The Development of Hindu Iconography c8.3.1

c8.3.1

The above account of the nature of the subject will fully prove how it is intimately connected with religion. In fact, it is nothing but the interpretation of the religious art of man. It has been time and often shown by various scholars that the art of man in its very beginnings is mainly religious in character. Grünwedel observes, “The most important basis for the development of an independent art among any people lies in its religion.” Della Setta, in the work on Religion and Art has shown the intimate connection which exists between the art and religion of various nations of the world. This deep association is the more pronounced in the case of the early Indians. Grünwedel has rightly remarked, "The religious character, so deeply rooted in the national life of the Indian races, has also continued the guiding principle in their art."¹ Foucher has in a very striking manner endeavoured to show how the innate religious tendencies of the Buddhists have been mainly responsible for the beginnings and dissemination of the Buddhist art in India.² Thus, this intimate association between the religion and art being clearly demonstrable, it is hardly necessary to point out how the study of iconography helps one to understand the nature of religious practices indulged in by some races of mankind.