"Alpana" is obviously the principal theme of this 'chitra-pata'. This 'Alepana' combines in it myth, folk tradition and subtle symbolism. Colours are used either in their brightest tones or in the light tones. Shading of colours, or producing effects of light and shade, are not the areas of Madhubani, or rather of any of the folk art traditions. But, differently, such colours are used not only to create forms and figures but also to have their own meaning and a thematic or symbolic thrust. If there manifests cosmic or oceanic depths in deep blue, the lighter tones of the same convey various levels of the Divine appearance. Colours in Madhubani tradition have their intricate and well founded symbolism. On the face it, this 'Alpana', contained in this 'chitra-pata', is a galaxy of colours, charismatic in balance and contrasts, but, at the same time, the colours used in it also impart a meaning and abound in great mysticism.
The centre of the 'Alpana' is the decorative folk substitute of the 'Bindu', or the point, which represents condensed cosmic energy and the union of the active and passive factors. The 'Bindu' is without dimensions, but when it grows, it multiplies within and beyond and create multiple 'Bindus' and multiple forms by uniting themselves. The circle has hence multiple petals strewn within and multiple rings, the manifest form of energy circuits, beyond. In the process there appear multiple forms -fauna and flora, creepers, circles, triangles, 'shikharas', shrines, presiding deity and the formless void symbolising 'Maya'. The superimposed flower is the fruition, the result of the union, the outcome of the sport of the creative factors, the 'leela' of the 'Purusha' and 'Prakriti'. In short, an 'Alpana', and this one in particular, is the folk vision of the cosmos, or of God's Creation.
For better strengthening their concept, the artists of this 'chitra-pata' have loaded their canvas with other cosmic entities and several auspicious motifs to add to it auspices. On the right top of the canvas, there is the sun and on the left the moon. Again the colours, the deep parching red of the sun and the softer one of the moon, characterise the two entities.
The 'chitra-pata' is essentially Vaishnava in its vision. The tortoise, on the right of the main 'Alpana', which is the cosmos, and the fish, on its left, are two incarnations of Vishnu. Four lotuses, on its four sides, are His essential attribute. This indicates that Vishnu has been manifested here as the sustainer of the three worlds. The highly auspicious banana on the right and the conventional flowering plant on the left are auspicious symbols. Other flowers in red and blue, symbolising Creation, one by love and union and the other by its cosmic colour, lay strewn all over. Border is as much symbolic. Its white flowers symbolise spiritual elevation, yellow leaves penance or the endeavour to elevate, red background attachment and love and the green stems nature and the path leading beyond it. On the right side of the bottom, a newly wedded couple is being carried in a palanquin and on its left, a couple is performing elephant worship. Everything denoting life and worship, crackers, basket, tray containing mangoes, bananas, berries and other fruits and 'gangasagar' are strewn all over. In the centre, there are male and female 'ghatas', the water pitchers symbolic of earth, ocean and fruition.
This description by Prof. P.C. Jain and Dr. Daljeet. Prof. Jain specializes on the aesthetics of literature and is the author of numerous books on Indian art and culture. Dr. Daljeet is the curator of the Miniature Painting Gallery, National Museum, New Delhi. They have both collaborated together on a number of books.
For privacy concerns, please view our Privacy Policy
Send as free online greeting card
Email a Friend
Manage Wishlist