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 depict the history of ancient human civilization.
• Throughout Indian history, various kings and emperors have encouraged art and architecture.

Indus Valley Civilization

• Period: 3000 BC to 1500 BC
• Cities: Planned cities with a focus on water and sanitation.
• Bricks: Uniform in size, planning included upper city and lower city.
• Citadel: Located on a height, main buildings like assembly halls and granaries.
• Streets: Connected to the main street, 30 meters wide, meeting at right angles.
• Houses: Made with 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 Mauryan rule.
• Mauryan palaces: Inspired by Iranian Achaemenid palaces, three-storied.
• Mauryan pillars: 40 feet high, made from Chunar sandstone.
• Stupas: Symbols 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 part of the temple.
• Shikhar: Curvilinear shape in North India, Vimana in South India.
• Nandi: Statue seated in front of Shiva temples.

Different Architectural Styles

• Nagara style: Northern India style, no large boundary walls.
• Dravidian style: Southern India style, large boundary walls and Gopuram.
• Vesara style: A mix of Nagara and Dravidian styles, prevalent in Deccan.

Architecture of Important Sites

• Konark Sun Temple, Khajuraho Temples, Shore Temple of Mahabalipuram.
• Lad Khan Temple, Belur's Chennakesava Temple, Virupaksha Temple of Hampi.

Buddhist Architecture

• Mahabodhi Temple: Example of brickwork, built by Emperor Ashoka.
• Nalanda University: Collection of Mahaviharas, monasteries.

Jain Architecture

• Jain temples: Dedicated to Tirthankaras and other deities.
• Jain Temples of Mount Abu, Temples of Palitana.

Islamic Architecture

• Development of 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 in Bhimbetka caves.
• Mural Paintings: Art in Ajanta, Ellora, Bagh caves.
• Miniature Paintings: Pala School, Mughal School, Rajputana style.
• Folk Paintings: Madhubani, Patachitra, Kalamkari.

Sculpture

• Sculpture of the Indus Valley: Stone and metal statues.
• Mauryan and Gupta Sculpture: Yaksha, Yakshi, Buddha statues.

Music

• Vedic Music: Originated from Samaveda, Dhrupad style.
• Features of Hindustani and Carnatic music.

Dance

• Bharatanatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Odissi, Manipuri, Mohiniyattam, Kathak.

Philosophy

• Indian Philosophy: Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Samkhya, Yoga, Mimansa, Vedanta.

Influence of Ancient Civilizations

• Influence of Indus Valley civilization, Mauryan period, and Gupta period on Indian culture.

These notes present a high-level summary of the history of Indian art and architecture, concisely covering different eras and styles.