple, is seldom used. To devotees of the sect, Shrinathji is not a mere image but a living deity, and the place where he resides must therefore be a mansion, or a haveli. A haveli is virtually a royal palace, inspired by Krishna’s childhood home in Vraj and closely modeled on the traditional homes of the merchant princes of Rajasthan. This map of the haveli at Nathdwara suggests that the complex sprawls over a large expanse of land. Asymenterial and many-storied, it is a labyrinth within which unwary visitors can easily lose themselves. It has countless rooms linked by passages and small corridors, verandas, indoor gardens, pools, halls, courtyards, kitchens, and storerooms, and includes the shrines of several of the svarups of the sect. The archictecture itself is a combination of stone and brick embellished not only with alcoves, arches, balconies, niches, pillars, and stairways, but also with the multipatterned, multihued floors of stone and marble that is typical of Rajput architecture. Adjacent to the temple complex is the tilkayat’s palace, which is known as the Moti Mahal. He has used natural pigments on cotton cloth to create a scene from the company era where troops stand as guards to the haveli.

• Keep away from direct sunlight to preserve intricate detailing and natural colors.
• Do not touch the painted surface; handle only by the frame or edges.
• Dust gently with a soft, dry microfiber cloth—avoid water or cleaning sprays.
• Keep away from moisture, damp walls, or high humidity to prevent warping and color bleeding.
• Avoid placing under glass without a spacer; allow the painting to breathe.
• Frame using acid-free materials to prevent discoloration over time.
• Periodic inspection and professional conservation recommended for long-lasting beauty.