Crimson isn’t just a color—it’s a symbol, a story, a piece of history. From ancient textiles to sacred paintings, crimson has always had a special place in Indian art. It’s more than just a vibrant shade—it’s a link between the divine and the earthly, carrying a deeper meaning that resonates across cultures and time. Today, we take a journey through the fascinating history of crimson, exploring how it has shaped Indian art and why it still has such a powerful impact today.

Crimson in Traditional Art Forms

Warli Art

In Warli art, a traditional tribal art form from Maharashtra, crimson is not just about adding color. It’s about adding life to the art. Often mixed with red ochre, crimson in these murals doesn’t just depict people or animals, but it represents the vitality, energy, and interconnectedness of life. Warli artists use this color to show the deep connection they have with the natural world, creating a sense of harmony with the environment.

When you walk into a home decorated with Warli art, the red tones seem to pulse with life. Crimson brings everything alive, infusing each scene with energy. The use of crimson in Warli murals has been a tradition for centuries, and it’s as much a part of the culture as the stories it tells.These paintings carry the rhythm of life, the flow of nature, and the energy of the universe.

Madhubani Painting: The Color of Passion and Fertility

Madhubani paintings from Bihar are another example of how crimson tells a story. In these intricate works, crimson represents more than just beauty. It’s a symbol of life, fertility, and cosmic energy. The crimson hues used in paintings of gods and goddesses, like Krishna and Radha, aren’t just decorative—they’re spiritual, tying the artwork to the divine.

Look closely at a Madhubani painting, and you’ll see that crimson isn’t just a background color. It’s a part of the spiritual energy that flows through the artwork. Madhubani art has been practiced for over 2,500 years, and the use of crimson helps connect the artist with the divine, with nature, and with the forces of the universe.

Pattachitra Art: The Sacred Energy of Crimson

In Odisha, Pattachitra art, which has been practiced for centuries, is a beautiful blend of mythology and symbolism. Crimson here is used to depict deities and divine figures, imbuing them with sacred energy. The color adds an ethereal quality to the art, making it more than just a painting—it’s a window into the divine world.

Crimson in Pattachitra art isn’t just a visual choice. It’s a spiritual act, one that connects the artist and viewer with the gods and the sacred stories they tell. The tradition of Pattachitra, which dates back over 800 years, remains deeply intertwined with religious practices, and crimson plays a central role in its storytelling.

Miniature Paintings: Power in Every Stroke

Rajput miniature paintings often feature crimson as a key color, symbolizing power, luxury, and divine favor. The intricate detailing of these artworks is meant to convey the status and spirituality of the figures depicted. Crimson gives these works a sense of grandeur, drawing attention to the most important figures, whether gods, kings, or warriors.

The rich, deep crimson in these miniatures isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s a way to show power, to highlight divinity, and to make the figures seem larger than life. These miniature paintings, which flourished in the 16th century, continue to captivate us with their exquisite detailing and ability to tell stories of kings and gods. We’re sure you’ll agree that the color crimson has an important role to play in this depiction!

Kalamkari: Divine Narratives in Crimson

In Kalamkari, a traditional hand-painted fabric art, crimson has a significant role in telling stories of the gods. Used to depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, crimson carries the weight of mythology, infusing each figure with divine power and grace. The color isn’t just a choice—it’s an essential part of the narrative, drawing us into the story of the gods. When you look at a Kalamkari painting, crimson doesn’t just highlight a hero or goddess—it elevates them, bringing their story to life in a way that feels personal and intimate. Kalamkari is over 3,000 years old, and its rich colors, including crimson, continue to breathe life into the stories of ancient Hindu epics.

Crimson in Religious Symbolism: Strength and Spirituality

Crimson is deeply symbolic in both Hinduism and Sikhism. In Hinduism, the color is closely associated with Goddess Durga, embodying her strength, maternal love, and divine power. During Durga Puja, crimson is everywhere—marking the goddess's presence in decorations and rituals.

In Sikhism, crimson symbolizes pride, courage, and resilience. Worn as a symbol of strength and honor, it’s often seen in the turbans of Sikh men, representing their commitment to justice and truth.

The Mughal Legacy of Crimson: A Royal Hue

During the Mughal era, crimson was a color reserved for royalty. The Mughal emperors adorned themselves in crimson robes, surrounded by tapestries and paintings that used this vibrant color. Crimson was not just a luxury—it was a marker of status, power, and divine favor. It’s a color that speaks of grandeur and spiritual depth, reflecting the emperor's connection to the divine and his status as a ruler. In Mughal courts, rich crimson hues dominate the surroundings. It’s not just the beauty of the color—it’s the weight of history and power that it carries with it. The Mughal dynasty, which spanned over 300 years, left a lasting influence on Indian art, architecture, and fashion and the colour crimson is entwined in every aspect of it. Crimson remains a symbol of royalty, opulence, and divine favor to this day.

Crimson in Textiles: A Symbol of Protection and Beauty

Textiles like Bandhani and Ikat use crimson in unique ways, making it more than just an aesthetic choice. In Bandhani, a traditional tie-dye technique from Gujarat, crimson is used for its protective qualities. The intricate patterns, dyed in vibrant crimson hues, are believed to carry blessings, offering protection and good fortune to the wearer.

Imagine wearing a Bandhani sari, where each crimson swirl is not just a piece of fabric—it’s a sacred story, a blessing, and a part of family tradition. Bandhani has been practiced for centuries, and crimson remains a key color in the tradition, linking the present wearer to the protection and blessings of their ancestors.

Modern Art and Fashion: Crimson’s Contemporary Charm

Crimson is no longer confined to the traditional art forms—it’s alive in modern fashion and contemporary art. Designers like Sabyasachi and Manish Malhotra use crimson in their bridal collections to symbolize love, fertility, and tradition. Contemporary artists like S.H. Raza also uses crimson to evoke deep emotions, blending traditional meaning with modern expression. Whether in a fashion show or a contemporary artwork, crimson continues to hold its significance, merging the past with the present.

“Crimson isn’t just a color—it’s a statement, a reflection of history, culture, and creativity.”

The Natural Origins of Crimson

Historically, crimson was created from natural sources like the cochineal insect and the madder plant, which provided a rich, long-lasting dye. These natural pigments have had a lasting influence on Indian art and textiles, continuing to be used for their vibrant color and cultural significance.

The Chemistry Behind Crimson – Natural Dyes in Indian Art – learn about the fascinating process of how these pigments are derived and used in textiles, including insights on cochineal and madder dyes.

Experience Crimson Through Rooftop

Are you ready to dive into the captivating world of crimson? The Rooftop App offers exclusive workshops where you can not only learn traditional crafts but also explore the cultural and spiritual depth of this vibrant color. From Pichwai and Madhubani paintings to Bandhani textiles and Miniature and Kalamkari art, each workshop is a hands-on journey led by expert artists, giving you the chance to connect with crimson in a truly meaningful way.

Artventures Books: Hands-On Exploration

Take your journey even further with Artventures Books—featuring fun, practical activities that let you explore crimson through creative practice and traditional techniques

Join the Crimson Legacy

Download the Rooftop App from Google Play or the App Store, explore crimson-inspired art, and join exciting workshops. Follow us on @rooftop_app for updates. Don’t forget to buy Artventures Books for more hands-on fun!

Written by Akanksha Kamble, researcher at Rooftop App, exploring the history of pigments and how colors shape art and culture.