Portrayal of Christianity in Traditional Indian Artforms: A Unique Cultural Blend

Traditional Indian art is a repository of Indian history. Many of these artforms include themes that have influenced India’s culture and heritage in the past. These traditional arts have essentially become an account of India’s cultural and artistic history. India’s rich tapestry of traditional artforms are not only limited to classical Hindu influences but also include various other religions like Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, and many more.

This is reflective of the diversity that is omnipresent in every nook and corner of the country and that which makes for its distinctive identity.

The Spread of Christianity in India

Christianity was not an indigenous religion of India. It took its roots in the country with the advent of Christian missionaries and saints to the trading spots of the country. The early accounts of Christianity have been present in India since the arrival of the celebrated Saint Thomas the Apostle, to the Indian state of Kerala, in 52 C.E.

The Indian state of Kerala was renowned for the spice trade and the various spices such as pepper, cardamom, and cinnamon, were regularly traded with the Western world, through the Arabian Sea.

The arrival of Saint Thomas to Kerala began a Christian tradition where he baptised many locals and began the influence of Christianity in the region. These locals adopted Christianity, but retained the language of their communication which was Malayalam, the local language of Kerala. They had beautifully blended Christianity with their daily lives and indigenous roots.

Further, in the 16th century, the Jesuit missionary Francis Xavier began teaching Lord’s Prayer and the Ten Commandments to the fisherfolk community called the Paravars, on the Coromandel Coast. This began an era of European missionaries coming to India to spread Christianity.

During the 18th and the 19th centuries, the influence of Protestant missionaries increased due to colonial rule in the country. This was a time when Christian influences permeated into various areas of Indian culture. From impacting the many vernacular languages, to altering the religious and daily practices of the people, this time was an important time for the spread of Christianity.

However, over the years, this influence can also be seen in the traditional artforms of India. With various types of Indian art embracing the huge influence of Christianity in the country, we have made a list of handpicked traditional artforms.

Madhubani Paintings

The Last Supper in Madhubani by Avinash Karn

Madhubani paintings, also known as Mithila art, originate from the Mithila region of Bihar and are renowned for their unique detailing patterns. Traditionally, no space is left blank in a Madhubani painting and every space is filled with intricate and beautiful patterns. Initially, these paintings were done on the walls of homes of people and public spaces.

Depiction of Jesus as Good Shepherd” in Madhubani by Priti Karn

As Madhubani paintings transitioned from walls to paper and canvas, their scope and themes also widened. Artists began to explore this art, which often depicted scenes and gods from Hindu mythology, and broadened this art’s horizon to include various other themes, one of them being Christianity.

It is the possibility of versatility that has put this art on a global map. Madhubani paintings are not only well known in India but have also made a name for themselves on the international platform.

Crucifixion of Jesus in Madhubani Painting by Priti Karn

Fusing this wonderfully traditional Indian art with Christianity makes for a great illustration for the rich diversity that is present in the country, as well as the embracing of this diversity.

“Jesus's Sermon” in Madhubani by Priti Karn

Scenes of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ, Mother Mary and Jesus Nativity, Last Supper, and many other prominent Christian moments are highlighted in Madhubani paintings. Retaining the traditional stylisations of Madhubani art, these scenes make unique yet captivating sights to behold.

Kerala Mural

Resurrection of Christ, Kerala Mural Painting by V.M. Jijulal

Kerala Mural is an ancient art form originating from the state of Kerala in India. An ancient artform, it traditionally depicts scenes from Hindu mythology in temples, other religious places, and palaces. With the defining feature of this art being expressive eyes, vibrant colours, and specific attention to details, these murals were made depicting gods in elegant poses.

Since the arrival of St. Thomas in 52 C.E., the artists in Kerala began to adapt their traditional mural paintings to cater to a Western Christian taste. This heralded the influence of Christian themes into the Kerala mural artform.

Murals on the western walls of St. George Church, Paliekkara. Source: Keralatourism.Org

Some of the earliest surviving church murals relating to Biblical themes in Kerala are present in the St. George church at Paliekkara. It was established in the year 1815 and the murals in it depict the several scenes from the birth of Christ, Baptism in the Jordan, St. Thomas and Christ, to the portrayal of the twelve disciples.

