Symbolism of Snake in Indian Tribal and Folk Arts

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By Salini Vineeth

  • Folk Art
  • India
  • Tribal Affairs

    • Table of Content

    Snakes have evoked fear and fascination in humans since prehistoric times. Ancient civilizations across the world have believed that snakes possessed divine powers. The snake seal, an artefact from the Indus Valley civilization (300 BCE to 1300 BCE), features two large hooded snakes protecting the devotees of an unknown deity. The tradition of worshipping plants and animals has been prevalent in India since prehistoric times. Snake worship is a common practice across the Indian subcontinent. In Hindu mythology, we come across many snakes.

    In this article, we will look at the symbolism of snakes in Indian mythology and art.  

     

    Sprititual Portrayal: A correlation between mystical and inherent world, Gond by Kailash Pradhan

     

    Snakes in Hindu Mythology

    In Hindu mythology, snakes or Nagas are a group of semi-divine creatures. Nagas are believed to be part human and part snake, and they possess divine powers. They are believed to inhabit a world called Pataala, an underground kingdom. Several prominent snakes are featured in Hindu epics. The most important one is Sesha Naga (Ananta), the majestic snake on which Lord Vishnu rests. The hood of Sesha Naga is considered to hold up the universe, and its coils represent time.

     

    Opulence of Narayana and Lakshmi :Bengal Pattachitra painting by Manoranjan Chitrakar

     

    Another snake, Vasuki, is also depicted in a positive light in mythology. During the churning of the Milky Ocean, the Devas and Asuras used Vasuki, a giant snake, as the rope. Shiva wears Vasuki around his neck, and it’s believed to represent the cycle of birth, death and rebirth.

     

    Lord Shiva, Warli Art by Dilip Bahotha

     

    While Sesha Naga is depicted as a kind demigod, Hindu mythology also depicts snakes as villains. For example, Kaliyan was a snake who poisoned the River Yamuna, killing humans and animals. Kaliya Mardanam, Sree Krishna’s battle with Kaliya, is a gilded story in Hindu mythology. In this story, Kaliyan is a symbol of cruelty and arrogance.

     

    Kaliya Mardhana In Kerala Mural by Jijulal

     

    Nagas or snakes are an essential part of epics like Mahabharata and Ramayana. These epics feature many other snakes: Manasa, the Goddess of snakes, and Nagas, like Takshaka, Karkotaka, and Ulupi.

     

    Revealing Mystical Magic – The Grace of Maa Manasha Devi, Bengal Pattachitra by Manoranjan Chitrakar

     

    Snake Symbolism Tribal Arts

    The ancient tribes of India lived close to nature and assigned divine power to natural elements and animals. There are many tribal myths and beliefs associated with snakes that are reflected in Indian tribal arts.

    Snakes are portrayed in different ways in Indian tribal arts. Indian art forms like Madhubani and Gond depict snakes as a part of the natural settings. These art forms also depict snakes in their mythological context. For example, in the following Assamese manuscript painting, Vishnu in his Kurma (turtle) avatar, is depicted with Shesh Naaga.

     

    Sristi- Tattva: ASSAMESE MANUSCRIPT PAINTING BY MRIDU MOUCHAM BORA

     

    Snakes are also used in art forms like Mandana, Pattachitra, Kalighat and Sohrai to symbolize the cycle of time, the balance between change and stability, and rebirth. Let’s look at some of the common snake symbolisms in Indian tribal and folk art forms.

    Snake as a Symbol of Time and Rebirth

    In Indian culture, the snake is considered to represent the circular nature of time, i.e. the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. It’s believed that the snakes around Lord Shiva’s neck represent the past, present and future. Many Indian tribal arts, like Mandana, Madhubani and Gond, depict snakes to symbolize the cycle of time.

    Through the shedding of its skin, the snake is considered to be reborn. So, in Indian art, snakes are often used as a symbol of rebirth. It’s also considered the symbol of fertility and reformation. 

     

    Boars and Serpent: Madhubani painting by Priti Karn

     

    Snake as the Guardian Figures

    According to Indian folklore, snakes are portrayed as the guardians of hidden treasures. This might have arisen from the fact that snakes are both venerated and feared by humans. So, when snakes are in charge, people won’t venture into forbidden places.

    This symbolism further expanded to show snakes as the guardians of sacred places, knowledge and wisdom. In Indian folklore and mythology, snakes are often depicted as wise animals. Many sculptures in Indian temples portray devotees protected by hooded snakes. Snakes are also associated with wish fulfillment. Ichchadhari Nag, a snake that can fulfil any wish, is a popular myth in Indian culture.

     

    The Snake and the Fish in Kalighat by Bhaskar Chitrakar

     

    Snakes in Manjusha Paintings of Bihar

    Snakes are a prominent symbol in the Manjusha paintings, originating from Bhagalpur in the Indian state of Bihar. It’s a type of scroll painting that depicts a local legend or mythological story in a sequential manner. Manjusha art is also known as “snake paintings” since they portray the famous Bihari folklore or Bihula and snake Goddess Bishari. The stories depict how Bihula revived her husband from a deadly snake bite, thus saving him from the wrath of snake Goddess Bishari. 

     

    Manjusha Painting

     

    Snakes in Indian Folk Arts

    Snakes have great significance in Indian folklore and folk arts. There are many stories associated with snakes. A famous Indian folklore, “The Snake Prince,” depicts the story of a shape-shifting snake who changes its form from a snake to a prince during the night. Indian folklore often depicts stories where snakes bless people who treat them well and give them immense wealth. It shows how snakes were portrayed in a positive light in Indian culture.

     

    A coiled snake in Mandana by Vidya Soni

     

    Many Indian folk art forms celebrate the culture of snake worship. In Kerala, Pulluvan Paatu is a folk song that worships divine snakes. It’s a ritualistic performance conducted in houses and temples even today. Another folk art related to snakes is Sarppam Thullal, which originated from Kerala. This is a ritualistic dance performed by women to please the snake Gods.

    The traditional dance form of the Kalberia tribe from Rajasthan is inspired by the movements of snakes. Many contemporary performances of Kalberia have attracted worldwide attention.

     

    Takaji Naag: Terracotta Art by Dinesh Molela

     

    Snakes have been a significant part of Indian culture and folklore since prehistoric times. In Hindu mythology, snakes are often portrayed as mighty demigods or even vicious villains. Indian folklore and tribal art forms give importance to snakes as a symbol of rebirth, the cycle of time, fertility, and wisdom. Since our art and folklore are inspired by and reflect our culture and beliefs, snakes are often a significant symbol in Indian tribal and folk art forms.

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