The bizarre concept of racism and colour discrimination has pervaded the minds of people in India, like many other regions across the world and has infested the social fabric in such a manner, that it reflects in the attitude of people, systems and institutions in all shapes and forms. 

 

From age old superstitions, such as, the fair skinned to be high born or the dark skinned to have an ‘unlucky’ impact to advertisements showing cosmetic products that brighten up the skin and makes an individual more successful. 

 

Such notions of colourism and racist mentality is deep rooted and trails back to the Vedic periods- so much that even the Gods were not spared. For instance, Lord Krishna, is often referred to in religious texts as ‘Neela Megha Shyama’ or ‘Ghanashyam’ - meaning as dark as the rain filled clouds. As a matter of fact, the name ‘Krishna’  itself means black. Although, we find him depicted in a blue/grey skin tone- something unusual of human complexion. 

 

Such design choices and stylisation indicate towards a colourist and racist meantality reflective of the Indian society and this is what I have attempted to show through this illustration.