SYMBOLISM OF FISH IN INDIAN ART

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By Zeel Sundhani

10 min read

  • Art
  • Folk Art
  • Storytelling
  • Mythology

    • Table of Contents

    In Indian tradition, the fish is more than a creature of water, it is a symbol of abundance, fertility and auspicious beginnings. From ancient mythology to household rituals, the fish carries deep cultural meaning. Indian traditional, folk and tribal arts celebrate these timeless motifs, not just as a decoration, but a blessing and a prayer for prosperity and the flow of life. This blog explores the various artistic depictions of fish, and the meaning and symbolism behind them.

    Across India, the fish is a sacred symbol. Linked with autonomy, prosperity and fertility, there are a number of stories involving fish in Indian mythology.

    Fish in Hindu Mythology

    In Hindu mythology, the Matsya Avatar, is the first of the ten Avatars of Lord Vishnu. As the story goes - “ Taking the form of a tiny fish, Matsya appeared to the sage Manu, and grew to an immense size and revealed his divine nature, warning Manu of a great flood that would soon engulf the world. At Matsya’s command, Manu built a vast boat and gathered seeds, sages and living beings to preserve life. When the deluge came, Matsya guided the boat safely through the waters, ensuring survival and renewal. This story makes the fish a powerful symbol of preservation, protection, and new beginnings in Indian tradition.

    Matsya Avatar of Vishnu, Madhubani Painting by Ambika Devi

    Fish in Buddhist Mythology

    In Buddhism, the fish is a very significant symbol that carries layers of meaning. Fish move freely and without fear through water, and in Buddhist thought, this quality is likened to beings who live without restraint or suffering, unbound by ignorance and desire. Just as fish do not drown in the ocean, enlightened beings are not overcome by the ocean of samsara, making the fish a powerful emblem of liberation and fearlessness. Its natural association with fertility and abundance also strengthened its auspicious value, especially in regions where rivers and water were vital to life. The motif of fish is found widely in Buddhist art and ritual objects, from stupa decorations and cave paintings to manuscripts and ritual offerings, often paired with other auspicious symbols. Most prominently, the pair of golden fish, matsyayugma, is counted among the Eight Auspicious Symbols (Ashtamangala), where it originally represented the sacred rivers Ganga and Yamuna of India but gradually came to symbolize happiness, fertility, abundance, and spiritual freedom.

    The 8 Lucky Signs: Thangka Painting by Krishna Tashi Palmo

    Fish in Jain Mythology

    In Jain symbolism and mythology, fish appear in nuanced ways. In Jain dream iconography, which records the fourteen or sixteen auspicious dreams that the mothers of Tīrthankaras experience before the birth of their sons, the dream of fish occurs in some textual traditions, for example, Queen Trishala, mother of Mahavira, is said to have dreamt of a pair of fish. This dream is interpreted as an omen of prosperity, beauty and harmonious life, signifying that the future Tīrthankara will bring well-being and auspiciousness to the world.

    Dreams of Mother Trishala in Jain painting by Shehzaad Ali Sherani

    Fish in folk and tribal mythology and depiction in art

    In folk and tribal art across India, fish is a living symbol of survival, fertility and harmony with nature. For communities that draw their sustenance from rivers, ponds and seasonal rains, the fish embodies the very rhythm of life. It is revered as a sign of prosperity and abundance, often invoked in rituals for good harvests and conjugal blessings. In their paintings, metalwork and embroidery, fish motifs also carry an ecological wisdom, reminding people of the need to respect rivers and share resources fairly. Whether swimming across the bold strokes of Gond and Bhil paintings, etched in Santhal murals or cast in shining Dhokra brass, the fish remains a timeless emblem of the intimate bond between the communities and the waters that sustain them.

    Pattachitra

    Apart from daily sustenance, in many communities, especially among the Santhal and Bengali traditions, fish are considered auspicious symbols of conjugal harmony and prosperity. The reason is that fish live and move in pairs and their abundance in rivers and ponds has always been linked with fertility, continuity of life and marital bliss.

    In the below Santhal and Bengal Pattachitra paintings, where multiple fish swim together, the imagery suggests not just material abundance, but also the union of two lives flowing together like rivers meeting. In a wedding context, such motifs bless the couple with fertility, prosperity and harmony in their shared journey.

    Imagery of fish marriage: Santhal-Tribal Pattachitra by Manoranjan Chitrakar

    Intricate Chowkas Pot Fish motif In Bengal Patachitra by Sonali Chitrakar

    Madhubani

    In Madhubani paintings, the fish is one of the most auspicious and beloved motifs. Rooted in the agrarian and ritual life of Mithila, it symbolizes fertility, prosperity and good luck. They, too, see fish as emblems of marital harmony and conjugal bliss, making them a popular motif in wedding paintings and household decorations during rituals. Fish in Madhubani art also signify the flow of life and abundance of water, essential for harvest and survival. Whether painted on walls, paper, or textiles, the fish carries blessings of prosperity, lineage and the eternal continuity of life.

    Fish: Significance of Wealth, Madhubani by Ambika devi

    Gond

    In Gond art, fish hold deep symbolic and mythological significance, often aligned with the tribe’s animistic worldview. Fish are seen as harbingers of life and fertility, closely connected to water bodies that sustain both humans and animals, frequently appearing in creation and rainfall myths where aquatic creatures play pivotal roles in ensuring abundance and prosperity. Some Gond myths depict fish as messengers of deities or as beings that guide humans toward divine blessings, while others associate them with marital harmony and continuity of lineage, with paired fish representing conjugal unity. Through intricate patterns of lines and dots, Gond artists not only celebrate the fish’s lifegiving power but also weave in these mythological and spiritual narratives, creating artworks that reflect the interconnectedness of nature, humans and the divine.

