LESSON 1: Periods of Indian Art Ancient Period (3900 BCE-1200 CE) Some evidences of the early civilization are bronze and copper statuettes and steatite seals, which show vigor and concern for surface texture as constantly characterized in Indian art. The Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra, India are 30 rock-cut cave monuments that date back from the 2nd century BCE to the 600 CE, including paintings and sculptures considered to be masterpieces of Buddhist religious art , as well as frescos that are reminiscent of the Sigiriya paintings in Sri Lanka. Classical Period ( 5th to 6th centuries) The image of Shiva, the destroyer develop into Shiva the Cosmic- dance the four arm figure, where one hand holds the fire with which he destroys, another holds a drum, which is the first sound heard in the world at birth, the third arm points up in a reassuring gesture and a fourth points down to the dwarf in which he dances. Islamic Ascendancy (1192-1757) or Transitional Period This was the period of evolution from Vedism into Hinduism or Brahmanism. The two great Indian epics: the Mahabharata and the Ramayana emerged in this period. Mogul period ( 16th Century) Moguls contributed to the enrichment of Indian culture, in painting and in architecture. The most splendid example is the Taj Majal built in 1632 by Shah Jahan in memory of his wife. Another great Buddhist monument is the Borobudur in Java built in the 8th century after the decline of Buddhism in India. Diwali lamps for sale in the market Diwali is celebrated by Hindus in India and all around the world in October or November. It is the Hindu New Year and is either a 3-day or 5-day holiday depending on where you come from. It is a very exciting and colorful holiday, where homes are cleaned to welcome the New Year and windows are opened so that the Hindu goddess of wealth, Lakshmi, can enter. Hindus believed that she cannot enter a house which is not lit up, so every household burns special Diwali clay lamps (diyas) to light the way for the goddess, which is why the holiday is also known as the Festival of Lights. FYI...
Posted on: Sun, 17 Nov 2013 15:06:24 +0000
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