The concept of Shadanga represents the six fundamental principles of Indian painting that form the aesthetic and technical foundation of traditional art in India. These principles were first systematically described in the ancient text Vishnudharmottara Purana, particularly in its section dealing with painting (Chitrasutra). Shadanga provides a comprehensive framework through which artists could understand form, expression, proportion, beauty, likeness, and the application of color. The first limb, Rupa Bheda, refers to the knowledge of forms and their distinctions. It emphasizes the artist’s ability to understand and represent different shapes and appearances found in nature and human life. For example, in the murals of Ajanta Caves, artists skillfully differentiate between divine figures, royal personalities, and common people through variations in posture, attire, and facial structure. This principle ensures that each subject maintains its unique identity. The second limb, Pramana, deals with proportion and measurement. It highlights the importance of maintaining correct proportions in artistic representation. In Indian art, especially in temple sculptures and paintings, the human body is often depicted according to canonical measurements. For instance, classical depictions of deities like Vishnu or Shiva follow strict proportional guidelines, ensuring harmony and balance in the composition.