Indian Art and Craft : The painting history of India - 2

Guys, welcome to the 2nd segment of the Indian Art and Craft. I am trying to explore the creativity of we Indians in front of the world. Let us move with me.

There are many places where murals from ancient periods have survived include the caves of Ajanta, Bagh, Badami, Ellora Kailasanatha Temple, Talagirisvara Temple, Brahadiswara Temple and the Virupasaka Temple. Best known are the Ajanta Caves carved out of volcanic rock in the Deccan Plateau. The cave paintings were done by artists employed by Buddhist monks who turned the stone walls into picture books of Buddha's life and teachings. The artists, in doing so, portrayed costumes, ornaments and styles of the court life of the times. Close to the ancient trade routes, the caves attracted traders and pilgrims through whom the art style travelled to China and Japan.

The paintings of India have many dimensions to them. Most of the paintings are intricate with clarity in minute detail. Different techniques are used to produce the most exquisite designs and works. The colours used are vibrant and the themes range from royal portraits and events to illustrations of innumerable Gods and Goddesses. The painting techniques are exciting and abundant.

The Glass Painting technique dates back to the courts of 16th century Maharajas of Tanjore. Tanjavur or modern Tanjore in Tamil Nadu, is famous for a special style of decorating the paintings which were done both on glass and board, a piece of ply covered with cloth, which is then treated with lime. The required images are outlined. Following this, semi-precious stones, beaten gold leaf and gilt metal are stuck on the image with a mixture of sawdust and glue. The skill of the craftsman lies in balancing the effect of the stones. Krishna in various poses has been the main theme.

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01. Indian Art and Craft : The Living Age - 1

Indian Art and Craft : The Living Age - 1

India is a storehouse of art forms from paintings that flourished from earlier periods, to its sensitive tradition of crafts. Its living traditions are a testimony to numerous art styles. From paintings in caves, temples to even roofs and courtyards of homes, Indians have in the arts, sought a spiritual contentment. some art forms are homage to Gods, and are laced with humility. Artists believed that since art served a specific purpose of addressing the divine, there was no need to add their signatures to the artworks.

Indian arts and handicrafts have, since time immemorial, captivated the imagination of people globally. Every state in India boasts of an exclusivity and specialty, depending upon its historical influences, traditional skills, and raw material. India is world renowned for its dexterity in paintings, exquisite embroidery, beautiful sculptures in stone, metal, wood, temple carvings and elegantly designed jewelery.

Paintings appeared on pots found in the Indus Valley Civilization as early as the 3rd century B.C. The cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora date back to the 1st to 5th century A.D. These, including the wall paintings on Brahadeeswara temple in Thanjavur from 1st century A.D. and the Kalamkari art forms in the Vidharba temple in Lepakshi, portray advanced techniques and refinement of creative styles.