Indian Art

• Ancient Period - some evidences of the early civilizations are bronze and copper statuettes. It shows vigor and concern for surface texture as constantly characterized in Indian Art
• Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra - 30 rock cut cave monuments that includes paintings and sculptures that are considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art
• The frescos that are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka are also Buddhist religious art
• Classical Period - The image of Shiva
• Image Of Shiva - the destroyer, develops into the Shiva the cosmic-dancer represented by a four-armed figure
• One hand of Shiva holds the fire which he destroys
• The second arm holds a drum, which is the first sound heard in the world during creation
• The third arm points up in an reassuring gesture
• The fourth arm points down to the dwarf in which he dances to
• Islamic Ascendancy (Transitional Period) - the period of evolution from Vedism into Hinduism or Brahmanism
• THE 2 GREAT INDIAN EPICS: The Mahabharata and The Ramayana
• Mogul Period - Moguls contributed to the enrichment culture of India
• Taj Mahal - the most splendid example of Mogul Period, it was built by Sha Jahan in memory of his wife
• Diwali - celebrated by Hindus in India and all around the world in October or November
• Diwali - the Hindu New Year and is either a 3-day or 5-day holiday
• Diwali - a very exciting and colorful holiday where homes are cleaned to welcome the New Year and windows are opened so that Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi can enter
• Goddess of wealth in India - Lakshmi
• Diyas (Diwali Clay Lamps) - every household burns this special light for the goddess
• Diwali - the festival of lights
• Rangoli - came from the words rang meaning color and aavalli meaning colored creepers or row of colors
• Rangoli - one of the most beautiful and most pleasing art forms of India