INDIC OBJECTS | Stories of Indic Civilization & Modern India

India has made significant cultural and scientific contributions to humanity, serving as catalysts for global progress. These contributions can be showcased to the world through modern utility objects, educational and entertainment tools, and souvenirs. Arguably, objects are the most effective way of communicating concepts, as they are easily accessible to individuals at home or in their workplace and thus can have a lasting impact on the world’s collective consciousness.

Yoga has become a multi-billion dollar industry. However, many practitioners unknowingly contribute to environmental harm by using synthetic mats manufactured in China. Fortunately, we can practise yoga in line with its true ethos by using darbha, water hyacinth, banana, jute, and cotton yoga mats, which are abundant in our grass and fibre crafts. However, yoga extends beyond the mat, and we can integrate its principles into our daily lives. Traditional yoga poses like Suryanamaskar can be presented as captivating sculptures and souvenirs.

Lota- an object unique to our culture and traditions, that had captured the attention of Charles Eames, a renowned American designer who was invited by Jawaharlal Nehru to assist in the establishment of NID Ahmedabad. Eames was inspired to write a treatise on the lota, with its distinct rimmed edge and shape, and its numerous advantages. This concept can be easily applied to utility objects, cookware, serveware, and dinnerware, providing an opportunity to reintroduce this object to the world.

Shunya|Cipher|Zero-India’s greatest gift to mathematics and science, has been a harbinger of scientific progress for humankind. This contribution can be glorified through a range of objects, including desktop items, lamps, shot glasses, T-shirts, and more. By showcasing these items, we can introduce the world to this remarkable achievement of Indian culture.

Board Games- India is the birthplace of board games, having invented classic games like Snakes & Ladders, Chaukabara, Chadurang (Chess), Goats & Tigers, and Pachisi. Despite the shameless copying and rebranding of these games by Europeans, we can proudly represent them to the world in new and innovative ways, such as mobile games. Additionally, India’s Mangalyaan and other space missions can inspire board games, creating our own unique versions of franchises like Star Wars and Avengers.

Sacred Geometry-India’s rich cultural heritage includes Yantras, Mantras, and sacred geometry, where every aspect of life and philosophy is represented through geometric figures. These inspiring figures offer a perfect opportunity to create objects that embody and represent them, such as Sri, Saraswati, and Tara Yantras.

Hasta Mudras-India’s ancient cultures have documented every aspect of human emotion and expression. The Navarasas capture the nine types of emotions, while Hasta Mudras are the core of yoga, spirituality, and Indian dance. The giant and captivating Hasta Mudras at Delhi airport serve as a reminder of how these gestures can be presented in various product forms. Let’s incorporate Hasta Mudras into our designs and celebrate our cultural heritage.

Ayurveda & Five Elements-

Ayurveda is the science of life that’s based on the principles of the universe, where the human body is made up of five elements and three doshas. We can present this ancient tradition through posters, water bottles, T-shirts, cufflinks, and other everyday objects, reminding the world of our connection to nature and the need to protect it.

Ravana & Mythology-Let’s explore creative ways to present our rich mythology, like Ravana, the demon king whom we love to hate. Imagine a Ravana-themed dart board, featuring his 10 heads with his navel as the bull’s eye. This fun and playful take on mythology can be enjoyed in every home and bar in the country. There are countless other aspects of our mythology that can be presented in fresh and contemporary ways, perfect for modern sensibilities.

Modern India & its ContributionsIndia’s national symbols, including the flag, constitution, and emblems, as well as the currency symbol, are all sources of pride and inspiration. Likewise, historic milestones like JRD Tata’s pioneering first flight in Asia in 1932, as well as ISRO and DRDO’s impressive contributions, and India’s advances in railways, all offer opportunities to create artisanal engineering products that celebrate our

There is a wealth of untapped potential waiting to be discovered by our creative and imaginative youth. We can embrace the “Make in India” initiative with a sensitivity that is rooted in the ethos of our traditional crafts and manufacturing processes. By producing products that evoke a sense of pride among India’s artisans and citizens, we can spread our soft power around the world while creating new jobs, increased earnings, and livelihoods of our craftsmen. These objects will not only express our rich traditions but also bring joy and become cherished heirlooms for generations to come.