Beauty as Redemption: Indian Aesthetic Tradition and Dostoevsky's Vision in Socio-Cultural Context

Abstract: The timeless adage by Fyodor Dostoevsky, “Beauty will save the world,” resonates across cultures and philosophical traditions, finding a compelling counterpart in Indian aesthetic thought. This article explores the socio-cultural dimensions of this statement by examining the parallels and intersections between Dostoevsky’s metaphysical and moral understanding of beauty and Indian aesthetic theories, particularly Rasa theory and the ideal of Satyam-Shivam-Sundaram (Truth-Goodness-Beauty). Through a cross-cultural lens, the article reveals how both traditions perceive beauty not merely as an aesthetic experience but as a transformative force capable of redeeming individuals and societies. Drawing on literary, religious, and philosophical sources, this study emphasizes the socio-cultural relevance of beauty as a moral and spiritual compass in times of crisis, alienation, and cultural disintegration.