Indian Art Periods and Diwali Celebrations

Motivation

• Strength and growth come only through continuous effort and struggle.
• Quote by Napoleon Hill

Indian Art Periods

• Ancient Period: (3900-1200 BCE)

  • Evidence includes bronze/copper statuettes and steatite seals.
  • Art shows vigor and concern for surface texture.
  • Example: Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra (2nd century BCE to 600 CE), 30 rock-cut cave monuments.

• Classical Period: (5th-6th century)

  • Shiva is depicted as a cosmic dancer (four-armed figure).
  • The figure holds fire, a drum, a reassuring gesture, and a dwarf.
  • Dwarf represents destruction of creation.

• Mogul Period: (16th century)

  • Moguls enhanced Indian culture through painting and architecture.
  • Example: Taj Mahal (built in 1632 by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife).

• Diwali:

  • Celebrated by Hindus in India and globally in October or November.
  • It is either a 3-day or 5-day Hindu New Year holiday.
  • Homes are cleaned and decorated for Diwali.

Rangoli

• Rangoli is a traditional colourful Indian art form.
• Rangoli patterns are created on floors or outdoors.
• It's comprised of two words: 'rang' (meaning 'color') and 'aavalli' (meaning 'colored creepers' or 'row of colors').

Pakistan

• Pre-Islamic Period: Advanced urban culture developed around the middle of the 3rd millennium BCE.
  • Large buildings like Mohenjo Daro and Harappa survived.
  • Kot Diji was among the pre-Islamic settlements.
• Across Pakistan: Brightly colored trucks, landscapes, famous personalities, flowers, and trees make roadways a gallery.

Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan

• Uzbekistan: Renowned for printed textiles (tablecloths, curtains, bedspreads, and ceramics).
  • Nomadic patterns adorn clothing, tools, yurts, and saddles.
• Kazakhstan: Modern visual arts, including ancient nomadic petroglyphs still visible today. Diverse styles and genres are showcased.
• Tajikistan: Long history of crafts (fabrics, utensils, musical instruments, carpets, furniture, jewelry). Decorative carving, prominent as an art form in architecture and household items.
• Arrival of Islam (Tajikistan): Tajik carving evolved to incorporate Arabian inscriptions, people/animal images, and geometric patterns. Floral ornaments (lotuses and tulips) became prevalent.

Kyrgyzstan

• Kyrgyz Women: Produce various textiles, mostly from sheep's felt.
  • Ancient patterns are adapted for tourism.
  • Handmade carpets (shirdaks) are common in yurts and homes.
  • Large embroidered wall hangings (tush kyiz) celebrate marriages.
  • Colors and designs reflect Kyrgyz traditions and rural life; Flowers, plants, animals, stylized horns, and national emblems are common elements.

Turkmenistan

• Turkmenistan: Known for traditional arts such as felt, jewelry, ceramics, and woodwork.
  • Turkmen carpets are unique in shape and purpose by different tribes.
  • Carpets are traditionally woven from wool and cotton using horizontal looms.
  • Homespun silk (keteni) is used for beautiful dresses worn on special occasions.

Arts of West Asia

• West Asia has a rich cultural heritage with variety and quality of regional arts and crafts evident.
• Examples of artistic forms include embroidery, ceramics, wood carving, inlaid wood designs, calligraphy, and hammered metalwork.

Aesthetics in Everyday Objects

• Their aesthetic can be seen in various products, like soap.

Quiz

• Give 3 periods of Indian art.
• Explain the meaning of rangoli.

Explore the rich history of Indian art through its various periods, from ancient to Mogul. Discover significant artworks, architectural marvels, and the cultural significance of festivals like Diwali. Test your knowledge on the evolution of style and tradition in Indian art.