Truck Art: A Motley of Colours

Truck Art: A Motley of Colours

Everything about India is colourful, from its customs, traditions, architecture, food, clothing to the diverse landscapes. Walk down a street and you will find a dizzying array of vibrant colours in the surroundings. Be it a juice centre hoarding, banners of any political party or the shining clothes of people, the mix of hues is compelling, both in urban spaces and rural landscapes. Adding sparkle to this colourful kaleidoscope are the Indian trucks which are often termed as moving works of art.

Extensively used in transportation of goods and cargo, trucks are an integral part of the Indian economy. But apart from playing an important part in the logistics chain, these vehicles offer a visual delight with their unique designs and vivid colours. My City Links delves into the truck art tradition to know more about its significance and the reason behind these intricate paintings.

Design

The front of a truck usually has the title ‘Public or Goods Carrier’ apart from ‘National Permit’ written on the top. The name of the manufacturing company is clearly visible in the middle and in some cases, it is even highlighted with paint. The front headlights are painted as eyes which have thin eyebrows, mascara on eyelashes, and eye shadow as well. This lends a feminine look to the truck. Religious denotations and devils or charms are often present too. Strips of reflective tape are also commonly used to grab attention of other drivers and prevent accidents. 

The truck’s name is usually written at the back as it is the most visible area. Besides, the thoughts of drivers are etched in the rear in form of a couplet, a social message or simply a road safety tip.

Words like ‘Horn Ok Please’ are inscribed across the back of the truck which is a message to other drivers to hoot their vehicle horns while overtaking on a busy route.

The Tricolor is painted at the back symbolising the patriotism of the trucker. The eagle or hawk, considered as an emblem for speed, is also represented in the paintings.  

The interiors of trucks are also beautifully decorated since this is where a driver spends most of his time, from sleeping to relaxing to driving. The indoor includes pictures of deities, religious symbols, decorative patterns and colorful lights that make the environment cheerful and happy.

Phrases such as ‘Horn Please’, ‘Horn OK Please’, ‘Blow Horn’, ‘Awaaz Do’, ‘Use Dipper At Night’, ‘Keep Distance’, etc. are commonly written in block letters at the back of a truck in roman characters, even if it is transliterated Hindi. 

Daljeet Singh, a trucker from Jajpur, says, “Away from our family and home, the truck is our constant companion throughout the journey. She is our source of livelihood as well as a means of shelter and relaxation. We feel most at home here. Just like you decorate your houses, we decorate our wagons and feel at home.”

Reason 

The interesting display of slogans, colors, decorative articles, and countless convoluted symbols, serves as a 3-dimensional canvas portraying the influences of different religious beliefs and cultures. Since the drivers drive for long hours and commute across long distances of the country, it is habitual of them to end up spending a lot of time inside their trucks. Hence, the vehicles serve as their home away from home. The drivers treat their trucks as their homes as well as their place of worship. So they decorate the trucks as newlywed Indian brides and always keep them decked up.

“It is our responsibility to keep the wagon happy. And the way to do that is by keeping her clean and beautiful at all times. Just like we get exhausted after a long journey, she too gets overworked and needs to be tended and adorned. She keeps us happy by being our means of livelihood and we can satisfy her by being her caretakers,” says Daljeet.

Meaning

A melange of color schemes, fonts, and symbols on display calls for attention of any onlooker. As the years unfold, truck art is gradually evolving. The colours are usually bright and saturated with slogans, icons and symbols written at the back and even on the sides. Usually, safety-oriented slogans depicting the use of a horn or dipper lights at night are in the rear. The design and colour embellish the beauty of the truck. Most trucks have a painting of an eagle which is a symbolism of speed and precision. Figurines of divine beings are also depicted to give a sense of peace, protection and safety. The lemon-green chilli hangings or the black thread on trucks can also be seen to ward off any evil eye. 

Funny Slogans

Most of the trucks have some quotations painted in the rear. These hilarious quotes, most of which are desi puns, are bound to make you laugh out loud. 

Truck Art has been prevalent since ages and has turned into a traditional art form in India. The vibrant paints, patterns, fancy quotes and distinct poems carry the onlookers to a cultural excursion and a journey that reflects the diverse beliefs of India. The truck art isn’t just about aesthetics but rather reflects some deep-rooted religious sentiments and cultural viewpoints of the truckers and people related to the transport industry.