India's 79th Independence Day: The Hidden Message In Google Doodle's Tile Art
Drawing inspiration from India’s centuries-old tile art traditions, the digital artwork captures both the nation’s heritage and its achievements in the modern era
To mark India’s 79th Independence Day on August 15, Google unveiled a vibrant and culturally rich doodle on Friday. Drawing inspiration from India’s centuries-old tile art traditions, the digital artwork captures both the nation’s heritage and its achievements in the modern era. The style reflects a blend of Jaipur’s famed blue pottery, West Bengal’s terracotta reliefs, and other regional craft forms.
Each tile tells a story
Instead of a single image, the doodle is composed of six uniquely designed tiles-each representing a letter in the word Google. Artists Makarand Narkar and Sonal Vasave of Boomranng Studio crafted the artwork to merge intricate regional art with symbols of national pride.
The First ‘G’ adopts the elegant patterns of Jaipur blue pottery, framed with delicate floral motifs.
The ‘O’ features a vibrant floral arrangement surrounding a spaceship, signifying India’s remarkable achievements in space exploration, including the Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan missions.
The Second ‘O’ incorporates a traditional geometric pattern with a cricket ball and bats, a nod to India’s long-standing passion and success in cricket.
The ‘G’ continues with a traditional Indian motif, tying the artistic theme together.
The ‘L’ proudly showcases a chess piece, representing India’s dominance on the global chess stage- from Viswanathan Anand’s era to the rise of young grandmasters.
The ‘E’ cleverly integrates a film reel, celebrating India’s globally renowned cinema industry, from Bollywood to regional films that have earned international accolades.
Blending heritage with modern India
In a statement on the Google Doodle page, the artists noted that the designs reflect “a wide variety of textures and styles from across India,” serving as a bridge between ancient craftsmanship and contemporary accomplishments. The doodle celebrates milestones in areas as diverse as outer space, sports, cinema, and intellectual pursuits.
India’s Independence Day commemorates the country’s liberation from nearly two centuries of British colonial rule in 1947. The journey to freedom was marked by decades of civil disobedience and nonviolent resistance, led by visionary figures such as Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Subhas Chandra Bose. Today, the day is observed with flag-hoisting ceremonies, cultural programs, and patriotic tributes across the nation and among Indian communities worldwide.
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