Monday, 28 February 2011

संक्षिप्त इतिहास

Indian Art had been in existence since the 3rd millennium BC. Indian art often seems overly ornate and sensuous. “Voluptuous feeling is unusually given free expression in Indian culture.” A strong sense of design is also characteristic of Indian art and can be observed in its modern as well as in its traditional forms. As mentioned in a previous post, majority of Indian art deals with the cultural history, religions and philosophies in a social context.

Indian art can be classified into specific periods each reflecting particular religious, political and cultural developments.

Ancient period (3500 BCE-1200 CE)
Islamic ascendancy (1192-1757)
Colonial period (1757–1947)
Independence and the postcolonial period (Post-1947) 


The earliest recorded art of India originated from a religious Hindu background, but when King Asoka (ca. 270-232 BCE) converted to Buddhism, Hindu themes started to be replaced by Buddhist art. Non-the less art in India has always been inspired by spiritualism and mystical relationships between man and god.

Water colors, charcoal and vegetable dyes were popular methods of painting. Fabric painting was also extensive. The purpose of art in ancient India was not just to adorn the walls, each painting had a story to narrate.

Visually ancient Indian art was colorful, aesthetic and appealing to naked eye, and unlike ancient western art, kings would commission the artists to paint from inspiration. The artwork of both Hinduism and Buddhism, depict scenes from mythological stories, which continue to inspire artists even now.

The range of techniques used in both ancient and modern art is vast. Here is a list of some that I could find: block priniting, blue pottery, embroidery, glass work, golden nakkashi, jewllery, leatherwork, metal work, jaipur miniature paintings, paper crafts, papier mache, terracotta, tribal arts, wall paintings, woodcarving, bandhani (tie dye), bead work, cane and bamboo work, carpet/dhurries, painting (various types), batik, pottery, textiles, weaving and appliqué work…

However, for the purpose of my project, I have chosen three techniques for further research and experimentation.

Leatherwork 



Painting (this includes batik) 




Woodcarving/block printing


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