Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12, 1972 Oil on Canvas, 74 x 107.75 in Image Credit: https://www.mutualart.com/Artwork/Battle-of-Ganga-and-Jamuna--Mahabharata-/63D345835C8FE9BF
Decoding Symbolism in Indian Art: Tradition, Transformation, and Contemporary Expressions
In the vibrant mosaic of Indian art, symbolism serves as a universal language, transcending temporal and cultural boundaries. Rooted in ancient traditions yet continually evolving, the symbolism in Indian art encapsulates profound philosophical, religious, and societal concepts. From the sacred geometry of mandalas to the intricate narratives of mythological tales, decoding the symbolism woven into Indian art unveils a rich tapestry of meanings and interpretations. To embark on this journey of understanding, one must first appreciate the historical and cultural context from which Indian symbolism emerges.
Throughout millennia, India has been a melting pot of diverse civilisations, religions, and philosophies, each contributing to the rich tapestry of symbolism in art. Hinduism, with its pantheon of gods and goddesses, offers a vast array of symbols and motifs, from the auspicious Om symbol to the multi-armed deity representations like Durga and Vishnu. Similarly, Buddhism, which flourished in ancient India and spread across Asia, introduced symbols like the Wheel of Dharma and the Bodhi tree, representing enlightenment and spiritual awakening. Jainism, with its emphasis on non-violence and asceticism, employs symbols such as the Ahimsa and the Jain emblem, conveying deep philosophical truths. Sikhism, a relatively modern religion, utilises symbols like the Khanda and the Ik Onkar to signify unity, strength, and the oneness of God.
These ancient symbols continue to inspire contemporary artists, who reinterpret and recontextualise them in light of modern sensibilities. One such artist is MF Husain, whose iconic series on the Mahabharata and Ramayana delves into the timeless myths and legends of Indian epics, employing bold strokes and vibrant colours to depict epic narratives. In his painting ‘Battle of Ganga and Jamuna: Mahabharata 12,’ Husain captures the essence of the cosmic conflict between opposing forces, infusing the canvas with layers of symbolic meaning.
Another seminal figure in Indian art is Raja Ravi Varma, renowned for his realistic depictions of Hindu gods and goddesses. Varma's iconic painting ‘Damayanti Talking to a Swan’ exemplifies his mastery of symbolism, as the swan symbolises purity and divine communication in Hindu mythology.
Hamsa Damayanti Image Credit: https://vajiramias.com/current-affairs/raja-ravi-varma/5ea903d41d5def42ae2009f6/
Through his meticulous attention to detail and symbolism, Varma's artworks became instrumental in shaping the visual culture of modern India. In the Vana Parva of the Mahabharata, Damayanti, a beautiful princess of Vidarbha, falls in love with King Nala of the Nishadas after hearing his praises. Nala, also smitten, captures a golden-winged swan that promises to speak well of him to Damayanti, ultimately persuading her to marry him.
Installation view. Jitish Kallat, “Covering Letter,” 2012. Philadelphia Museum of Art; gift of Ajay Raju, 2016. © Jitash Kallat. Photo by Joseph Hu. Image Credit: https://www.theartblog.org/2017/01/public-notice-jitish-kallats-covering-letter-at-the-pma/
Similarly, Subodh Gupta explores themes of globalisation, consumerism, and cultural identity through his larger-than-life installations. ‘Line of Control’ is a stainless steel installation, measuring 36 x 36 feet, which takes the form of a mushroom-shaped cloud that simultaneously embodies the explosive energy of a volcanic burst and the serene poise of a Bodhi tree. About an essay by art critic S Kalidasa on the installation, Gupta remarks, “Line of Control stereotypically brings to mind geopolitical conflict but I have used it here as a poetic metaphor, to transgress and subvert its known meaning and wittily present a cloud burst of another kind—of prosperity, peace and harmony.”
Gupta’s work transcends the typical associations with the term ‘Line of Control,’ which usually evokes images of geopolitical tension and conflict. Instead, he reinterprets it to convey a message of unity and tranquillity. The use of kitchen utensils, common household items in India, symbolises the abundance and everyday life of the common people, transforming mundane objects into a monumental expression of art. This imaginative contextualisation challenges conventional perceptions and offers a hopeful vision of collective prosperity and peace, underlining Gupta’s masterful ability to blend political commentary with poetic imagery.
As Indian art continues to evolve in the global context, symbolism remains a potent tool for artists to engage with pressing issues of our time. Whether through digital media, performance art, or interdisciplinary collaborations, contemporary Indian artists are pushing the boundaries of traditional symbolism, exploring new ways to communicate complex ideas and emotions. Looking ahead, the future of symbolism in Indian art holds promise for continued innovation and experimentation.
Line of Control, 2008-2009, Mixed media, 500 x 500 x 500 cm Image Credit: https://museumpublicity.com/2012/04/21/kiran-nadar-museum-of-art-knma-presents-subodh-gupta-line-of-control/
With advancements in technology and increased global connectivity, artists have unprecedented opportunities to connect with diverse audiences and perspectives. This interplay between tradition and transformation, rooted in the timeless symbolism of Indian art, ensures that the legacy of visual storytelling continues to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of contemporary creativity. For instance, the work of contemporary artist Raghava KK, who uses multimedia techniques to explore themes of identity and culture, exemplifies this dynamic fusion of traditional symbolism with modern technology.
Raghava KK, Guernica 2.0, 2015 Image Credit: https://volte.art/
In conclusion, decoding symbolism in Indian art unveils layers of meaning that resonate across cultures and generations. From ancient myths to contemporary masterpieces, symbolism serves as a bridge between the past and the present, inviting viewers to contemplate the eternal truths embedded in visual narratives.
As Indian art continues to evolve and adapt to the complexities of the modern world, symbolism will undoubtedly remain a vital thread, weaving together diverse perspectives and experiences in the ongoing tapestry of human creativity. However, in an ever-fluctuating scenario, the apparent symbolism may shift, and its interpretation may vary, leaving us to ponder how well these symbols will be preserved and understood by future generations.
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