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The Majesty and Mystery of Dogs in Indian Miniature Paintings

indian miniature

Dogs in Indian History and Archaeology

The presence of dogs in India dates back to ancient history, as reflected in several archaeological findings. Being one of the first animals to be domesticated in the country, dogs have a long association with human civilization.

The oldest traces of dogs in India come from the Paleolithic and Mesolithic periods.

Notably, these traces were found at archaeological sites in Bhimbetka and Burzahom. Records from these periods reflect the diverse dog breeds that existed even in those times.

rock art from Bruzahom in Himalya mountains

The breeds ranged from Sighthounds and Shepherd Dogs to Scent-Hunters and Giant Dogs. Interestingly, these dogs are not only part of the historical narrative but have also made a significant impact on Indian art, pointing to their significant role in ancient Indian society.

Religious and Cultural Symbolism of Dogs in India

Despite their historical significance, dogs occupy a complex space in Indian culture and religion. Essentially divine and unclean simultaneously, dogs in Indian society are surrounded by a myriad of beliefs and attitudes.

One prominent example is the Indian goddess Durga, who is often depicted with a dog’s head. This imagery highlights the revered status of dogs in certain contexts.

On the flip side, the common sight of homeless dogs in many Indian cities demonstrates an unsympathetic attitude towards these animals. Their treatment by citizens further illuminates the conflicting perceptions about dogs in Indian society.

Dogs’ Special Status in Archaeological Record

Further solidifying the important status of dogs within Indian society is their presence within archaeological findings, particularly within tombs found in Burzahom.

These sites indicate that dogs were more than just domestic animals — they held a special status in society. While the exact nature and reasons behind this special treatment remain a subject of historical debate, it is clear that these animals had a significant social and cultural role in ancient India.

This central position is further highlighted by their portrayal in ancient Indian art. From Sighthounds and Scent-Hunters to Shepherd Dogs and Giant Dogs, each depiction reinforces the diverse roles and reverence accorded to dogs in India’s historical narrative.


Dogs in Indian Culture

I feel sorry for people who don’t have dogs. I hear they have to pick up food they drop on the floor.” – Jerry Seinfeld

Sacred and Mystical Representations of Dogs in Religious Texts

Religious texts from the Vedic period reflect a high level of regard for dogs. In the Rigveda, one of the oldest texts in Hinduism, dogs were fondly referred to as Vastopati, translating to ‘protectors of the house’.

Even the Rigveda mentions a dog named Sarama who served as a companion to the God Indra. The Atharwaveda, another significant scripture, pictures dogs as companions of Rudra, the deity associated with storms and wind.

The interpretation of dogs took a more complex turn in the Chandogya Upanishad and other subsequent Upanishads. Here, dogs could signify either auspicious entities such as deities or sages, or sinners awaiting a human birth.

Dogs in Ancient Indian Epics and Royal Courts

Dogs make multiple appearances in ancient Indian epics such as the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.

The depictions are overwhelmingly positive, often highlighting their loyalty and intelligence. The Mahabharata puts forth a provocative suggestion – dogs are the last subhuman incarnation before a soul becomes human, underscoring their significance in the cosmic cycle of life and death.

Dogs also enjoyed a privileged status in the gourmet royal courts of the Mughals and Indian rulers. Bred and nurtured, they were primarily used for hunting, a beloved pastime amongst the royalty.

This points not only to the pleasure of the hunt but also to the delicate balance of power, majesty, and luxury that reigned in these courts.


Dog Depictions in Miniature Paintings

Throughout art history, dogs have been prominent figures in miniature paintings. For instance, an Ajmer miniature dating back to 1780, shows a female dog with her offspring, symbolizing the universality of maternal love.

Dogs not only served as loyal companions but they also represented a sense of realism in art. They were often portrayed in whimsical scenes like an Udaipur miniature from 1762 that depicts a Saluki hunting hound, a breed renowned for its hunting skills.

Such portraits sometimes also included handlers, demonstrating the dogs’ obedience and bonds with humans. A famous Kishangarh painting exemplifies this.

Dogs in Courtly Life and Religious Imagery

Dogs didn’t just play a role in artistic symbolism, they also held positions of respect and companionship among high ranking people.

For example, in a Bundi miniature, a courtly lady is depicted alongside a parrot and a dog chasing a cat — a wonderful depiction of animal life and hierarchy. It wasn’t uncommon for dogs to be represented in portraits of nobility, such as the miniature of a Muslim dignitary, Muhammad Ali, represented with his loyal companion.

Dogs also had religious significance in Indian context, being viewed as companions of divine ascetics. This tradition is illustrated in art as tranquil scenes of ascetics with their canine companions in remote settings.

Representation of Europeans with Dogs

European figures were often portrayed with dogs in Indian miniature art, especially after 1711. These portrayals frequently leaned towards the humorous side, presenting Europeans in secretive poses with their dogs.

A notable example is a painting from Mewar in 1760 that shows two European men, a child, and a man bitten by a snake with a dog present on the scene — an unusual and amusing composition that not only represents daily life but also introduces a sense of foreignness through the introduction of European figures.

It appears dogs served as a shared symbol between Indian and European cultures and their inclusion in art reflects this familiarity.

Dogs in Ancient Indian Texts and Rituals

Ancient Indian history and culture have intertwined with dogs, as depicted in various archaeological findings, including dog bones and illustrations of domesticated dogs. Dogs were highly regarded as seen in the Indus Valley Civilization, where they were portrayed with collars and alongside humans.

In Ropar, a dog was even buried next to a person, signifying its importance. Further proof of their special roles can be seen in ancient religious texts. The Vedas hold many references to dogs. In the Rigveda, dogs were termed Vastopati or protectors of the house. A particular dog named Sarama was also mentioned as a companion of the god Indra.

Similarly, in the Atharwaveda, dogs were depicted as Rudra’s companions. Their portrayal became more diversified in Upanishads, they symbolized either deities or sages or even depicted as sinful men’s previous incarnations.

Dogs in Indian Art and Portraits

Dogs have also made significant appearances in historical Indian art and portraiture. They were often illustrated in vibrant hunting scenes with ruling kings, as seen in miniature paintings from different periods. Some of these paintings feature dogs in mid-action, showcasing their natural and dynamic energies.

Notable examples are the portraits of Maharana Ari Singh from Udaipur in 1761, and Bhim Singh from the same place in 1799, both posing with dogs. Artists often had more creative freedom in depicting dogs compared to human figures, contributing to the liveliness of the scenes.

Rulers were not only content with having their dogs in their personal portraits but also commissioned specific portraits of their dogs. Raja Medini Pal of Basohli with his dog, painted around 1730, is a prime example.

Particular regions like Ajmer and Mewar were popular for such commissions. This reflects dogs’ esteemed position in the Indian ruling classes and the affection the rulers had for their canine companions.

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