Colors of Devotion: The Role of Drawing and Painting in Indian Religious Art

Abstract

This paper explores the integral role of drawing and painting in Indian religious art as expressions of devotion and spirituality. Indian art is deeply interwoven with religious traditions, where visual forms transcend aesthetic value to serve as tools of worship, instruction, and divine presence. Focusing on their use in temples, festivals, and rituals, this research highlights how paintings and drawings, from intricate temple murals to ephemeral ritual designs like kolam and alpana, convey religious narratives, invite divine blessings, and cultivate spiritual consciousness. This paper examines the historical development and theological significance of drawing and painting within the context of Indian religious traditions. Through analysis of Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain artistic practices spanning from ancient cave paintings to contemporary devotional art, this research explores how pigment and line have served as vehicles for spiritual expression, theological instruction, and devotional practice. The study identifies recurring motifs, techniques, and philosophical principles that have shaped these artistic traditions, highlighting the complex relationship between aesthetic theory, religious doctrine, and artistic practice. Findings suggest that Indian religious painting functions not merely as decorative or illustrative art but as a form of visual theology that activates spiritual experience through aesthetic engagement. This research contributes to understanding how visual arts have played an essential role in the transmission and experience of religious knowledge in the Indian subcontinent.