MATA NI PACHEDI

History of art

Mata ni Pachedi means “behind the Mother Goddess” in Gujarat. The art is said to be over 750 years old and unique to this region. The origin of this art form is said to be linked to the geopolitical history of Gujarat, from where Mughal rulers had traditionally invaded Akhand Bharat (India) over the centuries. As the raids also led sometimes to the destruction of temples, the devipujak community thought of a way to keep their beliefs intact and prevent invading forces from committing sacrilege by transferring the idols of their gods and goddesses onto a fabric that was easier to save from desecration.