Historically, Indian art was deeply influenced by the three great religions of ancient India – Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism. Architecture (the use of space), sculpture (form) and painting (colour) often intermingled and drew on each other to create holistic works that shaped the environment. The carved lions of Ashoka’s pillars, the cast metal bronzes of the Pallavas and the Cholas, the amazing temples and palaces carved out of mountains and rock in Mahabalipuram, in Konark, in Khajuraho and in the cave dwellings of Ajanta and Ellora, and the great stone fortresses of Rajasthan, Mandu and Hampi are some examples. Because most of the materials used in early architecture and painting were perishable, most of the art that has survived is in the form of bronze and stone sculptures and carvings. The Indus Valley Civilisation, which reached its peak around 3,000 BC, has left behind few examples of its artistic tradition but the sculpture of the Dancing Girl of Mohenjodaro alone is enough to show that it was a stylised and sophisticated tradition. India has a rich heritage of architecture, sculpture, painting, carvings and handicrafts, which dates back to the dawn of human civilisation.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |