Peacock in Indian Art

First Online: June 01, 2005
Page Last Updated: November 16, 2024

Peacock is the national bird of India and known for beautiful feathers. 

The colorful feathers are  associated with Lord Krishna. Indian artists always show Krishna as wearing a feather in his hair.

Peacock population is higher in the arid zone of Rajasthan, where in spite of their destroying crops,  they are not killed since some divinity is attached to the birds.

Peacock is also the vehicle of Shanmukha son of Lord Shiva.

Peacock feathers are collected and sold as these birds shed them frequently. Fans and dainty broom sticks are prepared from these feathers. Sanctums, puja or worship-rooms etc are swept with peacock feather-brooms.

In ancient days tribals like Bhils wore apparels made of such feathers. Even today, these play important part in tribal dances. Here is a collection of peacocks depicted in various forms of Indian art.

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Peacock in a North Indian Painting

Corel Professional Photo/Kamat's Potpourri

Peacock Doorway Inside City Palace
City Palace, Jaipur, Rajasthan

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Artisan Selling Fans Made with Peacock Feathers

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Peacock from a Cave Painting
Illustration by K.L.Kamat based on a cave shelter painting

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Colorful Peacock
Design on a Kashmiri shawl

K.L. Kamat/Kamat's Potpourri

Peacock in a Folk Painting

See Also:

• Exploits of Krishna -- Depiction of life of Lord Krishna in Indian art and mythology; includes a number of pictures from Krishnaleela.