29 August 20261 min read
When Colour Reveals Character: The Visual Language of Kerala Murals
In Kerala mural painting, colour serves as a visual language, expressing the nature and qualities of divine, human, and demonic characters. Rooted in the ancient concept of the three Gunas-Sattva, Rajas, and Tamas-each colour carries a deeper symbolic meaning.
According to ancient texts three broad qualities Assigned to Superhuman, SATWA (the Noblest) and human and Subhuman beings. RAJUS (the active & middle principle) TAMAS (the dark & destructive principle).
To represent SATWIK quality green & shades of green Lord Vishnu & are used. Sridevi Arjuna and Markandeya were his incarnations, Parvathi, poise beings like Prahlada and always painted in green.
Characters of RAJASIK quality were portrayed in Red and golden. Bhoodevi (godess earth), Ganga, Ganesha and Fourheaded Brahma were painted in red. Vishnu waspainted in different colours according to his attributes.
The TAMASIK nature of Gods were painted & represented in white. While the demons and demonesses were represented by black.
No other mural tradition has been able to match the linear accuracy of Kerala Murals.