The art associated with the Indian subcontinent. Visual art, especially sculpture, has flourished here since prehistoric times, but the historical tradition of Indian art really begins in the 3rd-c BC during the reign of Asoka (264223 BC). Buddhist stupas (earth mounds) were adorned with relief sculpture from the 1st-c AD. Figurative sculpture at Ganhara (2nd6th-c AD) reflected Hellenistic influence from Egypt and Syria. Richly-coloured Buddhist wall-paintings occur at Ajanta. The Gupta period (4th5th-c AD) is considered the classical period of Indian civilization, especially in literature, but much of the visual art has vanished. Islamic influence increased, reaching its zenith under the Mughal emperors in the 17th-c.
The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies which place art production and patronage in social and cultural contexts.
Indian art can be classified into specific periods each reflecting certain religious, political and cultural developments.
Hinduism and Buddhism of the ancient period (3500BC-present) Islamic ascendancy (712-1757 AD) The colonial period (1757-1947) Independence and the postcolonial period (Post-1947) Modern and Postmodern art in IndiaEach period is unique in its art, literature and architecture. Indian art is constantly challenged as it rises to the peak of achieving the ideals of one philosophy in a visual form, then begins anew for another.
Each religion and philosophical system provided its own nuances, vast metaphors and similes, rich associations, wild imaginations, humanization of gods and celestial beings, characterization of people, the single purpose and ideal of life to be interpreted in art.
Interrelationship in Indian arts
In the Indian context, the visual arts (sculpture, painting and architecture) are tightly interrelated with the non-visual arts.
Insight into the unique qualities of Indian art is best achieved through an understanding of the philosophical thought, the broad cultural history, social, religious and political background of the artworks.
In India the distinction between "fine" and "decorative" arts is not pronounced.
The history of art in India begins with rock paintings. The dancing girl from Mohenjodaro, various seals from Harappa and other art objects show that there was a clear knowledge of anatomy of the human figure, as well as a high degree of awareness and perception of animal forms.
Rock cut art
The earliest Indian religion to inspire major artistic monuments was Buddhism.
Hindu rock art has continuously evolved, since the first rock cut caves, to suit different purposes, social and religious contexts, and regional differences.
Folk and tribal art
Alongside the classical art, there have been evolving, changing, transforming, folk and tribal art traditions. These art forms are the visual expression of people belonging to different cultural and social groups who fall into the broad category of Hinduisms.
Folk and tribal art represent the kernel of energy of the respective communities as a whole. It is a living, changing art form which changes with time, necessity, memories and experiences of these people.
It is an art where life and creativity are inseparable. The tribal arts have a unique sensitivity, as the tribal people possess an intense awareness very different from the settled and urbanized people. Their art is an expression of their life and holds their passion and mystery.
Folk art also includes the visual expressions of the wandering nomads. This is the art of people who are exposed to changing landscapes as they travel over the valleys and highlands of India. They carry with them the experiences and memories of different spaces and their art consists of the transient, changing pattern of life. The rural, tribal and arts of the nomads constitute the matrix of folk expression.
The folk spirit has a tremendous role to play in the development of art and in the consciousness of the overall culture.Indian art and architectrure has brought india closer to the world.The Taj Mahal The Ajanta and Ellora Caves have become world famous the Taj Mahal is one of the Worlds 7 Wonders.
Fine Art
British colonial rule had a great impact on Indian art. The old patrons of art became less wealthy and influential, and Western art more ubiquitous. Rabindranath Tagore, referred as the father of Modern Indian art had introduced Asian styles and Avant garde western styles into Indian Art. Souza - founded the Progressive Artist's Group, to establish new ways of expressing India in the post-colonial era. Though the group was dissolved in 1956, it was profoundly influential in changing the idiom of Indian art. Present day Indian Art is as varied as had been never before. Most of these artists are born after the 1960s and are bringing a rare freshness to the Art scene. Indian Art (Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2001, ISBN 0-19-284221-8)
Music
Main article Music of India
The music of India includes multiple varieties of folk, popular, pop, and classical music.
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