REPRESENTATION OF THE SUN IN FOLK AND TRIBAL ART

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By Neeyati Rometra

11 min read

  • Folk Art
  • Tribal Affairs
  • Natural Living

    • What is the Sun?

    At a staggering 4.5 billion years old, our Sun is more than just a distant star. This yellow dwarf, located about 150 million kilometers from Earth, is a colossal ball of gas, one among an estimated 100 billion stars in the vast Milky Way galaxy. Yet, for us, it's the singular central body and primary energy source of our entire solar system.

    The Sun's profound influence on Earth is truly indispensable. Its steady glow orchestrates everything from the cyclical dance of our seasons and the mighty flow of ocean currents to the intricate patterns of our climate and the daily shifts in weather. In essence, the Sun is the master conductor of Earth's natural systems, making life as we know it possible.

    The Sun: A Universal Source of Veneration

    Given its life-giving properties, it’s hardly surprising that the Sun has held a sacred place in human hearts and minds across the ages. From prehistoric eras through ancient civilizations and into contemporary times, the Sun has been an object of profound veneration and worship. Its significance resonates deeply within diverse cultures worldwide.

    Consider ancient Egypt, the Aztecs of Mexico, various societies in Central Asia, and Native American tribes across both South and North America—all revered the Sun as a divine entity. In Indian Civilization particularly, the Sun has consistently occupied a paramount position in religious practices and mythology. Across myriad cultures, the Sun's powerful, life-sustaining presence has cemented its role as a central element of spiritual belief.

    The Sun's deep-rooted significance as a subject of veneration in Indian culture stretches back to the archaic period. We see compelling evidence of this reverence as far back as the Neolithic era of the Indian Stone Age.

    For instance, near Singhanpur, a village in Raigarh, Chhattisgarh, an ancient sandstone rock painting in the Manda River's eastern hill ranges features a semi-circular depiction of the sun with diverging, ray-like lines. This captivating imagery continues to spark scholarly debate: some interpret it as the rising sun in the east, while others see the sun's rays partially concealed by the horizon. Intriguingly, positioned below this solar representation is a human figure with raised hands, seemingly in a gesture of reverence, surrounded by totemistic symbols. While the precise origins of Sun worship may remain elusive, such archaeological discoveries unequivocally highlight its immense importance to early humans who acutely recognized and revered its critical role in the natural world. The Sun has been an essential entity of worship since humanity’s earliest observations.

    This consistent prominence of the Sun is vividly reflected through its depiction in diverse artistic forms throughout Indian culture. From the Indus Valley Civilization to the Vedic age, the Sun served as a crucial insignia for various ruling dynasties and maintained its profound reverence within folk and tribal communities. You can find solar motifs and representations on various media like rocks, caves, and seals. Moreover, the Sun is frequently mentioned in numerous Indigenous Indian Texts and oral histories. This rich tapestry of visual and textual evidence forms the foundation for scholarly studies in art, semiotics, astronomy, and science, offering a fascinating lens through which to understand humanity's enduring and intricate relationship with our star.

    This blog post will specifically explore the relevance and importance of the Sun as a motif within Indian Folk and Tribal Art. What hidden stories do these ancient depictions tell us about our connection to the Sun?

    Representation of Sun in Madhubani Art

    The Glory of Surya Dev, Madhubani Painting by Ambika Devi

    In Madhubani Art, the Sun motif is a celestial symbol often depicted on significant occasions like marriages and festivals such as Chhath Puja, Bhai Duj, and Satyanarayan Puja. Typically placed on the left side of an Alpana design in Madhubani Art, its presence symbolizes optimism, frequently representing the illumination and prosperity brought to a family after marriage.

    Beyond this, the Sun, when paired with the Moon, serves as a powerful emblem of longevity and the preservation of life. This celestial duo, along with Goddess Gauri, were traditionally considered divine witnesses to sacred unions, including the marriage of Lord Rama and Sita, or any bride and groom. This profound spiritual connection is beautifully reflected in their consistent representation within this vibrant folk art.

    The Sun Motif in Gond Art

    Tulsi Vivah in Gond by Venkat Shyam

    Gond painting, a traditional art form from the Gondwana region of Madhya Pradesh, tells the stories of the Gond tribe, one of India's largest indigenous groups. Among their many artistic designs, the sun and moon hold special importance, with the sun being particularly significant.

    The sun motif isn't just a decoration in Gond art; it's a powerful symbol of energy, life, and what sustains them. For the Gonds, the sun is directly linked to their most important god, Dharmaraj or Dharam Devta, their supreme deity. This spiritual connection makes the sun a crucial and sacred symbol in their artwork.

    Yellow, often made from natural materials like turmeric or a type of clay called Chui mitti, is frequently used for the sun. This color further emphasizes its meaning, representing happiness, optimism, and the sun's life-giving warmth. These spiritual and life-giving connotations make the sun an indispensable part of Gond's artistry.

    Sun Motif in Kalamkari Painting

    Surya Naryana: Kalamkari Painting by Harinath.N

    Kalamkari, a celebrated traditional Indian art form, transforms humble textiles into canvases for intricate designs and profound storytelling. This popular craft is renowned for its deep symbolism and elaborate narratives.

    The art of Kalamkari is broadly categorized into two distinct styles, each named after the regions where they flourished in Andhra Pradesh: Srikalahasti and Machilipatnam. The very name "Kalamkari" is a portmanteau of the Persian words "Kalam" (pen) and "Kari" (work), beautifully combining to form the textile tradition. In Kalamkari, the sun and moon motif symbolizes cosmic balance, the cycles of time, and divine guidance.

