{"product_id":"dirty-politics-in-phad-by-abhishek-joshi","title":"Dirty Politics in Phad by Abhishek Joshi","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan data-sheets-root=\"1\"\u003eThis complex and metaphorical Phad painting by artist Abhishek Joshi utilizes a cross-shaped chaupar board structure to comment on political intrigue, power dynamics, and ethical compromise, drawing rich parallels from the Mahabharata. Rooted in the storytelling scroll-painting heritage of Rajasthan historically performed by Bhopa narrators, this work merges epic iconography with allegorical visual storytelling. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAt the center of the grid framework unfolds the tragic Draupadi Chiraharan in Hastinapur, where Dushasana attempts to disrobe Draupadi during the fateful game of dice, balanced by the divine intervention of Lord Krishna symbolized by a floating peacock feather (morpankh). Surrounding this core scene, four distinct quadrants explore themes of statecraft and ambition. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe upper section features profiles of the blindfolded Queen Gandhari and the blind King Dhritarashtra flanking a royal crown, critiquing leadership that remains willfully blind to injustice and power abuse. The lower section depicts Arjuna aiming his bow upward at the fish eye during the Swayamvara, symbolizing laser-focused ambition and political resolve. Flanking the central scene are elaborately decorated profile heads of a blue warhorse and a regal elephant accompanied by game dice, highlighting the military ranks, mobility, and strategic gambling inherent in courtly hierarchy. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe quadrant backgrounds are textured with detailed monochrome sketches of epic battle scenes, palatial architecture, and Puranic motifs, all framed within a vibrant checkered chaupar path and an outer crimson border. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe technical details of this piece underscore its distinct place within the Phad tradition. Created by Abhishek Joshi in the traditional Phad style of Rajasthan, the artwork explores the allegory of political power and betrayal via the Mahabharata chaupar game. Executed with natural pigments and dark line ink detailing on treated cotton canvas, the composition uses a central cross-shaped grid housing the core narrative, flanked by key epic characters and symbolic motifs. The palette features vibrant primary red, yellow, blue, and green grid paths paired with dark cobalt accents, warm sepia undertones, and a solid crimson outer frame. \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Abhishek Joshi","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":67794816237782,"sku":null,"price":150000.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1194\/1498\/files\/1._Dirty_Politics_in_Phad_by_Abhishek_Joshi.jpg?v=1793082034","url":"https:\/\/www.memeraki.com\/products\/dirty-politics-in-phad-by-abhishek-joshi","provider":"Memeraki Retail and Tech Pvt Ltd.","version":"1.0","type":"link"}