Print

Indian popular religious prints have been published for nearly a century, first by German presses, later by Indian ones. The prints may take the form of calendars, posters, or simply images. The style of the representations is European. In the beginning they were Hindu images, but are now acquiring elements both of folk art and a romantic secularism. It is a living art currently influenced by the movie industry and non-Hindu religions. The images are a vehicle for advertising and are also used for religious purposes. This print is for puja.

calendar art; popular religious art

The god Shiva is most easily identified by three lines and a vertical third eye on his forehead. Other attributes are the trident, a bluish hue to skin, tiara of hair with head in centre spouting water (identified as the Ganges River), crescent moon, snakes as necklaces and bracelets, tiger skin robe, drum, and the presence of the lingam. The goddess, Parvati is identified by white skin and lotus. She changes her form whenever Shiva does.

Rectangular print depicting Shiva and Parvati. Both figures palms are raised and outward facing, each with similar red lotus symbol in centre. Shiva’s long brown hair is coiled into topknot from which liquid spouts. Cobra entwined around topknot, one around neck. He is wearing brown bead necklaces, armband and bracelet; white crescent in hair; and three white, horizontal, parallel lines with ellipse in centre on forehead. Gold trident with red double-sided drum attached, stands upright behind Shiva’s shoulder on right. Parvati is wearing jeweled gold crown, necklaces, belt and earrings; pink, yellow, and green sari. Below couple, cylindrical black object with same three white-line design sits on black double-flanged pedestal surrounded by lamp, cobra, and incense. Background: white, rocky mountain with some trees and blue sky. On lower border of calendar, left to right, is printed 'No. 754, Shiv Sakti, J.B. Khanna and Co.'. Shiva