    Representation of the Sun in Dhokra Art

    Sun in Dhokra by Anil Baghmare

    Deriving its roots from the Civilization of the Indus Valley, the art of Dhokra is the creation of metal products using the lost wax technique the Cire Purdue technique, or the traditional technique of Madhu Chestan Vidhan. This process of casting metal is as old as four thousand years, with its earliest example being provided through the ‘Dancing Girl’ figurine, a bronze statuette found in Mohenjo-Daro. In Dhokra Art, the sun motif is a prevalent symbol, valued as a vital source of brightness, energy, and positivity. It's often depicted alongside other natural elements like the moon, leaves, and flowers, reflecting the strong connection to nature inherent in tribal culture.

    Sun as a Motif in Chittara, Saura, Pithora, and Warli Art

    While looking across India's diverse tribal communities, from the Warli Tribe of Maharashtra and the Saura Tribe of Odisha to the Deevaru Tribe of Karnataka (Chittara art) and the Rathwa, Bhil, and Bhilala Tribes (Pithora art) of Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh, there's a profound reverence for nature. This shared respect often manifests in a common artistic motif: the Sun.

    Theru- temple chariot festival in Chittara by Ishwar Chowda Naik

    In Chittara art, the Sun is a significant and recurring motif, frequently depicted alongside the moon. It symbolizes fresh beginnings, prosperity, growth, and positivity, reflecting the Deevaru community's deep reverence for nature and its life-giving forces. For the Saura Tribe of Odisha, the Sun motif also recurs, often representing the passage of time and the cyclical nature of life.

    The Celestial Ride Life in Pithora Art by Chanchal Soni

    The Sun motif in Pithora Art is a celestial symbol representing the eternal life cycle. It's revered as a living god, particularly among the Rathwa Tribes, who know it as Huriya Dev, the universal guardian vital to their cosmology.

    Balance of Earth In Warli by Dilip Rama Bahotha

    Finally, in Warli Art, popularly created by the Warli Tribe, the Sun is also venerated. Often seen in paintings as a geometric circle, it represents a celestial body—much like the moon—that sustains life on Earth.

    The Sun Motif in Sikki Art of Bihar

    Nature in Sikki Grass work by Suraj Kumar Sahu

    Sikki grass craft is a traditional art form indigenous to Mithila, Bihar, known for its intricate designs and eco-friendly nature. This centuries-old craft has a rich history, rooted in tradition and folklore, making it a significant part of India's cultural heritage. This beautiful handicraft has also been recognized as a Geographical Indication (GI) product by the Government of India that preserves and promotes the traditional knowledge and skills of the region.

    The Sun motif in Sikki art is deeply interwoven with the cultural and spiritual life of the Mithila region, reflecting its reverence as a life-giving force.

    Consider the ancient Sama-Chakeba festival, observed for centuries to welcome migratory birds to Mithila's wetlands at the start of winter. Here, vetiver grass plays a crucial role. This plant, formally worshipped by women during the Ravivrata as an act of obeisance to the Sun God, also provides the raw material for the Sikki handicraft industry.

    The Sun's supreme importance is further highlighted during Chhath Puja, a major festival dedicated to the Sun God. Here, the Sun is revered as the universe's origin, often depicted as a lotus symbolizing fertility and abundance. Recognized across cultures as the ultimate source of life and the only visible divine form, the Sun's vital role in Hindu rituals makes its portrayal in Sikki art a natural extension of its revered status.

    The Sun Motif in Mata Ni Pachedi

    Feminine Representation Of Sun Mata Ni Pachedi By Dilip Chitara For Home Decor

    In the meaningful textile tradition of Mata Ni Pachedi, the Suraj (sun) motif, typically found in the top corner, symbolizes its control over day and night, symbolizing the continuity of life and its role in nurturing Earth. Often paired with the moon, the sun's radiant energy enhances the Mother Goddess's divine influence, underscoring her connection to the cosmos.

    Representation of the Sun Motif in Lippan Art

    Lippan synchronization:Lippan artwork by Nalemitha

    For the Mutwa community's Lippan art, the sun motif is a consistently important element, appearing alongside other natural forms. These sun depictions are not objects of worship but rather fundamental representations of elements deeply ingrained in Mutwa culture, serving as an integral symbol of their traditions.

    CONCLUSION

    From the intricate artistic traditions of Madhubani and Kalamkari to the ancient metalwork of Dhokra and the geometric representations of nature in the art of Warli, Chittara, and Saura, the Sun consistently emerges as a powerful and indispensable motif across India's traditional art forms. Whether symbolizing optimism, longevity, cosmic balance, or a vital source of energy and positivity, its presence transcends regional and cultural boundaries.

    The Sun's depiction often intertwines with narratives of fertility, new beginnings, and the cyclical nature of life, reflecting its profound spiritual and practical importance. In many traditions, such as Madhubani, it serves as a divine witness to sacred unions, while in others, like Pithora, it is revered as a living god (Huriya Dev) and a Dharam Devta among the Gond. The sun’s portrayal, sometimes geometric, sometimes anthropomorphic, consistently reinforces its role as the ultimate sustainer of life on Earth. These diverse artistic interpretations collectively affirm the Sun's enduring legacy as a central figure in Indian cosmology, ritual, and cultural identity.

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