    Twirling in Water: Fishes Afloat in Gond Painting by Venkat Shyam

    Kantha embroidery and Kalighat Paintings

    In artforms originating from Bengal, fish are central not only as symbols of fertility, prosperity and life but also as reflections of their importance in the Bengali diet and everyday life. In Kantha embroidery, fish are often depicted in groups or repeated patterns, emphasising abundance, community and the rhythmic flow of rivers that sustain livelihoods, while paired motifs signify marital harmony and the wish for progeny. In Kalighat paintings, fish often appear alongside cats in popular narrative themes, blending folk humor, moral lessons and auspicious symbolism, rendered in bold, expressive forms that highlight movement and vitality. Together, these art forms celebrate the cultural, nutritional and spiritual significance of fish in Bengal, reflecting their practical life with artistic imagination.

    Fish in Kantha by Najma Sultana

    Two Women Buying Fish Kalighat Painting by Bapi Chitrakar

    Women With Fish in Kalighat by Uttam Chitrakar

    Cat Holding a Fish in Kalighat by Sonali Chitrakar

    Mata ni Pachedi

    In Mata Ni Pachedi, the traditional devotional textile art of Gujarat, fish serve as symbols of fertility, abundance and the omnipresence of the divine feminine. The below artwork portrays a giant fish embodying various forms of mother goddesses such as Visat Mata, Meldi Mata, Ambe Mata, Sagat Mata, Durga Mata, Jogni Mata and Kali Mata. This depiction emphasizes the unity and interconnectedness of these diverse forms, highlighting the underlying oneness of the cosmic feminine energy that manifests in various aspects.

    Fish with 8 Mother Goddess: Mata ni Pachedi by Sanjay Chittara

    Warli

    In Warli art, fish are often depicted in the context of fishing and riverine life, highlighting their practical and symbolic importance in the tribal economy and culture. Paintings frequently show groups of fish swimming in rivers or ponds, alongside human figures engaged in traditional fishing methods such as using nets, baskets or spears, highlighting the tribe’s dependence on aquatic resources for sustenance.

    Fisherman in Warli By Dilip Bahotha

    Fisherman's Net: Warli Painting by Dilip Rama Bahotha

    Bhil

    In Bhil art, fish are depicted as symbols of sustenance, fertility and the interconnectedness of life. They often appear alongside water sources such as rivers, ponds or wells, reflecting the tribe’s dependence on aquatic resources for food. Fish motifs also carry spiritual and cultural significance, appearing in some mythological narratives, creation stories and depictions of local deities, linking the natural and divine worlds. Rendered with vibrant colors and stylized patterns, they emphasize prosperity, abundance and the harmonious relationship between humans, animals and the environment, making fish both a practical and symbolic element in Bhil artistic expression.

    Journey of Unity: Fish, Tree, and Beyond

    Mandana

    In Mandana art, fish are often depicted in pairs, symbolizing marital harmony, fertility and the continuity of life. Paired fish motifs are considered auspicious, representing abundance and well-being, commonly included in ritual designs for weddings and festivals. Their stylized, geometric forms connect human life with water and nature, reinforcing the link between prosperity, family and the lifegiving forces of the natural world.

    Fish in Mandana by Vidya Soni

    Dhokra

    In Dhokra art, the traditional metal casting of central and eastern India, fish are occasionally represented as symbolic motifs rather than detailed narrative subjects. Fish in Dhokra signify fertility, prosperity and life, aligning with the broader tribal and folk beliefs of the region. Crafted in stylised, abstract forms through the lost-wax technique, Dhokra fish works highlight both the artisans’ skill and the cultural importance of fish as symbols of abundance and sustenance. In the below sculpture, the circles or wheels at the bottom add an extra layer of symbolism, representing the movement and rhythm of the ocean, emphasizing the dynamic and life-giving nature of water.

    Fish sculpture in Dhokra by Kunal Rana

    Benefits of having fish paintings in the house according to Vastu Shastra

    According to Vastu Shastra, keeping fish paintings in the house is considered highly auspicious, as fish symbolize abundance, prosperity and the continuous flow of positive energy. They are believed to attract wealth, good luck and harmonious relationships, especially when depicted in pairs or groups of odd numbers. To maximize their beneficial effects, fish paintings should ideally be placed on north or east walls, with the fish appearing lively and swimming freely, preferably toward the north or east. Placing vibrant fish artwork in the living room, study or office enhances financial and spiritual growth, while paired fish in the bedroom can foster marital harmony and fertility, making them both a decorative and spiritually meaningful addition to the home.

    Thus, across Indian art forms, the fish is far more than an aquatic creature, it is a timeless symbol of life, fertility, abundance and spiritual harmony. From the divine narratives of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain mythology to the vibrant expressions of folk, tribal and regional arts, the fish embodies protection, prosperity, marital bliss and the continuity of life. Fish motifs celebrate the intimate connection between humans, nature and the divine. Through these artistic depictions, the humble fish transcends its physical form to become a messenger of blessings, a guardian of life’s flow and a symbol of hope and renewal that continues to inspire, enrich and adorn Indian culture.

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