Question

Why do we use the term ‘image’ rather than common terms like ‘idol’ or ‘icon’? The latter two terms are considered pejorative in the context of Judaism, Christianity and Islam, whose orthodox sects condemn ‘idolatry’ or the worship of ‘idols’ or ‘icons’.

India’s classical texts used words like mūrti, vigraha, pratimā, rūpa, etc., to designate images, often statues, used for worship in temples or homes. In English, ‘image’ is a neutral term.

Answer 1

The term ‘image’ is used because ‘idol’ and ‘icon’ have negative meanings in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, which condemn idolatry. Indian classical texts use neutral words like murti or pratima for statues used in worship, so ‘image’ is a neutral term that avoid connotations and respects the cultural context.