Abstract

Indian visual language has defined the art, philosophy, and culture of this region for centuries. In Indian art, numerous symbols are use as a form of visual language. The presented research paper is an analytical study of the traditional murals as symbols of Kashi, widely considered the oldest city in the world. The depiction of traditional symbols on the walls of Kashi, ancient buildings, ruins, ghats, and alleys gives its art a unique place globally. Such artwork and numerous visual symbols were primarily created on exterior walls, the purpose of which was to convey spiritual, religious, and auspicious meanings awakens and flows. Through this study, I discovered the current status of these arts today, the changes that have occurred in their meaning and significance, and the extent of their decline and growth. Even in the modern digital age, where we use graphics and icons as a form of symbolic visual language, the study of ancient Indian symbolism helps us understand how visual cues and symbol-like signs leave a profound impact on the human mind. Additionally, ancient texts, research literature, field observations, and visual analysis have also formed the basis of this work. The mural art of Kashi, encompassing the Indian knowledge tradition, folk cultures, and religious beliefs are living documents of continuity, which remain alive through artistic symbols. The colors, lines, shapes, forms of deities, swastika, kalash (sacred pitcher), trishul (trident), and other traditional symbols used in these paintings act as a visual dialogue of Indian cultural philosophy. This research paper analyzes the symbolic meanings and the characteristics of the visual language mural of Kashi paintings, thereby developing a comprehensive understanding of the traditional expression of Indian art. It is a confluence of art and philosophy that retains its significance across areas”.