Art+&+Artefacts


 * The Indian Arts**

The prehistoric man of India reflected his knowledge of arts on rocks and caves.We can find the depiction of scenes of battle, religious sacrifices and festivities in these cave paintings. He used to shape them into different designs. And now these caves or rocks are a part of India’s magnificent architechture.The Indus valley civilization that thrived between 2500 and 1700 BC was a contemporary period where one can see the existence of steatite and limestone statuettes as well as terracotta figures. Another important period in the history of Indian art was the Gupta period, when the Ajanta caves were built. The murals in these caves depict Jataka tales. Similar frescoes and murals can also be seen in the Elephanta and Ellora caves. The major schools of art emerged during this time were the mughals, pahari, rajasthani arts.

The Mughals brought new influences in Indian Art and India accepted the new possibilities open heartedly.

Babur

The founder of Mogul empire in Northern India complained about lack of grapes and good fruit there. He solved the problem by building many beautiful gardens. He introduced grapes and melons from outside India.

**(Pic has been taken from History Encyclopedia by Kingfisher)**

**The coming of Europeans** During 17th century European travellersand adventurers visited India, through them knowledge of history and culture of India began to reach Europe.

Weavers of Madras specialized in cloth printed with coloured designs and scenes from Indian life.

**(pic has been taken from History Encyclopedia by Kingfisher)**

Nur Jahan’s favorite pastime lion hunting came to power.Ascended the throne by killing her eldest son. **(pic has been taken from History Encyclopedia by Kingfisher)**

Shah Jahan rebuilt Delhi as a capital. The Taj Mahal built of white marble and with intricate patterns of semi precious stone. Took 11 years to complete.


 * (**** pic has been taken from History Encyclopedia by Kingfisher) **
 * BUILDINGS**

The main feature of architecture of 19th century was to use all great styles together and sometimes quite different styles in the same building.

Main station in Bombay was built with a mixture of **European Gothic and Renaissance styles ,** but the domes are Indian in style. [ **Pic Has Been Taken From The Book 'History Encyclopedia' by Kingfisher]**

Series of objects d' art, sculptural pieces of great skill terracotta figures depicting the everyday activities and sources of entertainment in daily life and chores of ancient man together help an observer and learner of our ancient past moving down the lanes and annals of historical pages in becoming familiar with ourselves and our forefathers
 * Artefacts**

One striking feature is the seals of clay embossed with figures of boats, trees and animals from Harappan Civilization, giving us horde of information into their religious and trade practices.

The bronze figure of Natraja, the image of dancing girl from the harappan civilization the colloasal image of Buddha all throw light on their times and the lives of people. (pics have taken from the book INDUS VALLEY CIVILIZATION)

The scientific acumen is brought forward by the massive glistening Iron Pillar at Mehrauli which has not suffered any rusting despite centuries of storms and rains which the pillar has bravely withstood.

**THE QUANTITY OF INDUS SEALS THAT HAVE BEEN DISCOVERED IS SO LARGE, THAT EXPERTS SUGGEST THAT EACH MERCHANT OR MERCANTILE HAD ITS OWN SEAL)**









**(All these pics of seals and artifacts have been taken from the book -THE CULTURAL AND CIVILISATION OF ANCIENT INDIA IN HISTORICAL OUTLINE -BY - DD KOSAMBI)**