Mythology on Canvas: Famous Indian Mythological Paintings and Their Cultural Legacy
Mythology is not a lie. Mythology is poetry, it is metaphorical. It has been well said that mythology is the penultimate truth — penultimate because the ultimate cannot be put into words. It is beyond words, beyond images- Joseph Campbell
Myths are often used to explain social or natural phenomena, and are often set in the early history of civilizations. They often involve supernatural beings, and can provide insights into ancient cultures and spiritual wisdom.
India is a land amalgamated by a multitude of faiths. This belief has been illustrated extensively in Indian art and it can be stated that it has given rise to the genre of Mythological Art. We often find that many famous arts from India use religious imagery and motifs as inspiration, which is intended to uplift the mind of spirituality.
We find that even though the times may have changed, artists’ interest in Indian Mythology sustained.
In Indian Mythology Paintings, Ramayana and Mahabharata are the central points of the narration. With the inspiration from these epics, the artists have painted such topics.
Many Indian artists have illustrated the Ramayana and Mahabharata in their own style by using their beautiful imagination. Artists like Abindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy, and many more have created artwork based on the epic Ramayana. Some artists such as Raja Ravi Varma, Nandlal Bose, M.F. Husain, etc, have depicted artwork based on both the epics.
Indian mythology paintings not only bring these ancient stories to life but also offer deeper insights into the values, beliefs, and artistic heritage of India.
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In this blog, we will explore some of the most famous mythological paintings by Indian artists and delve into the stories they tell. We will also examine how these works of art have contributed to the cultural landscape of India.
Raja Ravi Varma’s “Shakuntala”
“Shakuntala“ is among the paintings that most Indians recognize. It’s one of the most popular works by Indian artist Raja Ravi Varma. This Raja Ravi Varma mythological painting depicts Shakuntala, the daughter of the sage Vishwamitra and the celestial nymph Menaka, in a moment of contemplation, pretending to remove a thorn from her foot as she secretly pines for her husband, King Dushyanta. The legend goes that Shakuntala was cursed by the angry sage Durvasa by making King Dushyant of Hastinapur, her husband, forget her existence. Meanwhile, a fisherman was surprised to find a royal ring in the belly of a fish he had caught. Recognizing the royal seal, he took the ring to the palace and, upon seeing his ring, Dushyanta’s memories of his lovely bride came rushing back to him and thus the happy family was re united.
Impact on Culture: Varma’s paintings played a crucial role in popularizing mythological characters among the Indian middle class during the 19th century. He brought these characters out of religious texts and temple sculptures into everyday spaces, where they became accessible to all.
Jamini Roy’s “Kali”
Jamini Roy, a pioneer of modern Indian art, took a different approach to mythological themes. In his painting of Goddess Kali, Roy moved away from the academic realism of his predecessors and instead embraced the simplicity and boldness of folk art traditions. His depiction of Kali — the fierce goddess of destruction — is minimalistic yet powerful. Roy captures the essence of Kali as a symbol of both destruction and protection. Kali is often portrayed as standing on Lord Shiva, holding weapons in her multiple hands, representing the eternal cycle of creation and destruction.
Also Read: Indian Folk Art A Rich Tapestry Of Culture History And Tradition
Impact on Culture: Roy’s embrace of Indian folk traditions through mythological themes became a symbol of India’s quest for cultural identity during the independence movement. By rejecting Western artistic norms and revitalizing indigenous techniques, Roy’s works celebrated the diversity of Indian culture and its deep-rooted spiritual heritage. His portrayal of Kali resonated with Bengal’s socio-political climate, where Kali was revered as a goddess of liberation and empowerment.
Nandalal Bose’s “Radha and Krishna”
Nandalal Bose, a key figure in the Bengal School of Art, is renowned for his depictions of Radha and Krishna, the eternal symbols of divine love in Indian mythology. From mythological era to this technological era, Radha Krishna has always been symbolised as a benchmark of love. They shared an eternal love with each other. Regardless of the fact that they never tied a nuptial knot together, they are worshipped together.
Nandalal’s paintings often show Radha and Krishna in serene, natural settings, surrounded by trees and animals, highlighting the pastoral beauty of Vrindavan, where their love blossomed. Bose’s works reflect a deep sense of spirituality and devotion, focusing on the divine nature of their relationship rather than romantic love alone.
Impact on Culture: The Radha-Krishna motif has long been a part of Indian art, and Nandalal Bose’s interpretations helped elevate this imagery to new artistic heights. His works reinforced the concept of divine love in Indian culture, symbolizing the soul’s yearning for union with the supreme consciousness.
M.V. Dhurandhar’s “Sita in Ashok Vatika”
M.V. Dhurandhar, an academic painter from Bombay, created many mythological works, one of the most notable being “Sita in Ashok Vatika.” This painting depicts a poignant scene from the Ramayana, where Sita, the wife of Lord Rama, is held captive by Ravana, the demon king of Lanka. Dhurandhar portrays Sita sitting under a tree in Ashok Vatika, sorrowful yet dignified, as she waits for her rescue.
According to the Ramayana, Sita was held captive in Ashok Vatika, a garden in Sri Lanka, by the demon king Ravana. Sita, the wife of Rama, was abducted by Ravana and imprisoned in the garden, where she was guarded by female demons and ogres. Sita preferred to stay in the garden under the Ashoka tree instead of in Ravana’s palace. The Ashoka tree symbolizes Sita’s devotion and resilience.
Impact on Culture: Dhurandhar’s painting of Sita, like Varma’s works, made mythological characters more accessible to the masses. It also emphasized the ideals of purity, devotion, and resilience associated with Sita, who remains a revered figure in Indian culture.
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Abanindranath Tagore’s “Arjuna and Subhadra”
Abanindranath Tagore, the founder of the Bengal School of Art, painted “Arjuna and Subhadra,” inspired by the Mahabharata. Arjuna, a Pandava prince who loved Subhadra, the sister of Krishna, and wanted to marry her. Recognising Arjuna’s true love for Subhadra, Krishna helps Arjuna in uniting with his love. This painting captures the romantic union of the great warrior Arjuna and Subhadra.
Impact on Culture: Abanindranath Tagore’s works, especially his mythological themes, played a significant role in India’s cultural renaissance in the early 20th century. His paintings emphasized India’s rich spiritual and artistic heritage, fostering a sense of pride in Indian traditions.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy
Mythological paintings by Indian artists have played an essential role in shaping the cultural and spiritual fabric of the country. From Raja Ravi Varma’s realistic portrayals that made mythology accessible to the masses, to Jamini Roy’s folk-inspired depictions that emphasized cultural identity, these artworks continue to inspire and engage audiences. They serve as a reminder of the country’s rich artistic and spiritual heritage, offering viewers a glimpse into the timeless stories that define Indian culture.
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