art and culture

Garba Dance Enters UNESCO’s List of Intangible Cultural Heritage

UNESCO defines intangible cultural heritage as encompassing practices, representations, expressions, knowledge, and skills that form an integral part of a particular place's cultural heritage. Often referred to as living cultural heritage, it finds expression in various forms, including oral traditions,...

Madras School of Art, Evolution, Features and Legacy

The Madras School of Art, now recognized as the Government College of Fine Arts, stands as one of India's oldest art institutes. Originally founded as a private institution by surgeon Alexander Hunter in 1850, it underwent several name changes as...

Bengal School of Art, Founder, Themes and Legacy

The Bengal School of Art, also known as the "Calcutta School of Art," was a prominent art movement that emerged in the early 20th century in Bengal, India. The school played a crucial role in the Renaissance of Indian art...

Theatre Forms of India, Evolution Features and Various Schools

Indian theatre originated as a narrative art form that seamlessly integrated music, dance, and acting into its performances. Theatrical presentations encompassed recitation, dance movements, and musical elements. According to Bharat Muni's Natya Shastra, Lord Brahma crafted the Natya Veda for...

Tribal Paintings of India, Evolution and Famous Schools

Tribal Paintings of India is a tapestry of diverse expressions. Warli painting, rooted in Maharashtra, captures daily life through simple geometric shapes. Gond art from Madhya Pradesh intricately weaves mythological narratives. Bihar's Madhubani paintings, rich in bold patterns, depict nature...

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....