A Journey of Love Through Art and Craft

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By Anushka Roy Bardhan

  • Art
  • Craft

    • Table of Content

    India is the land of intricate craftsmanship and here love is not every other emotion; it is crafted, sculpted, and embroidered into existence. Sometimes it is etched into stone, sometimes woven into silk or brushed onto canvas. The delicate artistry of a Pichwai painting or the regal craftsmanship of a Banarasi saree, each carries a legacy of love, culture, and storytelling. Across centuries and regions, love finds expression in every art form, honouring passion, spirituality, and tradition.

    Indian art and craft are deeply rooted in storytelling, love being one of its primary themes. Whether it’s a goddess gazing at her beloved, a prince writing poetry to his beloved, or an artisan pouring his devotion into every brushstroke, love takes many forms. 

    In this journey, we explore how different art forms across India celebrate love, making it eternal through colours, textures, and craftsmanship.

    Love in the Strokes of a Brush

    Painting has always been a medium of storytelling, and in India, it beautifully captures love in its purest form. Across various regions, love stories are brought to life through brushstrokes, patterns, and colours.

    Miniature Paintings: Romance in the Royal Courts

    The royal courts of Rajasthan and the Deccan gave rise to miniature paintings, a detailed and delicate art form that often depicted romance. Inspired by mythology and real-life love stories, these paintings capture intimate moments. Every shade, every detail, every fine stroke is a testament to the artist’s love for their craft and the stories they tell.

    One of the most iconic themes in miniature paintings is the Bani-Thani style of Kishangarh and the Radha-Krishna Raslila series in Pahari and Rajput schools of painting. These paintings beautifully portray the divine love between Radha and Krishna, often set in lush gardens, moonlit nights, or along the banks of the Yamuna River. In one such famous painting, Krishna is seen gently playing the flute while Radha, lost in his melody, gazes at him with deep affection. The scene is adorned with intricate floral motifs, swirling clouds, and golden accents that highlight the celestial nature of their love. Unlike other forms of romance, Radha and Krishna’s love is depicted as eternal, symbolising devotion, longing, and the ultimate union of the soul with the divine. These paintings illustrate a moment and capture every emotion, making the love of Radha and Krishna an everlasting muse for artists across centuries.

     

    Abhisarika Nayika. Source: Sothebys.com

     

    Madhubani: Love in Folk Traditions

    Madhubani, a folk art form that originated in the rurals of Bihar has been passed down through generations. Traditionally painted on walls, and now on paper and fabric, Madhubani art uses intricate patterns and natural dyes to depict themes of love and devotion. The love between Lord Shiva and Parvati, the divine bond of Radha and Krishna, or even a couple in their daily lives, all of these find a place in this beautiful art form. What makes Madhubani unique is its use of symbolism like fish representing fertility, peacocks symbolising romance, and the sun signifying eternal love.

     

    Radha Krishna In Madhubani by Ambika Devi

     

    One of the most celebrated depictions in Madhubani art is the Vivaha Mandap painting of Shiva and Parvati. This artwork portrays their sacred wedding, a scene rich with symbolism and devotion. In a typical composition, Lord Shiva stands tall with his serene expression, adorned with serpents and a crescent moon, while Parvati, draped in a bridal saree, exudes grace and joy. The entire painting is filled with intricate floral and geometric patterns, signifying prosperity and divine blessings. The presence of celestial beings, musicians, and family members enhances the grandeur of the scene, making it a visual ode to marital bliss and companionship.

    The combination of earth and bold colours and repetitive motifs reflect the artist’s deep connection to nature and spirituality. Whether painted on the walls of a village home or displayed in a modern gallery, Madhubani continues to celebrate love in all its forms, reminding us that true love like its timeless patterns never fades.

    Gond Art: Love in Tribal Stories

    The Gond tribal community of Madhya Pradesh uses bold colours and intricate line work to tell tales of love, nature, and mythology. Often, these paintings showcase birds in pairs, deer entwined in playful chases, or trees bending towards each other in a silent embrace, symbolising unity, togetherness, and deep-rooted love.

     

    Peacock in Gond by Venkat Shyam

     

    Romance Woven In Indian Textiles

    Indian textiles are not just about fashion; they are a celebration of relationships, emotions, and traditions. Every weave carries a story, and every thread binds love into its fabric.

    A Weaver’s Love Letter: Banarasi Saree

    The Banarasi saree, one of India’s most exquisite textiles, is often associated with weddings and grand celebrations. The intricate brocade work, woven with gold and silver threads, takes months to complete, requiring immense patience and dedication. It is said that a Banarasi saree is not just woven, it is a love letter from the artisan to the fabric, from a mother to her daughter, from a bride to her new journey.

