Studies in Indian Art c9.s3.2

c9.s3.2

Indian art conveys its meaning in a distinct symbol language. The lotus, the full vase (*Pūrṇa-ghaṭa*), the *Svastika*, the wheel (*Chakra*), the three jewels (*Triratna*), and the *Kalpavriksha*, part as it were of an alphabet, are being used with perfect mastery as elements of decoration; they have not only invested art, Buddhist and Brāhmanic, with endless beauty but also show it as a vehicle of ideas. These symbols formed an integral part of Indian thought for ages serving like pegs for religious and metaphysical ideas. Their meaning was ingrained in the consciousness of the people, and the art-connoisseur carried within him a subconscious reaction to these symbol forms which intensified his appreciation of an art which was rich both in external as well as inner meaning.