The Ancient Grammar of Painting

I will now outline some of the critical points related to art from an ancient grammar book of painting, which was the world's first grammar book. I first read this book as a student at Art College, but it was briefly revised only for the fine arts syllabus and written in the Bengali language. After receiving my degree, I found that grammar book again in Bengali, translated from Sanskrit. It was all in the details. The original scripture, written in Sanskrit, described those aphorisms in two lines -

"Rupveda Pramanani Bhavalabnnya yojonam

Saddreshang Barnikavanga Eti Chitrang Sadangakam."

[“रूपवेद प्रमाणानि भावलाब्न्या योजनम्

सद्द्रेशांग बरनिकावंगा एति चित्रांग सदंगकम।'']

It is truly remarkable how that anonymous author crafted six insightful aphorisms in just two lines, conveying a broad range of meanings! During that time, it was common for ancient Aryan sages to express their teachings concisely, as it was challenging to prepare extensive papers for lengthy writing. Additionally, there was a tradition of focusing on these teachings to uncover the deeper meanings within those verses.

An ancient sage is writing the scripture of the grammar book

The original Kamasutra book is still widely available in various languages, as it is a popular guide to sexuality. One section of this book, known as the Chittrasadanga (which translates from Sanskrit as "six aphorisms"), was written by the famous sage Batsayana during the mythological era. 

In addition to the Kamasutra, several ancient grammar texts related to painting, sculpture, and Gothic art were prominent during that time, though many of these works have unfortunately been lost. Only a few references to them remain in other historical texts. Some of these books include Vishnudharmottara, Chittrasutra, Shilparatna, and Saraswatishilpa, all composed in Sanskrit. These works were created by artists who made significant contributions to temple and cave painting in South India.

The texts were written after the era of Lord Buddha, yet the aphorisms and certain fundamental grammatical methods can be traced back to pre-Buddhist linguistic traditions. As a result, when comparing the grammatical aspects of painting between Hindu and Buddhist styles, we do not observe significant changes; instead, the differences lie primarily in subject matter and spiritual vision.

Original image of the Kamasutra.

The book *Chitrasutra* is recognized as the earliest among others composed in the 6th century AD. This version discusses aphorisms, composition techniques, and the tools used in painting, as well as the quality and decline of artwork. Notably, it also addresses the concept of foreshortening. 

In contrast, the *Kamasutra* is considered the world’s first ancient text that provides detailed aphorisms about painting, with subsequent works building on its foundation. In this book, the author clearly defines art and artistic sensibility, outlines the basic principles of artistic vision, and explains how an artist should approach composition based on their beliefs and experiences drawn from nature. 

Additionally, the author offers guidelines to artists on the best ways to convey their artistic impressions on canvas. I am impressed by the modern interpretations of painting discussed in this text, which seem remarkable given the historical context. Furthermore, these ideas are highly relevant to contemporary art. The author also explores concepts related to tattoos and body painting, adding another layer to the discussion of artistic expression.

Vatsayan (Imaginary; followed by an old statue)

In India, the significance of this grammar book remains undeniable, particularly among fine arts students who continue to adhere to its aphorisms with guidance from their art teachers. This concept of grammar has been valued since ancient times, well before the era of Lord Buddha, when sages composed a specific scripture following extensive research. In line with their teachings, the grammar of painting and sculpture is divided into six aphorisms. This framework has provided a comprehensive guideline for "art," yet it does not identify the original creator of this grammar system. The only notable figure mentioned is a renowned monk named Batsayan, who authored a unique scripture of sexual guidelines that includes a detailed description of the six aphorisms of grammar. 

Determining the exact date of the composition of the "Kamasutra" is also challenging. Noted art critic Parse Brown suggested it was written in the third century BC or even earlier. Batsayan acknowledged that he was not the original creator of the grammar book on painting; however, he was unable to name the true author of these aphorisms. As mentioned earlier, the aphorisms were traditionally transmitted in a linguistic form, and Batsayan merely converted them into written text.

Here I am repeating those names -

1. RUPVEDHA.

Meaning - The Conception of nature and its elements.

2. PRAMANAM.

Meaning - Clear conception of symmetrical drawing, balance, and composition conforming to the sense of an artist.

3. VHAVA.

Meaning – Superimposing the emotion or Expression on any object or the body language and expanding feelings.

4. LABANNAYOJONAM.

Meaning - Create a luminosity and expand its beauty.

5. SADREESHAM.

Meaning - Find out the similarities ( direct or indirect ) between two separate objects.

6. BARNIKAVANGAM.

Meaning - Techniques of using painting materials (preferably colors ) or understanding the language of color tones.

It is well-known by the name “CHITRA-SADRANGA.” The term SADRANGA refers to the six parts of the body outlined in the aphorism.

Since that time, it has served as a widely accepted and essential guideline for artists. While there are various interpretations of these aphorisms, I will focus on the most widely recognized clarification, established through research and demonstrated in practical workshops. Each aphorism holds multiple meanings based on individual experiences; however, it is important to have a standard definition and understanding.

I hope my efforts can assist all students and art enthusiasts in understanding and appreciating a painting while inspiring them to pursue perfection.

In the next chapter, I will discuss the first aphorism, RUPVEDHA. You will uncover fascinating concepts from the third century BC related to artistic thought and vision. 

Image Resource - Original Kamasutra Scripture ByMs. Sarah Welch