From early petroglyphs to
a flourishing contemporary art scene, India's vibrant artistic legacy is the
result of a variety of cultural influences. The diversity of art from this
area—which includes anything created in the historical regions of modern-day
India, Bangladesh, and areas of Pakistan and Afghanistan—is reflected in vivid,
distinct, and enchanting styles that represent many different civilizations. Because
some of the world's major religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam
either began or flourished in India, much of Indian art is based in religious
or political subject matter. Here, we uncover the history of Indian folk
paintings, architecture, and sculpture, and explain how each evolved from the
sociopolitical influences reflective of the period from which they originated.
A Brief History of Indian
Art -
Archaeologists discovered
evidence of prehistoric rock art—carvings or drawings on cave rocks—in this
area dating back at least 290,000 years. The oldest examples are the Bhimbetka
petroglyphs found in central India. These consist of cupules, which are non-utilitarian
hemispherical cup-shaped depressions that are hammered out of the rock surface.
This type of rock art was the primary form of cave painting throughout the
Paleolithic, Mesolithic and Neolithic periods, often depicting animal and human
forms. The earliest known Indian art sculptures were produced by the Indus
Valley Civilization between 2,500 B.C. and 1 ,800 B.C. They created small
terracotta and bronze figures that also represented humans and animals such as
cows and monkeys. In the 6th century B.C., the rise of Buddhism paved way for
religious-themed art, often in the form of stone and bronze sculptures. During
this time, religious artists also experimented with the creation of vast temples
carved in stone and decorated with Greek-influenced columns.
Sculpture was a common
practice among Indian Buddhists and Hindus. Hinduism continued to be a main
focus of Indian art for centuries, as sculptures of deities like Shiva were
commonly produced. By the 16th century, Islam gained importance under the
Mughal Empire and art production grew under Islamic rulers. During this time,
the arts prospered and in 1631 construction began on the Taj Mahal. British
involvement in India began in the 18th century, during which time they
established art schools to promote European styles. As a result, local art
styles merged with foreign influences and traditional art forms were often
romanticized or exaggerated to appeal to European buyers. In 1947, India gained
independence from the British empire which pushed local artists to search for a
new style. Contemporary Indian art incorporates traditional elements and influences
from the rich history of the country.
Types of Indian Art –
Each region of India
offered its own distinct style of art. Religious motifs are some of the most common
subject matter, often featuring mythological human and animal forms as well as elaborate
ornamentation. The three most prevalent art forms to span India's history are painting,
architecture, and sculpture.
Paintings
Each style of painting
that emerged in India represented traditions, customs, and ideologies passed
down from previous generations. Though early paintings existed on walls or as
murals, the art form was eventually transferred to more modern materials such
as paper, canvas, cloth, and other mediums. Below are some of the most popular
Indian folk art painting styles.
Madhubani Paintings
Some of the most popular
paintings from India are Madhubani paintings. This style originated in the
Mithila region of Bihar as a form of wall art, but wasn't widely known to the
Western world until British civil servant and art historian W.G. Archer
stumbled upon their brilliance in 1934 while inspecting damage from an
earthquake near the border of India and Nepal.
The Madhubani style is
represented by a simple and evocative portrayal of culture and tradition,
typically depicting mythological scenes. Artists juxtapose vibrant imagery with
pared-down patterns, often bearing floral, animal, or bird motifs. The art form
is practiced in many different styles including Bharni, Katchni, Geru, Godna,
and Tantric.
Miniature Paintings
These small works created
mostly as illustrations for manuscripts were initially found on palm leaves,
painted for merchants who carried them throughout their travels across the subcontinent
in the 10th and 12th centuries. The art form became increasingly important throughout
the Mughal and Rajput courts. Miniature paintings were highly detailed and intricate,
drawing from Persian techniques. Themes ranged from religious and historical scenes
to depictions of everyday life.
Pattachitra Paintings
Another early form of
painting, this style dates back to the 12th century B.C. near Orissa, an eastern
Indian state on the Bay of Bengal. The small villages within the area still
produce this style of painting today. Pattachitra literally translates to
"cloth picture," aptly describing this traditional, cloth-based type
of scroll painting. Known for its intricate details and mythological narratives,
the paintings call upon angular, bold lines and draw extensively from
Mughal-era influences.
Warli Paintings
Warli folk paintings, a
form of indigenous Indian art, date back 2,500 years. The style originated in
Maharashtra, a state spanning the western part of Central India, where it is
still widely practiced today. Typically created on the walls of huts, Warli
paintings utilize linear and monochromatic hues and an elementary style of
execution that resembles cave painting. Contrary to other types of tribal art,
which feature an abundance of colors, this style utilizes earth-tones and
neutral shades to depict daily activities of local people such as farming, dancing,
and hunting.
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