Iconism in India
By A. Banerji - Sastri
Summary
The discussion on iconism in India examines the contrast between the aniconic Rg-Vedic religion and the iconic practices of the Indus Valley Civilization, later Vedic periods, and contemporary groups like the Yaksas, Mauryas, and Miradevas. Spooner (1915) and Keith (1935) highlighted the aniconic nature of early Vedic worship, contrasting it with the iconic elements of the Indus Valley culture. Later sources, including Brahmanas and Tantras, suggest a gradual assimilation of iconic practices, though the timeline and cultural attribution remain debated. Patanjali’s *Yogasutras* links *dharanis* (meditative focus) to pre-Buddhist Tantras, with references to Mauryan-era icons of deities like Biva and Skanda. The connection between Siva, Yoga, and early iconography is noted, though scholars dispute whether this reflects a direct influence or coincidental juxtaposition. The term *Miradeva* (worshipper of icons) appears in Vedic texts, possibly referring to diverse pre-Aryan groups, though its exact referents remain unclear. The text critiques the lack of consensus on identifying non-Vedic peoples (Asuras, Nigas, Bhiratas) and their possible association with iconic traditions. Discrepancies exist between literary and archaeological evidence, particularly regarding the Mauryas, whose connection to iconography lacks direct proof. The Yaksas, with roots predating the Vedic era, are linked to later dynasties like the Mauryas, though these connections remain speculative. Overall, the analysis underscores the complexity of India’s religious evolution, marked by interactions between indigenous iconic
Conclusion
This analysis of iconism in India reveals a dynamic interplay between indigenous traditions and later Vedic frameworks, challenging rigid dichotomies between aniconic and iconic practices. The evidence suggests that while the Rg-vedic Aryans maintained a primarily aniconic ritual system, they engaged with pre-existing iconic traditions, particularly through symbols like the *dive naras* and *nrpedas*. The study highlights the synthetic evolution of religious imagery, particularly in later Brahmanical texts, which assimilated diverse iconographic elements. Crucially, the findings underscore the historical depth of yoga and Siva-related iconography, predating Mauryan art and suggesting continuity with Indus Valley traditions. The persistent ambiguity in source interpretation calls for renewed scholarly collaboration between textual analysis and archaeological evidence to clarify the socio-religious dynamics of early India.