Form Perception in Indian Culture

Muskan Kataria

2017513

Indian Institute of Information Technology, Design and Manufacturing, Jabalpur

Faculty of Studies in Form,

Introduction

Form is one of the most important aspects in the attract a number of tourists to its vibrant culture
branch of design. India’s diversity has inspired which is an amalgamation of religions, festivals,
many writers to pen their perceptions of the food, art, crafts, dance, music and many other
country’s culture. These writings paint a complex subtle things. Everything, from the culture and
and often conflicting picture of the culture of values to customs, rituals and traditions, is
India. India is one of the ethnically and religiously ‘special’ in this ‘Land of Gods’.
diverse countries in the world. The concept of
‘Indian culture’ is a very complex and complicated
matter. Because Indian citizens are divided into
various ethnic, religious, caste, linguistic and Perception of Indian Culture
regional groups. It makes the realities of “Indian-
ness” extremely complicated. This is why the If we look back in history, India has always been a
conception of Indian identity poses certain centre of colour, vibrancy, nature, spirituality and
difficulties and presupposes a series of artisans. Most of the Indian forms are inspired
assumptions about what concisely the expression from nature and religion.
“Indian” means. However, despite its vast
heterogeneous composition, the creation of some The evolution of Indian design, is mainly divided
sort of typical or shared Indian culture is the result into 7 sections, each covering a different aspect of
of some inherent internal forces- such as a robust life. These include ‘Vishwas’ or Believing, ‘Sajna
Constitution, universal adult franchise, flexible Savarna’ or Decorating, ‘Aana Jaana’ or Coming
federal structure, secular educational policy etc. and Going, ‘Aaram Karna’ or Relaxing, ‘Khaana
and by certain historical events- such as Indian Peena’ or Eating and Drinking, ‘Pehenna’ or
Independence Movement, Partition, wars against Wearing, and ‘Rakhna’ or Holding.
Pakistan etc.
A majority of Indian designers are actually small
“Unity in diversity” – these are not just words, but wage artisans. They are not designers by
something that are highly applicable to a country education. They always see a smaller picture.
like India that is incredibly rich in culture and Quite often they take nature and religion as their
heritage. The country’s liveliness and generosity
inspiration to create designs. They even take their The variety of jewellery created in India is not
rich cultural heritage as their inspirations. only to suffice the aesthetic sense, but also to fulfil
Indians are very expressive with form, detail and the religious needs. Not only human beings are
colour. They use bright colours that often denote adorned with jewellery, but it is also especially
the festivals and weddings. The products with dull crafted for Gods and Goddesses and even for
colours are seen as bad-omens as they denote ceremonial animals like elephants, cows and
'death'. horses.

In a traditional sense, the practice of design is age Like jewellery; clothes are also ways for Indians to
old in India. India has always had a rich culture show their wealth and power and thus follow the
and a well-developed craft tradition. The rituals, saying of "form over function".
practices and festivals are all design
manifestations, with a profound purpose behind
them. These traditions and crafts provide a
wonderful backdrop and inspiration towards Daily Use Products
looking at and understanding modern design. The
strength of Indian design stems from its deep In the products of everyday use, the Indian Society
cultural roots and its growing economic position. is associated with following the ideology of "form
The power of design in an Indian context is follows function". They have a matured and
magnified with the large population that needs simple taste in form and prefer well manufactured,
design solutions. Beyond aesthetics, design has the durable products which are rather inexpensive.
power to bring change in the lives of people and Chai glasses, Tiffin boxes, stainless steel plate
be an integrator of values, aspirations and culture. racks and the ubiquitous Bata sneakers are all
India has a vibrant design industry and an ever- inherently Indian, though hardly ever talked about.
increasing number of design users backed by a
strong platform of design education. Indian With such a large population, India has a lot of
designers are an eclectic mix of talent, insight and man-power and uses it to manufacture designs by
experience. Design in India has matured over the hand. The word handicrafts are made by two
years and continues to grow from strength to words hand + craft. Hand mean by made of hand
strength. or using simple tools in making of any item, ad
craft mean a unique expression that represent a
culture, tradition and the heritage of a country.
Luxury Products in Indian Market That mean handicraft is a unique expression by
using art on any item. Handicraft is also known as
For more than 2,000 years, India was the sole artisanry, which mean a type of work where useful
supplier of gemstones to the world. Golconda and decorative devices are made completely by
diamonds, sapphires from Kashmir and pearls hand or using simple tools.
from the Gulf of Mannar were coveted and drew
merchants across land and sea to India. For the India is still on the path to draw on its venerable
rulers, jewels were a statement of power, traditions to forge a distinct design identity.
prosperity and prestige. But for Indian women,
jewellery was, and is, in many parts considered a
social and economic security, the value of which
will almost always appreciate, never depreciate. Final Remark
Indian culture is a complex system which includes
In India, jewellery is also considered as a source knowledge, belief , art , morals, law , customs and
of security in times of financial crisis. Jewellery habits. It has been influenced over centuries by
has covered its journey since the beginning as an different invasions, which lead to the evolution of
evolving art form. The beauty of Indian jewellery identity of Indian design language.
lies in the uniqueness of its design and the efforts To make a product that reflects its "Indian-ness" ,a
of the workmanship involved in creating the critical analysis of social, cultural, traditional
intricate designs.
factors is required thus assessing user's needs,
preferences and concerns.

The right play of function, emotion and

Literature
[1] Sar , The essence of India
[2] Pradeep Kumar Jena, Indian
Handicrafts In Globalization Times: An
Analysis Of Global-Local Dynamics
[3] Cultural India :History of Indian
Jewellery and its Origin
[4] Nandita Abraham , Fashion Evolution
[5] British Counsel ; Future Of Indian Design
Education