Manmadha in Tanjore Art

Tanjore painting is a classical South Indian art form known for its richness, vivid colours, and embellishments. Traditionally, these paintings depict Hindu gods and goddesses and are crafted on wooden panels with embossed artwork adorned with 22-carat gold foil and semi-precious stones. The grandeur and intricate detailing make Tanjore paintings a cherished heritage of Indian artistry.

What you see here is an extraordinary unique Tanjore painting created by my mother in the 1990s. This painting portrays Manmadha (Kamadeva), the Hindu god of love, seated on his celestial vehicle—a parrot. This painting is an adaptation from an old Maratha painting, which did not have any precious stones in its embellishments like other Tanjore paintings. Perhaps the subject itself was so captivating that additional semi-precious stones seemed unnecessary.

A Unique Representation of Manmadha

Unlike conventional depictions, this painting presents a fascinating symbolism—the parrot itself is formed by four women, each playing a different musical instrument:

• One with a drum
• One with a tambura
• One with a violin
• One with cymbals

This artistic arrangement aligns with traditional Indian iconography where human forms are used to symbolize different elements. Interestingly, the presence of a violin, which arrived in India through European influence, helps date the original concept of this painting to the British colonial period.

Symbolism of Rathi and the Four Women

The painting also subtly incorporates Rathi, Manmadha’s consort, and her feminine virtues—Acham (fear), Madam (humility), Naanam (shyness), and Payirppu (chastity)—represented through the four women forming the parrot. This portrayal reflects the deeper philosophical and emotional aspects of love and desire.

The Iconography of Manmadha

Manmadha is depicted holding his signature weapons—a sugarcane bow and five floral arrows, each associated with different emotions of love and desire. The five arrows, known as Pushpabana, are:

• Aravinda – White lotus flower
• Ashoka – Ashoka tree flower
• Choota – Mango blossom
• Navamallika – Jasmine flower
• Neelotpala – Blue lotus flower

These arrows symbolize the various emotional effects of love, from attraction to deep yearning. Manmadha’s story, deeply rooted in Hindu mythology, recounts how he shot an arrow at Lord Shiva, only to be reduced to ashes in Shiva’s fury. However, due to Rathi’s heartfelt plea, Shiva granted that Manmadha would exist only in an invisible form, signifying the unseen but powerful influence of love.

Manmadha as a Warrior

In this painting, Manmadha is portrayed as a warrior, an unusual yet powerful depiction. He is shown with a dark green complexion, a colour often associated with fertility and beauty in Indian aesthetics. His attire reflects the 18th-century fashion, perhaps people of India, especially the princely class used to wear such clothes.

A Connection to Ancient Texts and Symbolism

The artistic technique of forming figures using human representations has roots in ancient Indian texts. The Saraswati Mahal Library in Thanjavur, which flourished under King Serfoji II, houses manuscripts like:

• Gaja Śāstram – Elephants depicted in the form of women
• Pakshi Śāstram – Birds represented as women
• Ashwa Śāstram – Horses formed by human figures

This suggests that the concept of a parrot formed by four women in this painting may be inspired by Pakshi Sastram found in these ancient treatises.

This Tanjore painting of Manmadha is now a cherished piece in my niece’s lovely home in Los Angeles. It beautifully blends mythology, symbolism, and history, showcasing the timeless story of love—its strength, struggles, and lasting presence in our lives.