Studies in Indian Art c9.s1.2

c9.s1.2

The same is true with reference to Indian art, specially images in sculpture and painting. Here we have to deal mostly with images of gods and goddesses, that were either carved in stone or wood, or moulded in clay, or represented in painting; whatever be the medium, the meaning behind these images was one and the same. To understand this meaning one should make himself familiar with the language of symbolism. In Indian art this language is quite articulate and eloquent, in a series of formulas known as dhyāna-mantras of the respective deities.