What is the word used for 'Proportion' in the six limbs of Indian painting?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 1:
The word used for 'Proportion' in the six limbs of Indian painting (Shadanga) is **Praman** (or Pramanani). This is the second and a highly foundational principle of the Shadanga, which outlines the necessity for **accuracy of measurement and structure** in all artistic creations. Pramana dictates the correct relative dimensions, scale, and anatomical correctness of all figures and objects within the painting. Indian artists often relied on established systems of *taal* (a unit of measurement) to ensure that the body composition and the ratio of various organs were perfectly balanced and adhered to classical ideals. A deep understanding of Pramana ensures that the artwork possesses structural integrity, realism, and aesthetic harmony, forming the essential blueprint upon which other qualities, such as grace and expression, can be built.

The incorrect option is 2:
The term **Lavanya Yojanam** represents the fourth limb of the Shadanga, and it is incorrectly associated with 'Proportion'. *Lavanya* translates to grace, elegance, or aesthetic charm, while *Yojanam* implies application or infusion. This principle, therefore, focuses on the **"Infusion of Grace"** or the blending of artistic quality to enhance the beauty of the composition. It is concerned with external beauty, refinement, and the delicate quality of the art, ensuring the composition is aesthetically pleasing and visually alluring. Unlike Pramana, which deals with strict technical measurement, Lavanya Yojanam is an aesthetic quality applied to control and dignify the overall representation, making the artwork refined rather than merely correct.

The incorrect option is 3:
**Sadrishya** corresponds to the fifth limb of the Shadanga, which means **"Similitude"** or **"Resemblance."** This principle demands that the artist must observe and replicate the true essence of the subject with visual fidelity. It requires the artwork to not only be anatomically correct but also to bear a convincing likeness to the subject's character, texture, and appearance. Sadrishya goes beyond simple copying; it is about interpretive realism that captures the subject's specific details—such as the sheen of silk or the glow of skin. While correct proportions (Praman) help, Sadrishya is the final measure of the visual resemblance and the capturing of the subject’s spirit.

The incorrect option is 4:
**Bhava** represents the third limb of the Shadanga, which translates to **"Infusion of Emotions"** or **"Expression."** This principle is concerned with the portrayal of the inner life of the subject—the emotional and psychological intent that the artist wishes to convey. Bhava uses facial expressions, gestures (*mudras*), and body language to depict emotions like joy, fear, or serenity, connecting the artwork to the viewer on a psychological level. It is directly linked to the *Rasa* theory of aesthetics, where the goal is to evoke a corresponding sentiment in the audience. Since Bhava deals with subjective emotional content rather than objective physical measurement, it is fundamentally different from Pramana.