The Elegance of Indian Artwork
India tops the list of nations that hold a distinct image for having contributed to the global arena of art. Globally recognized as a culturally-rich nation, India has held a special image for art lovers throughout the world. Indian artwork is rich in its tapestry of ancient heritage, bearing a 5000 year old culture. Thus, the artwork produced on the Indian subcontinent from about 3rd millennium BC to the modern times is considered as Indian art. A remarkable characteristic of Indian art is the unusually free expression given to voluptuous feelings, backed by a strong sense of design.
Historically, the earliest recorded Indian artwork originated from the Hindu background, which was later replaced by the prominent Buddhist art. It is of great importance to mention that India has been inspired by spiritualism and the mystical relationship between God and man, since a timeless era. This is pretty evident in the earliest of the Indian artworks. Also, Indian artwork was something that flourished in its homeland and also spread across the region and nation. The credit for this goes to the kings who recognized budding talents within their kingdoms, patronized them and left a deep impression of their affinity during their era.
Indian artwork on the Rise
Typically, Indian art can be categorized into specific periods, each reflecting particular religion, and cultural as well as political developments. The ‘ancient period’ lasted from 3500BC to 1200 CE following which the ‘Islamic ascendency’ period began during 1192 to 1757. The years from 1757 to 1947 mark the ‘colonial period’ of India and post 1947 is the ‘Independence and post-colonial period’.
It was in the 2nd century BC that Indian artists produced outstanding cave paintings; the popular Ajanta and Ellora caves in the Deccan jungles of Maharashtra are considered one the famous ancient art galleries. Buddhism that spread towards the South East Asia during that period also left its scars on these paintings. However, understanding Indian artwork is a special art in itself. Properly cognized Indian art represents a mystical outlook of the people and their spiritual connection.
Some of the popular types of traditional Indian arts include the Tanjore paintings (that originated in Tamil Nadu), the Phad painting (a kind of cloth painting), Pichvai (related to life of Hindu deity Lord Krishna), Madhubani (originated in Northern India), Kalamkari (originated in Andhra Pradesh), etc. Additionally, the Mughal art forms, the Rajputana art forms, etc also bore an influence on the elegant Indian artwork.
Indian Artwork Today
The beginning of the 20th century marked a new level for Indian artists, who began to explore new themes, though directly inspired by the rich ancient Indian culture. And today, Indian artists are known for producing some of the most delicate yet bold, magnificent yet humble, and majestic pieces of artwork, attracting several buyers from other countries. The Indian art mart has spread its tentacles to the global scenario, when the paintbrush has become a powerful tool as the pen, to express ideas for passionate Indian artists.
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