“Last Prayer” in Kerala Mural by Jijulal

Christianity has come to be one of the major religions of Kerala. There are numerous churches and influences of Christian architecture in the region. A large part of the population also follows Christianity and hence the Christian influences in this artform increased. The coming of Christian missionaries and European travellers further helped in bringing about Christian and Western ideas for these murals. Scenes from the life of Jesus Christ and various pivotal Biblical instances have been highlighted in these murals with specific attention to details.

“Jesus and Mary” in Kerala Mural by Jijulal

These murals have now become an essential part of the culture of Kerala and thus help in contributing towards a unique identity for it.

“Last Supper” in Kerala Mural by Adarsh

Talapatra Painting

The Divine Journey: The Life and Teachings of Jesus Christ Talapatra Painting by Apindra Swain

Talapatra paintings are an ancient artform and are known to originate from the Indian state state of Odisha. Talapatra paintings are also known as palm leaf paintings, since traditionally they were done on dried palm leaves with an iron stylus. Designs and patterns are essentially engraved with the help of an iron stylus on the turmeric treated palm leaves. Natural dyes are used in the process of making these paintings and it is generally associated with depicting stories of Hindu mythology and folklore. These paintings are done with great intricate detailing and patterns with vivid colours adding to the stunning beauty of these paintings.

Over a course of time, these paintings have come to transcend their initial theme of tales of Hindu mythology and epic narratives, to include various other concepts as well. Due to the expansion of Christianity in India and many people adopting this religion, Talapatra paintings also came to include Chrsitian themes. Cultural exchanges and influences of various Christian missionaries in the country also found its way to Odisha and its rich cultural art.

Typical Biblical scenes are sketched in the quintessential Talapatra painting style, wonderfully combining this rich ancient traditional artform with Christianity.

Mughal Miniature Paintings

Mughal miniature paintings have been a rich source of Mughal culture since the 16th century. These incorporate intricate details, vivid colours, elongated eyes, and the singular portraits are usually made in a side profile.

This art form has been renowned all over the country as well as internationally for the rich cultural history it brings into the varied diversity of traditional art forms.

Christian influences first started to blend with the Mughal miniature paintings during the reign of the later period of Mughal emperor Akbar (1542-1605). Harbouring liberal views for other religions, Akbar was also intrigued by the Western culture. He is known to have ordered the Mughal miniature artists to study and incorporate European as well as Christian symbols into their art.

Furthermore, during Jahangir’s (1569-1627) reign,

Mother and Child with a White Cat. Source: met museum.org

Akbar’s successor, these influences reached their peak. Jahangir was known to be an avid collector of different art forms and had a penchant to know about different cultures. It is well known that he had asked Father Jerome Xavier and the other Jesuit fathers to explain Christian and Biblical iconography to him.

The deposition of the cross. Source: Victoria and Albert Museum collection

Thus, from the late 16th century, there was a notable influence of Biblical iconography in the Mughal miniature paintings.

Warli Art

Transcendent Sacrifice: A Warli depiction of Jesus’ Crucifixion

Warli, a tribal art form, practiced by the Warli tribe of Maharashtra in India, is one of the most unique art forms. It is an ancient art dating back to around 2500-3000 BCE. With its simplistic yet captivating designs incorporating stick figures, geometrical shapes and a monotonous colour scheme, it makes for a classic piece of art.

Warli art is traditionally done on the walls of people’s houses. However, over the course of time this art has translated on canvas and paper as well.

Traditional themes of daily community activities, the Tarpa dance, nature, and animals are often seen in Warli art.

With the advent of modern times and the increase in cultural exchanges, Warli art has come to include various Chrsitian influences such as scenes from Jesus Christ’s life and the Bible. This has expanded the scope of this art form and brought about a fresh perspective to the world of Warli art.

Conclusion

These artforms and paintings epitomise the diversity that is present within Indian culture. Such influences have always been welcomed in Indian culture and continue to do so further. From the depiction of Biblical scenes and devotional portraits, there are many other such traditional Indian paintings that incorporate Christian influences within their ambit. This list is by no means an exhaustive one, and we further encourage you to explore other stunning artworks relating to Christianity!

References