Designated by the broad term bhomia, these heroes are honoured, worshiped and remembered for their acts of martyrdom. Bhomias, such as Gogaji, Jejaji, Dev Narayan, Ramdevji and Pabhuji, have inspired widespread cult following among the communities of Rabaris, Gujjars, Meghwals, Regars and others. Illustrating the valorous tales of these bhomias, the phads, are carried by bhopas, the itinerant bards, who travel the territory, displaying them while narrating tales and singing devotional songs associated with these hero-deities in night-long storytelling performances. A lamp is held against the phad to illuminate images that are being spoken about.

Which of the following statements is correct about 'Phads of Rajasthan'?

A- Phads are vertical, wooden scrolls painted to honor deities.
B- The paintings depict brave men who sacrificed their lives while protecting the community’s cattle from robbers.

Only Statement 'B' is correct.

Answer- Only Statement 'B' is correct.

Phads are long, horizontal, cloth scrolls, not vertical, and they are painted to honor folk deities.

Phads are long, horizontal, cloth scrolls painted to honour folk deities of pastoral communities inhabiting the region around Bhilwara in Rajasthan. For such communities, safeguarding their livestock is the foremost concern. Such concerns purposely reflect in their myths, legends and worship patterns. Among their gods are defied cattle heroes, who are brave men who sacrificed their lives while protecting the community’s cattle from robbers. Designated by the broad term bhomia, these heroes are honoured, worshiped and remembered for their acts of martyrdom. Bhomias, such as Gogaji, Jejaji, Dev Narayan, Ramdevji and Pabhuji, have inspired widespread cult following among the communities of Rabaris, Gujjars, Meghwals, Regars and others.