Indian Art Periods Overview

Study Notes

Ancient Period: Evidence of early civilizations includes bronze and copper statuettes, steatite seals, showing concern for surface texture. The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra (India) are rock-cut cave monuments dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 600 CE. These caves contain paintings and sculptures, considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art, reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka.

Classical Period: Shiva, the destroyer, evolves into Shiva the Cosmic dancer, depicted as a four-armed figure. One hand holds fire, another a drum (the first sound of creation), a third in a gesture of reassurance, and a fourth pointing to the dwarf.

Islamic Ascendancy: This period marks the transition from Vedism to Hinduism or Brahmanism. The epics, Mahabharata and Ramayana, emerged during this time.

Mogul Period: The Mughals contributed significantly to Indian culture through painting and architecture. The Taj Mahal, built in 1632 by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife, is a prime example of Mogul architecture.

Diwali: Celebrated by Hindus in India and worldwide in October or November, often lasting 3–5 days, (Hindu New Year.) Diwali is known as the "Festival of Lights." Homes are cleaned, windows opened, special clay lamps (diyas) are lit to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.

Rangoli: An art form from India. It involves creating patterns or designs on floors and walls using finely ground white powder and colored powders. Traditionally, Rangoli patterns are inspired by nature (flowers, creepers, etc.). Natural dyes were initially used.

Pakistani Architecture: Pakistani architecture has four main periods: Pre-Islamic, Islamic, Colonial, and Post-Colonial. Significant pre-Islamic settlements like Mohenjo Daro, Harappa, and Kot Diji are prominent archaeological sites.

Truck Art: Across Pakistan, large trucks are often decorated with images of landscapes, personalities, flowers, and trees – transforming highways into outdoor art galleries. Other forms of arts include painted chests and jars.

Central Asian Arts: People in Uzbekistan are known for printed cloth (tablecloths, curtains). Uzbekistan ceramics are significant applied arts. Kazakhstan's visual arts are relatively young, though ancient rock drawings (petroglyphs) are widespread. Tajik art is known for its decorative carving. Carving gradually changed from images of people and animals to Arabian inscriptions. Lotus, tulips, and other floral patterns are common in Tajik architecture.

Turkmenistan & Kyrgyzstan: Arts include felt, jewelry-making, woodwork, ceramics, and silverwork. Turkmenistan is famous for carpets, traditionally woven by women on horizontal looms from wool, cotton, and silk. Turkmenistan produces special homespun silk (keteni) used in women’s dresses for special occasions. Kyrgyz women also create many textiles – often using patterns adapted to markets and from felt (sheep wool). They also make large wall hangings (tush kyiz).

West Asian Arts and Crafts: West Asia demonstrates a rich cultural heritage, evident in various crafts like: embroidery, ceramics, calligraphy, inlaid wood designs, wood carving, blown glassworks, and hammered metalwork. Even products like handmade soap reflect the region's artistic aesthetics.