The late 19th century saw a boom in India’s lithographic printing industry. It led to the creation of a new form of devotional image which flooded into every corner of daily life. 

During puja (Hindu worship) it is believed the gods inhabit their reproduced form. Households used these readily available and affordable 'god-prints' to carry out worship at home.

Krishna in front of a temple, surrounded by dancing gopis

Lithographic printing was invented in Germany in 1798 and was a labour-intensive process. By the middle of the 19th century steam-powered printing presses could mass-produce thousands of images a day.  

The artist Ravi Varma was the first to import a German printing press to India, setting up The Ravi Varma Press. 

Ravi Varma Press, early 20th century

Kaliya Daman

Devotional lithographs were often called calendar art because they were sold with tear-off paper calendars. In this print, by the Chore Bagan Art Studio, Krishna is dancing on the head of the snake demon, Kaliya, surrounded by the naginis. 

Chore Bagan Art Studio, c.1895

Shiva

Images of deities in certain scenes and poses became increasingly standardized across the country .

This is a common depiction of Shiva that shows him as a meditating ascetic, seated on a tiger skin, signifying his power over the world. The sacred River Ganga flows from the top of his head.

Thakor Art Works, Delhi, early 20th century

Hem Chander Bhargava Press, Bombay, early 20th century

Durga

Each printing press had its own stylistic approach. This striking work is by the Kansaripara Art Studio of Calcutta. It shows Durga riding her lion vahana (vehicle). 

Kansaripara Art Studio, c.1900

Shree Laxmi 

Although this print was published in Bombay, it was printed in Germany and re-imported to India. This was common practice in the early days of printing devotional lithographs.  

Such was the trust on German machinery, tools and inks that 'Printed in Germany' was added to lithographs entirely produced in India to assure consumers of their higher quality. 

Shree Vasudeo Picture Company, 1928 

Hanuman

Scenes from the Hindu epics, like the Mahabharata and the Ramayana also provided popular subject matter.  

This scene is from the Ramayana. It shows the King of the Monkeys, Hanuman, escaping from the demon city of Lanka.  

You can see more images from the Ramayana in the Inspired by the Gods section.  

Ravi Varma Press, early 20th century

Our Lady of Ransom Vallarpadum

The presses also produced devotional images for India’s Christian population.  

This image shows the Madonna and Christ Child, mirrored by an Indian devotee and her child. It was produced for the Basilica of Our Lady of Ransom Vallarpadum, Kerala. 

Artist and press unknown, early 20th century

St Sebastian

This remarkable image is of the statue of St Sebastian at St Andrews Basilica Church in Arthunkal, an important Catholic pilgrimage site in Kerala. 

Artist and press unknown, early 20th century

Ganesha

The popularity of devotional prints continued throughout the 20th century and, while some lithographic presses closed, many developed and evolved, adapting styles and imagery as the fashions changed. By early 1980s in southern India alone, the presses were producing 10 million images a year. 

The ‘god-print’ industry has now been in existence for 150 years and is still going strong today. 

Unknown artist, late 20th century