Understanding the Significance of Owls in Indian Art

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By Tanushree Midha

7 min read

  • Folk Art
  • Art
  • India
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    Table of Contents

    Introduction

    Animals have long been a part of the art of the Indian subcontinent. From representations in prehistoric rock shelters such as Bhimbetka to the Harappan civilization depictions on figurines, seals and pottery, portrayals of animals can be considered to be some of earliest expressions of human artistic capabilities. This was followed by depictions of animals on architecture, in paintings, sculptures and caves, with various animals and birds getting associated with various deities and religions, becoming vahanas, aniconic symbols and sometimes even being associated with the deity itself, such as Ganesha and elephants.

    Owls, one of the most enigmatic birds, have long been a part of Indian religion, culture, myth, superstition and folklore. Mentioned in several Hindu texts as Uluka, the owl is not just associated with a singular deity or culture, in fact being the subject of a dualistic identity as an evil omen as well as a harbinger of blessing, as the association changes. Even in tribal cultures, such as those of the Gonds and Bhils, the owl is considered to be an important bird and a deeply symbolic motif for their art, which is inspired by the nature around them. Let’s look at how these different cultures look at the humble owl in their own ways.

    A majestic owl Bhil art by Shersingh Bhabor

    Hinduism

    Uluka Vahini Lakshmi

    In the Hindu tradition, the owl is associated with two very distinct deities, which is also why it has been attributed paradoxical symbolism in the culture. It is commonly considered to be one of the vahanas of the Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and prosperity, with regional beliefs varying on what the owl signifies. Owing to the nocturnal nature of the owl and its screeching call, one of the common beliefs associates the owl with the elder twin sister of Lakshmi, Alakshmi. Associated with bad luck and even death at times, the owl is considered to symbolically portray Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune and strife, as it might be considered inauspicious to portray Alakshmi in human form. The idea of the two sisters together suggests that they are two sides of the same coin, to pray for Lakshmi is to pray for prosperity, but what also comes with it is Alakshmi, carrying the awareness to use this wealth judiciously, or as Devdutt Pattnaik puts it, “wealth never goes anywhere without the seed of strife.”

    Another common belief represents the owl similar to how the owl is represented with the Greek goddess Athena, as an auspicious symbol of mindfulness and vigilance. Even the Vastu Shastra looks at owls as divine messengers of Goddess Lakshmi, symbolising wealth as well as its protection. The big eyes, night vision and nocturnal nature of the owl make it a perfect symbol to guard wealth but also encourage introspection and awareness.

    Majestic Splendor of Prosperity and Glory Bengal Pattachitra by Manoranjan Chitrakar

    Chamunda and her Nocturnal Ally

    Yet another deity who uses the owl as one of her vahanas is Chamunda, one of the Saptamatrikas. As one of the Yoginis, she is also a major deity in Tantricism, and is considered to be one of the fiercest forms of the Devi. Her association with the owl also stems from its nocturnal nature, big eyes and night vision. Since Chamunda is usually depicted on the battle field or in cremation ground, the owl’s significance is as a watchful protector, who can see through illusions and as a night predator, since the goddess is known for her power of destruction.

    Folk and Tribal Art

    Mythological symbols in Madhubani and Kalighat Art

    Folk art traditions like Madhubani or Mithila art from Bihar and Kalighat painting from Bengal are just two in a myriad of artistic traditions which depict animals, especially in stories and deities from mythology. According to local tradition, Madhubani art, which originates from Bihar is said to date back to the Ramayana when King Janaka, the king of Mithila and father of Sita ordered these paintings to celebrate the union of Rama and Sita. Initially seen on mud walls of houses, these paintings have now been adapted to portable media like paper. Owing to its origin, mythological stories are prevalent in this art form, however animals and birds like the owl have deep symbolism in the art as well, representing wisdom, wealth and protection, and are also associated with Goddess Lakshmi. These are usually depicted with large emphasised eyes, geometric patterns for the body and precise line work. The Kalighat tradition from Bengal also similarly symbolises owls as divine harbingers of wealth and blessings from Goddess Lakshmi, depicting them not only with the goddess, but also as standalone symbols.

    Goddess Lakshmi seated on owl in Kalighat by Hasir Chitrakar

    Enigmatic Wise Protectors in Gond and Bhil Art

    Tribal art traditions like Gond and Bhil, both belonging to Central India, have been depicting animals for centuries. Both these traditions started off as wall art, with walls of the main living room being depicted with figures and animals from local mythology. Although they look similar, Bhil art uses a uniform dotting technique to induce movement while Gond art focuses on delicate patterns, fine lines and natural flow. Although compositionally different, both the traditions regard each plant, animal and figures as having a soul, depicting the harmonious relationship amongst them. The owl, an important animal in both cultures, is seen as a wise yet enigmatic creature that also brings good fortune in Gond culture. This is also seen in the visual storytellings of Gond folklore like the owl and the peacock and the depiction of owls on mud walls of houses to invite prosperity and ward off evil. In the Bhil community as well, the owl is seen in a very similar way, however its nocturnal nature is also taken into consideration, which symbolically makes the owl a night guardian and a connection to the unseen world.

    Owl: The Bird of Wisdom in Gond by Kailash Pradhan

    Conclusion

    Even today, the sighting of an owl can either be considered as a sign of good luck, or a warning for terrible times to come. This dualistic identity of the humble owl as a good omen and a bad omen, is what makes it a fascinating aspect of Indian folk art and painting traditions. From its nocturnal identity, to the big eyes, the screeching call to the night vision, the cultural importance of the owl, not only as a symbol in Indian mythology but also in Indian culture in general, truly shows the progression of how animals and birds were incorporated in the artistic traditions of the country and how the beliefs, myths and superstitions of today are still governed by these.

    Today, many of these artistic traditions have evolved with the times and have shifted to more globalised and portable versions of their art, relevant for the current population. However, the humble owl is still regarded as it was all those years ago, still holding the same place in the art and architecture of the different traditions, showing how art is still at its roots, a form of storytelling and expressing yourself.

    References

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    Q1) How do we see animals and birds depicted in art?

    Animals and birds have been depicted in art for many millenia, from prehistoric rock shelters like Bhimbetka, to the Harappan Civilization and even modern folk traditions. These are painted as subsidiary figures in paintings, and also in association with various deities, symbols and vahanas, sometimes even as the central figures in paintings.

    Q2) How is the owl associated with Goddess Lakshmi?

    There are many beliefs around the association of the owl with Goddess Lakshmi. The two most commonly known are- the owl symbolically representingLakshmi’s elder twin sister, Alakshmi, the goddess of misfortune and strife or the owl being the auspicious symbol of mindfulness and vigilance

    Q3) How does Folk and Tribal art symbolically represent the owl?

    Folk traditions like Madhubani art and Kalighat paintings represent the owl as divine messengers of wisdom and wealth, associated with Goddess Lakshmi. Tribal artistic traditions like the Gonds and Bhils consider the owl to be a wise and enigmatic bringer of good fortune, who also acts as a nocturnal guardian and a connection to the unseen world.

    Q4) Are the Folk and Tribal art traditions still prevalent in India?

    Yes, paintings from the artistic traditions like Madhubani, Kalighat, Gond and Bhil are widely available across India and sites like MeMeraki work towards bringing awareness towards authentic and handmade paintings, connecting the public to the artisans behind these arts

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