The Iconography of Hindu Deities
by Emily Snyder
Emma Willard School

This lesson is designed to introduce students to the concept of iconography and to teach them how to read an image by introducing them to visual representations of the Hindu gods. In the process, students will consider the role played by art in a mostly illiterate culture. It will also reinforce what they have already learned about Hindu belief and set the stage for teaching them about Hindu devotional practice.

Begin the lesson by dividing students into groups and providing each group with an image of a Hindu deity. DO NOT give them any background on the god or goddess and their role in the Hindu pantheon. I am including a "key" for reading each image. The Gods' pictures are here.

Ask each group to answer the following questions about their image:

1. Describe the figure. Are they old? Young? Beautiful? Ugly? Male? Female?
2. What kind of expression does the figure seem to have?
3. Is the figure holding anything? If so, what?
4. What is the figure wearing?
5. What kind of god do you think this is? What do you think he/she represents to Hindus?

Alternatively, you could project the images and answer the questions on each one as a group.

Have each group present their image and interpretation to the class and then reveal for them the identity and significance of each image. When you are done, define "iconography" and discuss how art and this language of symbols is often used to educate people in a society that is primarily illiterate.

For more contemporary images and descriptions of Hindu deities, follow this link.