SIGNIFICANCE AND ASPIRATION OF POSTURES AND GESTURES IN INDIAN ICONOGRAPHY

Rimpy Agarwal

doi:10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.1564

Authors

Rimpy Agarwal Associate Professor in Fine Arts, Apeejay College of Fine Arts, Jalandhar, Punjab, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.29121/shodhkosh.v5.i1.2024.1564

Keywords:

Indian Art, Religion, Postures and Gestures, Spiritualism, Yoga

Abstract [English]

The inception of Indian art has been inextricably linked to religious expression. The ancient cave temples and sculptures of India offer a glimpse into the country's rich artistic heritage, featuring a wide range of gods, goddesses, and yogis depicted in various forms and styles. In India, yoga has long been revered as the premier means of achieving meditation and spiritual connection. The representation of Buddha in Indian sculpture predominantly features yogic iconography, a trend also observed in the depiction of Hindu deities such as Shiva, Vishnu, and Jain Tirthamkara. Legend has it that Shiva originated the various yogic postures and gestures, which have been seamlessly integrated into Indian art and remain an essential part of its heritage. Numerous yoga postures are associated with Buddhist and other religious contemplative practices, teachings, and activities. The systematic representation of figures in yoga, characterized by distinct postures (asanas) and gestures (mudras), owes its origins to cognitive discipline. These physical postures and gestures have been portrayed in a unique visual language, evident in ancient Indian art history. Divine gestures have long been the language of India's gods and goddesses, conveying sacred messages, timeless teachings, and benevolent protection to their devoted followers. The pantheon of Indian deities remains incomplete without these symbolic expressions, which embody the essence of their divine connection with humanity. In the realm of Indian art, the divine and human forms are intertwined with the essence of nature, where gods and goddesses are symbolically represented as well human features are harmoniously linked to the elements, reflecting a profound symbiosis between the spiritual, human, and natural worlds. The depiction of Buddha's image embodies supreme peace, with his physical features accordingly delineated. These stances and movements set Indian art apart from all other forms of art worldwide and place it on a lofty pedestal.

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