The fresco paintings used to be ubiquitous across Punjab and rest of India and were found: painted inside or outside of homes, mansions, heritage buildings and religious sites . These paintings consisted of beautiful floral designs, pictures of animals and unique patterns and mosaics which were created to decorate simple structures using various spectrum of colours. Unfortunately in Punjab, they have been whitewashed (plastered over) or have been replaced by Gold gilded art in mainstream Gurdwaras. These fresco paintings remind us of the simpler times, when buildings were adorned by beautiful art and depicted beauty of nature with subtle messages.
Fresco Paintings are called MohraKashi. Punjabis were master artists of this craft and our Sikh heritage sites used to be adorned with these Fresco paintings. The frescos are said to be modelled after the wall paintings of their time found in Kangra Valley. They convey profound meaning and I have deciphered some of the messages of these mystical paintings based on the book: ‘The Golden Temple Past and Present’ by Madanjit Kaur.
Most of the fresco-paintings are representations of Hindu mythological themes. The tolerance of the Sikhs towards other religions motivated the Sikh artists to borrow extensively from the Hindu and Muslim traditions. Fresco paintings depict a number of animals pouncing upon one another, which is symbolic of the struggle for existence. Some paintings depict a Yogi in Padma Asan over and above a number of ferocious animals: the tiger, the lion, and the snake. This symbolizes mastery over animal instincts and worldly fears. Another representation may show a painting with the Kalsa (a water-pot) with fruits, flowers and leaves all symbolizing material prosperity and good will.
Fresco paintings also depict Sikh Gurus, the most famous fresco being of Guru Nanak Dev Ji with his disciples Bhai Mardana playing the rabab and Bhai Bala waving the fly whisk over Guru Nanak’s head. The fresco paintings at Baba Atal Sahib Gurdwara depict stories from Guru Nanak’s life stories which are recorded in various Janamsakhis.
There are frescoes with Lake (Water/Jal) in which fish, crocodiles etc. are drawn on either side of the fresco while animal figures in the middle and the birds in the upper part. The idea conveyed here is of Jal Jivas (water creatures): creatures cannot leave water so also jiva (being) cannot live without maya (desires).
Elephants on frescoes symbolize splendor and power in man, snakes represent greed (lobh). Some paintings show elephants in chains, meaning human passions can be controlled and mastered through mental discipline and recitation of bani. A child in fresco represents innocent soul. A snake coiled around a child suggests that innocent soul (jiva or being) is a prisoner of greed of the world (maya). The idea seems to be that by virtue of Nam and Simran (recitation of God’s name, the soul is released from the clutches of greed.
Some frescoes show peacock and pigeons. The peacock represents good self (super ego) in Man and the pigeon is symbolic of peace. Frescos also show fairies following one another in a chain. The fairies have Persian caps on their heads, reminding the onlookers of the Persian element in these paintings.
The fresco paintings are an integral part of our Sikh heritage and depict stories from the lives of our Gurus and convey the message of unity and syncretism prevalent in various religious beliefs of the Punjabi society. They also convey uncomplicated messages to our community to live a humble and devout life and to be honest and truthful in spite of worldly temptations. We should ensure that these unique paintings are preserved in private homes and religious institutions across India for posterity.
Images: The fresco paintings are from Baba Atal Gurdwara, Amritsar (I acknowledge that these images have been borrowed from Google or from other Facebook posts)
