[<–2/”>a >su_heading]Art Forms of India[/su_heading]

Rajasthani Art Schools

Mewar (Ragamala)

• themes from the life of Krishna and his frolic with the gopis; heroes and heroines of Hindi poetry.
• Scenes from Bhagvata and Ramayana
• Landscape lacks the naturalism of the Mughal school

Marwar

• Genuine Rajput style evolved under this school
• Equestrian portraits of the royal house and the nobility.
• Show bold types of expression with broad, fish eyes in human faces
• This school is essentially Hindu

Jaipur

• Raslila was painted. It became ‘an earthly erotic amusement’

Manjusha Art

• Manjushas are temple shaped boxes containing eight pillars
• The boxes often contain the paintings of gods, goddesses and other characters
• The boxes are used in Bishahari Puja
• This is practiced in the Bhagalpur region of Bihar

Handicrafts

• Channapatna toys
  • Wooden toys from Karnataka
• Nirmal Toys
  • Wooden toys made in the town of Nirmal in Adilabad district
• Tanjore doll
  • Bobblehead made of terracotta

Sandpainting

Kolam

• Drawn using rice powder by female members in front of their home
• Mainly in South India

Rangoli

• North India. Using sand colors, flour or flowers

Other fine arts

• Mehandi
• Pichhwai
  • Intricate paintings that portray Lord Krishna
  • Exist in the town of nathdwara in Rajasthan
• Tarakashi
  • A type of metalwork from Cuttack

Indian Art Awards

• Kalaimamani
  • By Tamil Nadu Iyal Isai Nataka Manram
• Kalidas Samman
  • Presented by the MP govt
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Award
• Sangeet Natak Akademi Fellowship
• Shilp Guru
  • By GOI to a master craftsperson. Started in 2002.
• Tulsi Samman
  • By MP govt. In fields of art, theatre, dance and music.
• Varnashilpi Venkatappa Award
  • By Karnataka govt for excellence in painting

[su_heading]Architecture[/su_heading]

Harappan

• Drainage System
• Rectangular intersecting roads
• Sanitary system

Mauryan

• Monolithic Pillars
• Finely carved capitols – Bull capitol and Sarnath capitol
• Stupas start during this period – 4 gateways
  • Surface built with bricks
• Viharas and Chaityas
  • Barabar Caves

Shunga – Satvahanas

• Early classic architecture
• Carved railings and gateways around Buddhist shrines

Kushan

• Sculpture developed
• The emperor himself was a divine authority
• Buddha was first time given a human form during this time

Gupta period

• Beginning of Hindu temples – temple at Deoghar, Udaigiri caves in Orissa
• Vaishnavite temple in Vidisha

Pallavas

• Mandaps, Rathas and finely carved panels and pillars
• Shore temple at Mahabs is a structural temple
• Ratha temple is a rock cut temple
• Kanchipuram also has temples
  • Panels depict shiva as Natraja
  • History of Pallavas

Cholas

• Tanjaur Temple: 65 m tall vimana
• Pillared halls and sculptures depicting Bharata’s natyashastra
• Fine paintings

Pandyas

• Built high outerwalls and gopuram
• Their gopurams can be seen from long distances

Hoysalas

• Belur and Halebeed temples
• Profusion of manifold pillars with rich and intricate carvings
• Panels depict gods and goddesses

Orissa Temples

• Lingraja temple
  • 40 m high
• Sun Temple

Nagara, Dravida and Visara

Table 1

Cave Architecture

Progressed in three phases

• Buddhist Jain Ajivika caves (3^rd BC to 2^nd AD)
  • Kaneri, Nashik, Udaigiri
• Ajanta Ellora Cave (5^th to 7^th AD)
• Elephanta Ellora and Mahabs (7^th to 10^th)

Sculpture

Two major schools

• Gandhara
  • Greco-Roman Style
  • North West India
  • Stone and stucco
• Madhura
  • Indigenous style
  • UP Bihar
  • White spotted red sandstone used
  • Forms of Brahmanical deities crystallised for the first time in this art form

Themes of Buddha and Bodhisatvas in Both

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Art, culture, literature, and architecture are all important aspects of human life. They reflect our values, beliefs, and history. They also provide us with entertainment, Education, and inspiration.

Art is a broad term that encompasses a wide range of human activities, including painting, sculpture, music, dance, and literature. Art can be used to express emotions, tell stories, or simply create beauty. It can also be used to communicate ideas or to challenge the status quo.

