Modernism and Islamic motifs: How Indian artists envisioned Christ's birth

The birth of Jesus Christ is a significant event in Christian history, and it has been depicted in countless paintings by Western artists. These artists often draw upon their own cultural backgrounds and artistic traditions, which has led to a predominance of Western interpretations of this biblical event. However, Indian artists have approached the subject of Christ's birth with a unique perspective, infusing their works with local styles and cultural motifs. This article explores how Indian artists have envisioned the nativity scene, creating a body of work that breathes new life into the story of Jesus's birth. One of the key figures in introducing Christianity to India was Mughal emperor Akbar, who ruled in the 16th century. Akbar invited Jesuit missionaries to his court, where they shared holy scriptures and European artworks that depicted Christian themes. This exchange of ideas had a profound impact on the artists of the Mughal court, who began to incorporate elements of Islamic art into their paintings of Christian subjects. Neha Vermani, a historian specializing in South Asian art, highlights a notable painting created by Mughal court artists that features emperor Jahangir in the nativity scene. Traditionally, this scene includes Mary, Joseph, and baby Jesus, but the Mughal rulers saw themselves as just and universal leaders who promoted harmony among different religions. This perspective is reflected in their art, which often showcases a blend of cultural influences. The 18th-century painting of Mary and child exemplifies the Mughal style, characterized by vibrant colors, intricate ornamentation, and stylized figures. In this artwork, Mary is depicted in a blue cloak, seated on a terrace with baby Jesus, surrounded by attendants holding various dishes. The background features a tree and a building adorned with colorful curtains, creating a rich visual narrative. This painting not only captures the essence of the nativity scene but also reflects the artistic traditions of the Mughal era. Another significant artist in this narrative is Jamini Roy, born in 1887 in West Bengal. Roy is celebrated for his innovative approach to art, which combined elements of Bengali folk art with the Kalighat painting style. Art critic WG Archer noted that for Roy, Christ represented a Santhal figure, connecting the simplicity of Christ's life and sacrifice to the experiences of the Santhal tribal community. Roy's paintings on Christian themes are as important as his depictions of Hindu mythology, showcasing his ability to blend different cultural narratives. One of Roy's notable works is a tempera painting of Madonna and child, where Mary is portrayed as an Indian woman dressed in traditional attire. This representation challenges the conventional Western depictions of Mary and emphasizes the importance of local identity in religious art. Similarly, Angelo de Fonseca, born in 1902 in Goa, created a unique style of Christian iconography that merged Eastern and Western influences. In his paintings, Mary is depicted as an Indian woman with brown skin, dressed in a sari and adorned with traditional jewelry. De Fonseca's works often take place in familiar Indian settings, featuring motifs that resonate with local audiences. His artistic vision aimed to reposition Christianity within the Indian cultural context, countering the narrative that Western traditions held a monopoly on beauty and creativity. Through their art, these Indian artists have contributed to a broader understanding of the birth of Jesus Christ, showcasing the richness of Indian culture and its ability to reinterpret significant religious themes. Their works not only honor the story of Christ's birth but also celebrate the diversity of beliefs and traditions that exist within India. By infusing their paintings with local elements, these artists have created a unique dialogue between Christianity and Indian culture, enriching the global narrative surrounding this pivotal event in Christian history.