Mapeh Indian Arts

• Ajanta caves of Maharashtra from the 2nd Century BCE to 600 CE:

  • Contains paintings and sculptures
  • Considered masterpieces of Buddhist religious art
• Classical Period:

  • Shiva, the destroyer, develops into Shiva the Cosmic-dancer represented by a four-armed figure
  • Attributes include fire (which he destroys), drum (the first sound heard during creation), arm pointing up in a reassuring gesture, arm pointing down to the dwarf in which he dances
• Islamic Ascendancy or Transitional Period (1192-1757):

  • Evolution from Vedism (polytheistic sacrificial religion) into Hinduism or Brahmanism
  • Two great Indian epics: Mahabharata and Ramayana
• Mongul Period:

  • The Moguls/Mughals (Muslim dynasty) enriched Indian culture in painting and architecture
  • Famous contribution: Taj Mahal (1632) by Shah Jahan
• Diwali:

  • Celebrated by Hindus in India and worldwide in October or November
  • Known as the Hindu new year and is a 3-day or 5-day holiday