art and culture

Modern Indian Paintings, Evolution and Schools

Modern Indian paintings, influenced by a rich artistic heritage, showcase a diverse tapestry of styles and themes.  By the late 19th century, Indian painting, an extension of miniature traditions, faced decline, finding limited expression in 'Bazaar' and 'Company' styles. Raja...

Miniature Paintings in India, Features, History and Schools

Miniature paintings, characterized by intricate brushwork and vibrant colors sourced from natural elements, are small-scale handmade artworks. In India, these paintings often depict themes such as Ragas, religious, and mythological stories. Primarily crafted for books or albums, they find roots...

Mural Paintings in India, Features, History and Schools

India boasts a diverse array of mural paintings, with notable examples spanning various regions and historical periods. The Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra showcase exquisite frescoes dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE, depicting the life of...

Colonial Architecture, Background, Characteristics and Influence

Colonial architecture in India refers to the architectural styles and structures that were built during the period of colonial rule, primarily by the British, Portuguese, Dutch, and French. The colonial period in India spanned several centuries, starting with the arrival...

Evolution of Paintings in India, Types, Features, Examples

Indian paintings boast a venerable tradition deeply entrenched in the annals of Indian art history. Despite the challenging climatic conditions that have led to the scarcity of surviving early examples, paintings' significance has endured across ancient, medieval, and modern epochs....

Medieval Period Architecture, Delhi Sultanate, Mughal and Regional

The Arab conquest of Sind in 712 A.D. initiated a sequence of events that ultimately led to the ascension of Islamic rulers in Delhi during the 11th century. Subsequently, the architectural landscape in Medieval India underwent a profound transformation. To...

Sculptures in India, Types, Features, Ancient to Modern Age

India boasts a diverse sculpture tradition, spanning millennia. From the ancient terracotta figurines of the Indus Valley Civilization to the iconic Lion Capital of Ashoka from the Maurya period, and the intricate carvings of the Chola temples, Indian sculpture reflects...

Indo-Islamic Architecture, Characteristics and Provincial Influence

Indo-Islamic architecture refers to the architectural styles that emerged in the Indian subcontinent as a result of the fusion of Indian and Islamic influences. This style developed over several centuries, starting with the arrival of Islam in the Indian subcontinent...

Temple Architecture in India, Nagara, Dravida and Vesara Style

Temple Architecture in India spans diverse styles over millennia. In the Nagara style (200 BCE–800 CE), temples feature beehive-shaped towers. Dravida style (600–1500 CE) in the south is marked by pyramidal towers and intricate carvings. The Vesara style (700–1200 CE)...

Difference between Dravida, Nagara, and Vesara Style

Dravida, Nagara, and Vesara are distinct architectural styles in Hindu temple design. Dravida, prevalent in southern India, features pyramidal towers with multiple storeys. Nagara, found in the north, showcases curvilinear towers with pointed apices and multiple entrances. Vesara is a...