Culture is the shared values, beliefs, and practices of a group of people. It includes everything from language and religion to food and music. Culture is what makes us unique as individuals and as a Society. It is also what helps us to understand the world around us.

Literature is the written record of human thought and experience. It includes everything from novels and poems to plays and essays. Literature can be used to entertain, educate, or inspire. It can also be used to challenge the status quo or to reflect on the human condition.

Architecture is the art and science of designing and constructing buildings. It includes everything from ancient temples to modern skyscrapers. Architecture can be used to create beautiful and functional spaces. It can also be used to express power, wealth, or religious beliefs.

Art, culture, literature, and architecture are all essential parts of human life. They reflect our values, beliefs, and history. They also provide us with entertainment, education, and inspiration.

Indian Art

Indian art is a diverse and rich tradition that spans over 5,000 years. It includes a wide range of media, from painting and sculpture to architecture and textiles. Indian art is often characterized by its use of vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and religious symbolism.

Some of the earliest examples of Indian art date back to the Indus Valley Civilization (3300-1900 BCE). This civilization was located in what is now Pakistan and northwestern India. Indus Valley art is characterized by its use of geometric shapes, animals, and human figures.

After the decline of the Indus Valley Civilization, Indian art flourished under The Gupta Empire (320-550 CE). This was a golden age of Indian art, and it produced some of the most famous works of Indian art, such as the Ajanta Caves and the Ellora Caves.

The Gupta period was followed by the reign of the Mughal Empire (1526-1857 CE). The Mughals were a Muslim dynasty from Central Asia, and they brought their own style of art to India. Mughal art is characterized by its use of intricate patterns, calligraphy, and realistic portraits.

After the decline of the Mughal Empire, Indian art continued to evolve. In the 19th century, Indian artists began to experiment with Western art styles, such as realism and impressionism. This led to the development of a new style of Indian art known as the Bengal School.

The Bengal School was founded in the late 19th century by a group of artists who were inspired by Western art. They rejected the traditional style of Indian art, which they saw as being too religious and conservative. The Bengal School artists instead focused on painting scenes of everyday life, and they often used bright colors and bold brushstrokes.

The Bengal School had a major influence on Indian art in the 20th century. Many of the most famous Indian artists of the 20th century, such as Rabindranath Tagore and Amrita Sher-Gil, were associated with the Bengal School.

Indian art is a living tradition that continues to evolve today. Indian artists are constantly experimenting with new styles and techniques, and they are drawing inspiration from both traditional Indian art and Western art. As a result, Indian art is constantly changing and growing.

World Art

World art is a broad term that encompasses the art of all cultures around the world. It includes everything from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs to modern-day graffiti. World art is a rich and diverse field, and it can be studied from many different perspectives.

One way to study world art is to focus on its historical development. This approach would trace the evolution of art from its earliest forms to the present day. It would also examine the ways in which art has been influenced by different cultures and historical periods.

Another way to study world art is to focus on its stylistic Elements. This approach would examine the different ways in which artists have used color, form, and composition to create their works. It would also explore the ways in which art has been used to express different emotions and ideas.

World art can also be studied from a thematic perspective. This approach would focus on the different subjects that artists have depicted in their work. It would also examine the ways in which art has been used to reflect on different aspects of human experience.

No matter how it is studied, world art is a fascinating and rewarding field. It

Here are some frequently asked questions and short answers on the topics of History, Geography, Polity, and Economics for RAS/RTS Mains and RAS/RTS Prelims:

History

• What is the history of India?
  India has a long and rich history, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization in the 3rd millennium BC. The country has been ruled by a variety of dynasties and empires over the centuries, including the Mauryan Empire, the Mughal Empire, and the British Raj. India gained independence from British rule in 1947.

• Who are some of the important figures in Indian history?
  Some of the important figures in Indian history include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Indira Gandhi. Gandhi was a leader of the Indian independence movement and is considered the father of modern India. Nehru was the first Prime Minister of India and is considered the architect of modern India. Indira Gandhi was the first and only female Prime Minister of India and is considered one of the most powerful leaders in Indian history.

• What are some of the important events in Indian history?
  Some of the important events in Indian history include the Battle of Kurukshetra, the Mughal conquest of India, and the Indian independence movement. The Battle of Kurukshetra is a major battle in The Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic poem. The Mughal conquest of India was a series of military campaigns that led to the establishment of the Mughal Empire in India. The Indian independence movement was a struggle for independence from British rule that lasted from the early 20th century to 1947.