     

     

    Stitches of Emotion: Phulkari

    From Punjab comes Phulkari, which means “flower work.” This traditional embroidery is much more than just thread and fabric but an expression of a woman’s emotions. In older times, women would stitch Phulkari shawls as gifts for their daughters, pouring their love into every stitch. The colours, the geometric patterns, and the floral motifs all come together to create a rich fabric of affection and warmth.

    The Warmth of Love: Pashmina

    Kashmir’s Pashmina shawls are legendary, not just for their softness but for the love and effort that goes into making them. The wool comes from the rare Changthangi goats, and the process of weaving, embroidering, and finishing a single shawl can take months. These shawls have been cherished as symbols of love; given as heirlooms, passed down through generations, and treasured for a lifetime.

    Threads of Devotion: Chikankari Embroidery

    From the heart of Lucknow comes Chikankari, an embroidery tradition as delicate as poetry. This intricate hand embroidery, often done on fine muslin, cotton, or silk, is said to have been introduced by Nur Jahan, the wife of Mughal Emperor Jahangir. Each floral motif and paisley design is a quiet expression of patience and love, as artisans spend weeks creating patterns that feel as light as a whisper. Historically, Chikankari was associated with romance, as women would embroider garments for their loved ones, infusing their feelings into every stitch. Today, a Chikankari kurta or saree carries with it the same timeless grace, a testament to love woven in thread and tradition.

    Carving Love Into Stone and Wood

    In India, love is not just painted or woven; it is also carved into stone and wood, creating timeless masterpieces.

    Temples That Tell Love Stories

    Many Indian temples are adorned with intricate carvings that celebrate love in its many forms. The Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh, built by the Chandela dynasty, depict scenes of love, passion, and devotion in stone. These carvings are not just about romance but about the union of the human and the divine.

    In Tamil Nadu, the Meenakshi Temple stands as a symbol of love between Goddess Meenakshi and Lord Sundareswarar (Shiva). Every sculpture and painting within the temple narrates their celestial love story, a tale celebrated with great fervor even today.

    Love in Woodwork

    Wood carving is another craft where love is eternalised. In Rajasthan, artisans carve delicate jharokhas (windows) and furniture with motifs of flowers, birds, and lovers in embrace. Karnataka’s Mysore sandalwood carvings, often featuring themes of Radha and Krishna, are known for their intricate detailing and the fragrance that lasts for decades. Each piece is a labor of love, requiring patience, precision, and deep devotion.

     

    Radha-Krishna in Raw Sandalwood Miniature Artwork by Om Prakash

     

    Love Cast in Brass & Metalwork

    The Dhokra metal craft of Odisha and Chhattisgarh, an ancient lost-wax technique, often depicts lovers, mother-child bonds, and mythological couples, showcasing love in a raw, rustic form. Similarly, Bidriware from Karnataka, with its delicate silver inlay on black metal, represents the fusion of love and artistry.

    Portrayal of Love Through Indian Jewellery

    Indian jewellery is not just about beauty but also about emotions, traditions, and connections. Each region has its own unique way of expressing love through ornaments whether made up of gold or silver.

    Royal Romance Portrayed Through Jewellery

    The art of Kundan and Meenakari jewellery, which originated in Rajasthan, is a fine example of love immortalised in metal and gemstones. These pieces, often gifted in weddings, symbolise lifelong commitment. The Meenakari technique, where enamels are painted in vibrant colors of gold, adds a touch of romance to every design.

    Devotion Expressed Through Temple Jewellery

    In South India, temple jewellery is crafted not just for adornment but as an offering of love to the gods. Intricately designed with motifs of deities, lotus flowers, and divine symbols, these pieces are believed to bring blessings, prosperity, and protection to the wearer. Often passed down as heirlooms, they carry with them centuries of tradition, family heritage, and spiritual significance, making them more than just ornaments but sacred treasures woven with faith and legacy.

    Handcrafted, Woven with Love, Rooted in Tradition

    At its heart, Indian art and craft are about love; love for tradition, storytelling, and the artisans who pour their soul into every creation. Different kinds of Indian crafts are more than just products; they embody stories, emotions, and memories intricately woven into time. They remind us that love isn’t just felt; it can be seen in the delicate brushstrokes of a Kangra miniature painting, touched in the softness of a Pashmina shawl, and held in the timeless beauty of a Jadau necklace.

    Yet, these traditions are not just relics of the past. In contemporary India, artisans and designers are reviving these age-old crafts, blending tradition with modernity. So, the next time you admire an intricately woven textile, a hand-painted artwork, or an exquisitely crafted piece of jewellery, remember you are not just seeing an artefact. You are witnessing centuries of love, passion, and craftsmanship, preserved and cherished for generations to come.

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