Indian Art and Architecture
Introduction
- The journey of Indian art and architecture began millions of years ago and continues today.
- The paintings in the Bhimbetka caves of Madhya Pradesh reflect the history of ancient human civilization.
- In India's history, various kings and emperors came who encouraged art and architecture.
Indus Valley Civilization
- Time: 3000 BC to 1500 BC
- Cities: Constructed in a planned manner, special attention to water and sanitation.
- Bricks: Uniform size, planning included upper city and lower city.
- Citadel: Located at a height, main buildings like assembly halls, granaries.
- Streets: Connected to the main road, width 30 meters, intersecting at right angles.
- Houses: Made of baked bricks, with a uniform standard.
- Water Supply: Each house had its own well and drainage system.
Mauryan Period Architecture
- Development of court art and popular art during the Mauryan rule.
- Mauryan Palace: Inspired by the Iranian Achaemenid palace, three-story.
- Mauryan Pillars: 40 feet high, made of Chunar sandstone.
- Stupas: Representations of Buddhism, popular during Emperor Ashoka's reign.
Gupta Period Architecture
- Development of temple architecture: Nagara style in the north and Dravidian style in the south.
- Garbhagriha: The most sacred place of the temple.
- Shikhara: Curved linear in North India, Vimana in South India.
- Nandi: The seated statue in front of Shiva temples.
Different Architectural Styles
- Nagara Style: North Indian style, without large boundary walls.
- Dravidian Style: South Indian style, with large boundary walls and gopurams.
- Vesara Style: Mix of Nagara and Dravidian styles, prevalent in the Deccan.
Architecture of Important Sites
- Sun Temple of Konark, Khajuraho Temples, Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram.
- Lad Khan Temple, Chennakeshava Temple of Belur, Virupaksha Temple of Hampi.
Buddhist Architecture
- Mahabodhi Temple: Example of brickwork, built by Emperor Ashoka.
- Nalanda University: Collection of monasteries and Mahavihara.
Jain Architecture
- Jain Temples: Dedicated to Tirthankaras and other deities.
- Jain Temples of Mount Abu, Temples of Palitana.
Islamic Architecture
- Development of the imperial style during the Delhi Sultanate.
- Mughal Architecture: Taj Mahal, Red Fort, Jama Masjid.
Colonial Period Architecture
- Influence of Portuguese, French, and British styles.
- Victorian Gothic Style, Indo-Saracenic Style.
Painting
- Prehistoric Painting: Paintings of Bhimbetka Caves.
- Mural Paintings: Paintings of Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh Caves.
- Miniature Paintings: Pala School, Mughal School, Rajputana Style.
- Folk Paintings: Madhubani, Pattachitra, Kalamkari.
Sculpture
- Sculpture of Indus Valley: Stone and metal sculptures.
- Mauryan and Gupta Period Sculptures: Yaksha, Yaksini, statues of Lord Buddha.
Music
- Vedic Music: Originating from Samaveda, Dhrupad style.
- Characteristics of Hindustani and Carnatic music.
Dance
- Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathak.
Philosophy
- Indian Philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimamsa, Vedanta.
Influence of Ancient Civilizations
- Influence of Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan Period, Gupta Period on Indian culture.
These notes provide a high-level summary of the history of Indian art and architecture, highlighting various eras and styles concisely.