Geography

• What are the geographical features of India?
  India is a large country with a variety of geographical features. The Himalayas are the highest mountain range in the world and are located in the northern part of India. The Ganges River is the longest river in India and is considered sacred by Hindus. The Thar Desert is located in the northwestern part of India and is the largest desert in India. The Western Ghats and Eastern Ghats are two mountain ranges that run parallel to the coast of India.

• What are the Climate zones of India?
  India has a variety of climate zones, ranging from tropical to temperate. The tropical climate zone is located in the southern part of India and is characterized by hot and humid weather. The temperate climate zone is located in the northern part of India and is characterized by cool winters and warm summers. The Himalayan climate zone is located in the northern part of India and is characterized by cold winters and cool summers.

• What are the natural Resources of India?
  India is a rich country in terms of Natural Resources. Some of the important Natural Resources of India include coal, iron Ore, petroleum, and natural gas. India is also a major producer of agricultural products, such as rice, wheat, and Cotton.

Polity

• What is the political system of India?
  India is a democratic republic. The President is the head of state and the Prime Minister is the head of government. The Parliament is the legislative body of India. The Supreme Court is the highest court in India.

• What are the important Political Parties in India?
  The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Indian National Congress (INC) are the two major political parties in India. The BJP is a right-wing party and the INC is a Left-Wing party. There are also a number of regional political parties in India.

• What are the important issues facing India?
  Some of the important issues facing India include POVERTY, Corruption, and terrorism. India is also facing a number of environmental challenges, such as Air Pollution and Water Pollution.

Economics

• What is the economy of India?
  India is a developing country with a Mixed Economy. The economy of India is the sixth largest economy in the world by Nominal GDP and the third largest economy in the world by purchasing power parity. The main sectors of the Indian economy are agriculture, manufacturing, and Services.

• What are the important Economic Reforms In India?
  Some of the important economic reforms in India include the Liberalization-2/”>Liberalization of the economy, the Privatization of state-owned enterprises, and the deregulation of the economy. These reforms have helped to improve the performance of the Indian economy.

• What are the challenges facing the Indian economy?
  Some of the challenges facing the Indian economy include poverty, Unemployment, and Inflation. The Indian economy is also facing a number of external challenges, such as the global financial crisis and the slowdown in the Chinese economy.

Art

1. Which of the following is not a type of art?
   (A) Painting
   (B) Sculpture
   (C) Music
   (D) Literature

2. Which of the following is not a famous Indian artist?
   (A) M.F. Hussain
   (B) Raja Ravi Varma
   (C) Amrita Sher-Gil
   (D) Rabindranath Tagore

3. Which of the following is not a famous Indian sculpture?
   (A) The Dancing Girl of Mohenjo-daro
   (B) The Head of the Buddha from Gandhara
   (C) The Nataraja from Chidambaram
   (D) The Konark Sun Temple

Culture

1. Which of the following is not a part of Indian culture?
   (A) Religion
   (B) Language
   (C) Food
   (D) Literature

2. Which of the following is not a famous Indian festival?
   (A) Diwali
   (B) Holi
   (C) Eid
   (D) Christmas

3. Which of the following is not a famous Indian dance form?
   (A) Bharatanatyam
   (B) Kathak
   (C) Kuchipudi
   (D) Salsa

Literature

1. Which of the following is not a type of literature?
   (A) Poetry
   (B) Drama
   (C) Fiction
   (D) Non-fiction

2. Which of the following is not a famous Indian poet?
   (A) Rabindranath Tagore
   (B) Kalidasa
   (C) Amir Khusrow
   (D) Ghalib

3. Which of the following is not a famous Indian novel?
   (A) The God of Small Things
   (B) Midnight’s Children
   (C) A Suitable Boy
   (D) The Alchemist

4. Which of the following is not a famous Indian short story writer?
   (A) R.K. Narayan
   (B) Premchand
   (C) Mulk Raj Anand
   (D) Ruskin Bond

Architecture

1. Which of the following is not a type of architecture?
   (A) Religious
   (B) Residential
   (C) Commercial
   (D) Industrial

2. Which of the following is not a famous Indian monument?
   (A) The Taj Mahal
   (B) The Red Fort
   (C) The Qutub Minar
   (D) The Eiffel Tower

3. Which of the following is not a famous Indian architect?
   (A) Lutyens
   (B) Baker
   (C) Corbusier
   (D) Gill