Symbols and icons are objects, words, or actions that represents a concept, beliefs, traditions, and its shared meaning. It guides the standards of a group, a culture, a country and its civilisation. Often, colors, objects, animals etc. can mean different things to different cultures. Symbols and icons also reveal and connect the history of land with the present. They allow people to convey messages quickly and efficiently, without the need for extensive explanation- they are often the intangible assets of a land with intrinsic significance.
The origins of symbols and icons are mostly well-thought and becomes the norm and standard of a civilisation. The legacy which the generations carry with them. Any deviations from such standards thus requires a reflection and re-calibration. It is with this very thought that we have come up with this exhibition.
As is well known, Indian civilisation is one of the ancient civilisations of the world with many fascinating history, rich and diverse cultural heritage, economic prowess, spiritual knowledge and scientific marvels in its repertoire- a significant contributor to the world heritage.
Traditional Indian Arts have always been a beholder of these phases. It has encapsulated many symbols and icons and effectively narrated the story of the civilisation. Thus, through the arts and artefacts that we have collected over the years at our gallery, we attempt to present “चिन्ह (Chinha): The Symbols & Icons Of India”.
There is however a disclaimer that it is certainly not exhaustive. Over the next few months, we will attempt to share more information and narratives about each of them.
Featuring "Elephant: National Heritage Animal Of India", while highlighting a few of the Elephant Artefacts from the Gallery’s Collection.
How about a game of CHESS (Chariot, Horses, Elephant & Soldiers) & while sipping a cup of our Maya of Australia® Premium Indian teas?
Did you know about the game's ancient Indian origin? Here's more-चिन्ह(Chinha):#2-The Game of Chess & It's Indian Origin...
Did you know: The Story Behind The National Emblem Of India
Indian Civilisation is over 5000 years old. Ancient India has been credited with creating many wonders in the field of science, economics, politics, architecture, medicine, astronomy, education and more. The country has been known for its rich heritage.
Founded around 321 B.C.E, the Mauryan Empire was the first pan-Indian empire covering most of the Indian regions. Did you know, at its peak in 250 BCE, the Maurya Empire was the wealthiest and largest empire in the world. The empire was known for it's exceptional efficiency, emphasis on Dharma and social justice, extensive trade and a powerful military. After a bloody war in 261 BCE in the eastern coastal region of Kalinga (now known as Odisha), the third and one of the greatest leaders of the empire, Ashoka, renounced violence spending the rest of his life promoting religious tolerance & peace. The royal emblem of the Mayuryan empire was four majestic Asiatic lions, roaring and facing the four cardinal directions. The lions sit on a cylindrical abacus, the Buddhist wheel (Chakras) of the moral law appears below each lion. Between the chakras appear four animals in profile—horse, bull, elephant, and lion. The architectural bell below the abacus, is a stylized upside-down lotus. The four lions represent power, courage, pride and confidence a symbol that the emperor shall dedicate all his resources for the victory of the Dharma (path of rightness). Some also believe that the Dharma chakra of the Buddhists - The Wheel of Karma, is the same found in the massive ancient Sun Temple of Konark (now an UNESCO World Heritage Site) built in 12th Century AD, located in the ancient land of Kalinga from where King Ashoka renounced violence to start promoting peace and the principles of Buddhism around the world.
While designing the National Emblem of post-independent India the country's glorious past and a parameter to standardise its present was considered the Lion Capital of Ashoka was thus adapted with the inscription of the national motto "Satyameva Jayate, which means 'Truth Alone Triumphs', derived from the ancient Sanskrit Vedic text, inscribed in Devanagari script.
Kathputli is an Indian string puppet. This form of puppetry is an ancient art form of Storytelling & Theatre passed on from one generation to the next. It has its roots in the North-Western Indian state of Rajasthan. Literally, Kath means “wood", Putli means “Doll"- wooden string dolls dressed in bright colored traditional Rajasthani attire. Folklores as well as historical evidence confirm Puppetry's origin goes back to thousands of years. There is evidence for puppetry in the Indus Valley civilization. Puppets are described in the epic Mahabharata, Tamil literature from the Sangam era (c. 300 BCE)…. Puppets were described in the Edicts of the mighty King Ashoka (Mauryan Empire, c 320 BCE onwards). Here's more.
It is often said that India would not be India if Lord Krishna and his role in the epic Mahabharata and Bhagawat Gita is taken away. "Whenever There Is A Decline In Righteousness And An Increase In Sinfulness, At That Time I Manifest Myself On Earth. To Protect The Righteous, To Annihilate The Miscreants, And To Reestablish The Principles Of Dharma I Appear On This Earth, Age After Age" (Quote from the Bhagawat Gita). Lord Krishna has been depicted in all forms of Indian arts, literature and Culture. Is Krishna historic and not just mythological?...Why not delve deeper into it?
Indian classical music is a rich tradition that originated in the ancient times. Old temple paintings and sculptures reveal ancient connections.
Have you heard about the famous musical pillars in the Vittala Temple in Hampi, South India? The pillars of this UNESCO’s World Heritage site emits musical notes when the pillars are gently tapped with one’s thumb and is considered an Art, Architectural and Sound Engineering marvel.
Many more facts & musical wonders of India yet to be deciphered...
From every corner of our gallery, we could hear- "Vande Maataram"
"I bow to thee, oh Motherland".
Did you know what the Tri-colour Flag of India represent? Saffron colour indicating the strength & courage of the country
The White middle band with Dharma Chakra indicates peace and truth
The Green colour represents the fertility, growth & auspiciousness of the land...
Ganesha, is one of the most worshipped deities in India. He is readily identified by his Elephant Head & Four Arms Revered as the remover of obstacles & Bringer of good luck Ganesha is mentioned in ancient texts of Rig Veda and also in images and text between the 1st century BCE and 2nd century CE.
Carvings at the 5th-century UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ellora Caves in Western India show Ganesha reverentially seated. The ancient images even lists Ganesha as a major deity in present-day Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam #DYK in Sri Lanka, he is known as Gana deviyo and worshipped as well. The 46 meters Ganesha statue in Bali, Indonesia is tall, is one of the tallest Ganesha statues in the world.
There are 32 iconographic forms of Ganesha -standing, dancing, heroically taking action against demons, playing with his family as a boy, sitting down on an elevated seat and more. The annual mega festival of Ganesh Chaturthi is observed (in Aug/Sep) around India and in many parts of the world that tributes the deity.
Ganesha is widely represented in Indian art!
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