Indian Art Periods Overview

Indian Art Periods

• Ancient Period (3900-1200 BCE): Early civilizations produced bronze and copper statuettes, and steatite seals. These show a focus on surface texture.

• Example: Ajanta Caves (200 BCE-1000 CE): These caves in Maharashtra, India, have rock-cut monuments, paintings, and sculptures. They represent Buddhist religious art. Frescoes in the caves are similar to those at Sigiriya in Sri Lanka.

Classical Period (5th-6th century)

• This period, roughly 300 BCE to 500 CE, is known as the Golden Age of India. It's a time of significant cultural, scientific, and artistic advancements. Spiritual reverence and religious devotion were important.

• Example of Shiva image: The image of the Hindu god Shiva transforms into a cosmic dancer and is depicted with four arms. The arms hold fire, a drum, a gesture of reassurance, and a dwarf representing destruction and creation.

Mughal Period

• The Mughals contributed significantly to Indian culture, especially architecture and painting.

• Example: Taj Mahal: This architectural masterpiece, built in 1632, was built by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. It is a prime example of Mughal architecture and is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being the "jewel of Muslim art in India." It's recognized as one of the world's most admired heritage sites.

• Characterized by a combination of solids and voids, concave and convex forms, rhythmic light and shadow, arches, and domes, creating a strong aesthetic impact of color and light. The lush greenery, pathways, and blue sky over it, change with the time of day, showing its beauty in many moods (tints and moods). Its intricate marble inlays with semi-precious stones are also noteworthy.

Diwali Festival

• Celebrated by Hindus worldwide in October or November.
• It's the Hindu New Year and is a 3/5-day holiday.
• Homes are cleaned to welcome Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth.
• Clay lamps (diyas) are lit to light her way into homes.
• Over the centuries, people of various religions (e.g., Jainism, Sikhism), now celebrate Diwali.

Rangoli

• Rangoli is a beautiful art form with a combination of "rang" (color) and "aavalli" (row or creeper).
• It involves creating patterns and designs on walls or floors using white powder and colored powders.
• Traditionally it utilized natural dyes (from barks, leaves, plants, etc.) but synthetic dyes are now more common.
• Often used to decorate courtyards and homes in the Indian subcontinent.

Mehndi

• Mehndi, or henna, is a paste used in Indian wedding ceremonies, signifying good luck and positive spirits.
• Applied on the hands and feet of brides.
• The ceremony involving the application of Mehndi takes place the night before the wedding and brings together women of both families.
• Also includes natural medicinal remedies to cool and relax the body—relieving any stress.

Pakistan Art

• Pre-Islamic Period: Showcased sophisticated urban planning (e.g., Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa) and Indus Valley Civilization artifacts. Also influenced by Greek art during the Gandhara period.
• Islamic Period: Introduced calligraphy and geometric patterns, blending with existing Indian styles. Famous examples include Mughal architecture (e.g., Badshahi Mosque, Shalimar Gardens). Miniature painting also flourished.
• Colonial Period: Brought Neoclassical and Gothic architectural styles and Western art techniques to the region, which significantly impacted the creative process.
• Post-Colonial Period: Pakistani artists explored diverse national themes (drawing from Islamic and pre-Islamic heritage) through art movements, experimentation across mediums, and engaging with global trends.
• Pakistan Art Trucks: Brightly painted, colorful trucks serve as mobile art galleries, depicting landscapes, celebrities, and flowers and are a unique way to showcase art in the country.