
Themes
tribal paintings
Symbolism in The Baba Ind, gujarat

The Baba Ind is a prominent motif in the Pithora paintings, which is considered to be a sacred art form of the Rathwa Tribe in Gujarat. The murals are mainly made for offering or thanksgiving to deities, usually on occasions like events in life or the fulfillment of vows. Baba Ind is divine guidance from the altar line and is an important part of quite a few of the rituals meant for bringing blessings like prosperity, health, and well-being for families. The paintings are part of the people's spiritual connection and cultural expression.

Pithora art equates Baba Ind to protection and prosperity. The figure usually incorporates some notions of strength and divinity, blessings for crop and livestock welfare, and blessings for family. The motif is among those that represent the cosmic unity between gods, nature, and ancestors. Such motifs are far beyond beauty and act as sacred emblems, weaving together mythological narratives and ritualistic traditions.

It is central to those 5-year celebrations done in villages, accompanied by dance and music, along with the rites led by priests. Those motifs, especially Baba Ind's, symbolize spiritual protection and the Rathwa's expressions of gratitude and devotion to their gods. The Baba Ind motif is characterized by bright shades and symbols like parrots, flowers, and celestial forms, merging mythology into artistic tradition. It captures the essence of living together and divine blessings. Like all other Pithora paintings, it is rich in terms of narratives and spiritual layers, reflecting the community's cosmological beliefs and relation to nature and their gods.