By JESSICA DEABREU 
Anime is known for its diverse settings and wide array of genres, often taking place in unique worlds. But have you ever come across an anime that takes place in India? While Japan is typically the primary backdrop for most anime, some productions have drawn inspiration from India, incorporating its rich culture, landscapes, and diverse traditions.
Whether it’s a futuristic dystopia, an action-packed journey, or a heartfelt drama, anime set in India brings a refreshing perspective to the medium. In this post, we’ll dive into the best anime that are set in India or feature significant Indian elements.
Key Points:
- Several anime incorporate Indian themes and elements.
- India’s diverse culture provides a unique backdrop for many anime stories.
- The blend of fantasy and reality in these anime offers a fresh perspective on Indian society.
What Makes Indian-Themed Anime Stand Out?
Indian-themed anime have unique qualities that make them stand out from the typical Japanese setting. India’s vast culture, rich history, and diverse landscapes provide a creative canvas for anime creators.
These series often explore elements like spirituality, mythology, festivals, and traditions that are deeply rooted in Indian culture. By incorporating Indian themes, anime allows fans to experience a blend of fantasy and reality, while still connecting with the rich heritage of India.
Moreover, the representation of Indian customs and cultural nuances offers an insightful portrayal of the country’s values, such as family bonds, respect for elders, and a focus on spiritual enlightenment. Characters in these anime are often shown to be deeply connected with their roots and traditions, making them relatable to viewers who are familiar with India’s cultural diversity.
Note: The fusion of anime’s creative storytelling with India’s rich heritage creates a unique blend of entertainment and culture.
Which Are the Best Anime That Take Place in India?
India has served as a backdrop for several anime series, although these are few compared to Japanese-centric settings. Let’s explore some of the most popular and highly regarded anime that either feature India or take place within its borders.
1. “The Seven Deadly Sins” (Season 4 – The Indian Influence)
“The Seven Deadly Sins” is a widely popular anime series that takes place in a medieval world, but there are moments in Season 4 where the influence of Indian culture is quite visible. The characters travel through mystical lands, and one such place is heavily inspired by Indian architecture, culture, and traditional customs. The temples, artwork, and clothing in some of the scenes are reminiscent of India’s historical and religious monuments, which are often featured in the anime as sacred sites.
Additionally, the religious references throughout the series, including concepts of karma and reincarnation, echo many of the teachings found in Hinduism and other Indian philosophies.
2. “Aghori” (Original India-Inspired Anime)
The upcoming anime titled “Aghori” draws directly from Indian spirituality and mythology. It revolves around an ancient Indian sect of mystics known as the Aghoris. The Aghori practice radical forms of spirituality in pursuit of enlightenment, embracing unique rituals and beliefs related to life, death, and rebirth. While this anime is still in production, it has generated a lot of excitement among anime fans due to its deep connection to India’s religious practices and spiritual mysteries.
The series aims to showcase the complex and intriguing world of the Aghoris, incorporating real-life cultural aspects, and also brings in elements of supernatural battles and fantasy. The visual representation of Indian spiritualism promises to captivate audiences interested in mythology and folklore.
3. “Barakamon” (Indian Influence through Art)
“Barakamon” is an anime series about an artist’s journey of self-discovery, where he leaves Tokyo and moves to a remote village to find inspiration. While the main setting of this anime is rural Japan, the cultural significance of the series’ themes draws inspiration from various parts of Asia, including India. Through the protagonist’s interactions with people in the community, he learns about acceptance, growth, and the power of art to connect people, which resonates with themes found in India’s artistic heritage.
Indian art, including traditional painting and dance, is subtly referenced in some of the episodes, portraying the diversity of artistic expressions across Asia.
Reminder: India’s artistic traditions, such as classical dance forms and ancient painting styles, often influence anime creators when developing new concepts.
4. “Tales of Zestiria the X” (India-Inspired Visuals and Music)
Though not entirely based in India, “Tales of Zestiria the X” features certain visual elements that reflect Indian traditions. The anime’s colorful settings, vibrant festivals, and focus on spirituality make it a good example of how India’s cultural aesthetics can inspire anime. The character designs, based on traditional Eastern mythologies, as well as the incorporation of sacred themes, offer subtle nods to Indian artistic traditions.
Additionally, the anime’s soundtrack has a mystical, ethereal quality to it that echoes Indian classical music, blending traditional sounds with contemporary elements. This beautiful musical fusion creates a mesmerizing atmosphere that transports viewers to a fantastical world.
Note: The vibrant visual appeal and mystical music from “Tales of Zestiria the X” are influenced by both Indian and Eastern cultures.
How Does India Influence Anime Culture?
India’s influence on anime culture is far-reaching, often appearing in the form of religious themes, architecture, or even storylines that align with Hindu or Buddhist philosophies. The popularity of Indian culture, spirituality, and even cuisine in the global sphere has also led to more anime featuring these aspects.
Creators often turn to Indian mythology, epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, and the country’s history to craft captivating stories. These anime reflect how India has captured the imagination of anime artists and creators, introducing a broader worldview into the anime world.
India’s growing impact on anime could lead to more shows featuring Indian characters, mythology, and settings in the future. With the increasing global demand for diverse content, we might see more anime taking place in the heart of India.
Conclusion
In conclusion, anime featuring India or drawing influence from its culture brings a unique twist to the medium. India’s rich traditions, spiritual teachings, and diverse landscapes provide ample material for anime creators to develop captivating stories. Whether it’s a fantasy world or a modern-day drama, the incorporation of Indian elements in anime creates a fascinating mix of cultures.
As global awareness of Indian culture continues to grow, it’s likely we’ll see more anime that take place in India, offering fresh perspectives and a deeper understanding of this vibrant country. For anime lovers, the mix of familiar anime tropes with Indian influence provides a wonderful new realm of storytelling and exploration.
FAQ’s
- Are there any popular anime that take place in India? Yes, anime like “The Seven Deadly Sins” and “Aghori” feature Indian cultural influences or are set in regions inspired by India.
- How does Indian culture influence anime? Indian culture influences anime through themes like spirituality, religion, traditional art, and architecture. These elements are often integrated into anime visuals and storylines.
- Is there an anime based entirely on India’s spiritual beliefs? Yes, “Aghori” is an anime based on India’s ancient spiritual practices, showcasing the fascinating world of Aghori mystics.
- Can Indian mythology be seen in anime? Indian mythology has inspired many anime, especially in the context of religious themes, karma, reincarnation, and references to the Ramayana and Mahabharata.
- Are there any anime with Indian characters? While not common, some anime feature characters with Indian heritage or cultural references, often focusing on the fusion of different cultures.