THE PATTERNS OF INDIA

In our quest to explore patterns from around the globe, India is one of our first destinations. This vast country is full of color and pattern, but more than that, it is full of a rich history that has led to its vibrancy. The Republic of India is a sovereign nation today, but for tens of thousands of years, it was overrun and occupied by various religious groups and then more recently in its history by the Mughal Empire and Great Britain. And though the nation is home to more Hindus than anywhere else in the world, religious influences also include that of Islam, Christianity, Judaism, Buddhism, Sikhism, and other faiths that have, in turn, added complexity to India’s design, structure, and aesthetics. In this nation where faith is such an influential aspect in people’s lives, religious icons and spiritual symbols can be seen on everything from door frames to tiles, wood and stone carvings to painted murals.

Since much of the architecture of India is a blend of traditional and imported styles, we often see an overlapping that really showcases a wide array of design patterns, techniques, and tendencies. One aspect of Indian architecture where we quite often see patterns and motifs is within arches, a practice referred to as gavaksha. Arches are a big design feature in India, but what really elevates the opening of a passageway is the detail within. Motifs are centered within arches on age-old structures, like the Bhaja Caves in Pune, as well as more modern temples, like Shree Swaminarayan Mandir Kalupur in Ahmedabad. Pattern is also displayed through the use of jalis, or perforated screens. Early jalis were carved into stone in geometric patterns, but with the Mughals, the designs became more finely drawn and utilized plant motifs, as seen in the Taj Mahal in Agra. The latticework doesn’t just offer an air of delicacy, but its purpose is to help lower the temperatures inside a building by compressing the air that travels through the holes. We just love beautiful designs that boast a higher function, and India is certainly the place to find them.

And after observing how pattern is used in some of the main architectural elements, we can take a look at some of the specific motifs to learn even more about the nation and its ideals. Some of the most common motifs seen in India include aspects of nature, such as birds, flowers, fruits, and even animals. The peacock motif is illustrated on everything from large scale murals that adorn entryways to small scale embroidery. Not only is the peacock the national bird of India but it is seen to represent immortality, courtship and fertility. Other typical bird motifs include the parrot (for passion and courtship), often found when depicting the story of Hindu deity Krishna and his lover, and the goose (‘hansa’) motif that represents spiritual purity. Among floral motifs, we most commonly see the lotus flower (‘kamal’) to symbolize eternal order and the power of life, prosperity, and even material wealth. And fruits, namely the mango motif or paisley serve as a symbol of fertility. And these typical motifs adorn not just the built structures throughout the country but the textiles and crafts.

Block printing, an art form that has been used in India since the 12th century, showcases many of these traditional and modern motifs. The designs are drawn on paper then transferred onto a thick block where they are carved. The process is not only intensive but time consuming, as each color in a pattern requires a different block and dry time in between. And only the steadiest hands dip the blocks into color and apply until the entire fabric is covered. These beautiful block printed fabrics are used for clothing and accessories as well as home linens and décor.

And one of our favorite uses of pattern in India is in the beloved Kantha (Sanskrit word meaning ‘rags’) from India’s eastern regions of West Bengal, Tripura, and Odisha. These quilts are created by piecing together bits of saris and cloth scraps to form multi-layered, patchwork blankets. The pieces of fabric are woven together using the Kantha stitch, one of the oldest embroidery stitches, traced back to ancient India. Ancient Kanthas had ceremonial symbols and animals printed or stitched in their patterns. Even today, the stitches that bind have their own unique pattern and character that seems to ebb and flow, unlike any of our typical machine made cloths. And the blankets are often dyed with natural colors from leaves, grains, or roots, giving them their quintessential look.

Isn’t it a wonder with such extensive color and pattern that India is such a vibrant country? Whether it be in a small detail or a large statement piece, we can take the inspiration from this authentic nation into our homes. Adding some block printed linens to your kitchen/dining area in the form of a tea towel or cloth napkins can be an easy way to accent with color and pattern. Perhaps a beautifully made Kantha quilt is that single element that can bring life (and a beautiful story) to your space. You could also try going bold with a carved statue that not only reflects the religious or cultural character of India but adds weight and interest to your space. The possibilities are endless, just as the character and complexity of India is as well.