Art and Culture 1
Art and Culture 1
Art and Culture 1
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ART & CULTURE
(REVISION NOTES)
Index
Chapter - 1 .........................................................................................................................................2
INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
Chapter - 2 ....................................................................................................................................... 29
PAINTINGS IN INDIA
Chapter - 3 ....................................................................................................................................... 41
SCULPTURES IN INDIA
Chapter - 4 ....................................................................................................................................... 48
INDIAN MUSIC
Chapter - 5 ....................................................................................................................................... 54
THEATRES OF INDIA
Chapter - 6 ....................................................................................................................................... 61
INDIAN DANCE FORMS
Chapter - 7 ....................................................................................................................................... 67
INDIAN PUPPETRY
Chapter - 8 ....................................................................................................................................... 70
RELIGION AND PHILOSOPHY OF INDIA
Chapter – 9 .................................................................................................................................... 101
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY THROUGH AGES
Chapter - 10 ................................................................................................................................... 105
MARTIAL ARTS IN INDIA
Chapter - 11 ................................................................................................................................... 109
PROGRESS OF LITERATURE IN INDIA
Chapter – 12 .................................................................................................................................. 118
FAIRS AND FESTIVALS of INDIA
Chapter – 13 .................................................................................................................................. 128
ACCOUNTS OF IMPORTANT FOREIGN AMBASSADORS AND TRAVELLERS
Chapter - 14 ................................................................................................................................... 131
INDIAN HANDICRAFTS
Chapter – 15 .................................................................................................................................. 134
INITIATIVES OF UNESCO
Chapter – 16 .................................................................................................................................. 138
CURRENT DEVELOPMENTS
CHAPTER 17 ................................................................................................................................... 140
HISTORICAL PERSONS
Chapter - 1
INDIAN ARCHITECTURE
1. Introduction: Architecture finest expression of human creativity
3. Harappan Culture
o Used stones like carnelian, jasper, crystal, quartz and steatite; metals like copper, bronze and gold;
and shell, faience and terracotta or burnt clay.
o Toys depict Ikka (small chariot), rhinoceros, monkey discovered at various places.
o Evidences of the horse comes from a superficial level of Mohenjodaro and from a terracotta
figurine from Lothal.
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o Forts provided safety from flash floods, wild animals and robbers.
Important sites and their findings
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2 rows of six granaries with big platform
Stone symbol of lingam and yoni, mother goddess figure
Harappa ai
Wheat and barley in wooden mortar
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(Pakistan) Copper scale and mirror
Sculpture of dog chasing a deer in bronze metal
Nude dancing girl of stone and a red sandstone male torso.
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Great Bath
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Fortified citadel, a middle town and a lower town with walls made of
sandstone or limestone instead of mud bricks in other Harappan sites.
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Current Developments
o Kotada Bhadli (Gujarat): Earliest direct evidence of dairy product processing and presence
of cattle, water buffalo, goat, cow and sheep found in the area: This could have given rise to
an industrial level of dairy exploitation.
o Bhirrana (Haryana): The oldest discovered IVC site dating back to 7570-6200 BCE + The
antiquities found here include pottery, copper chisels, arrow heads, spear heads, Charred grains
of wheat and barley, female dancing girl (replica of Dancing girl from Mohenjodaro), Multi-
roomed houses were found at this town, which were made of mud bricks and a circular
structure of baked earth (like a tandoor) was found.
o Recent DNA study at Rakhigarhi: People in the Harappan Civilization have an independent
origin and negates theory of Harappans having ancient Iranian farmer ancestry.
o IIT Kharagpur study: Decline of Harappan city Dholavira was caused by drying up of river
like Saraswati river and Meghalayan drought.
o Union Budget (2020-21): It proposed to develop iconic sites with on-site Museums at
Harappan sites of Rakhigarhi (Haryana) and Dholavira (Gujarat) + National Maritime
Heritage Museum at Lothal: India and Portugal will cooperate in the setting up of the
museum (Implemented by Ministry of Shipping with involvement of ASI, State government
and other stakeholder).
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and Sarnath pillars.
Bull capital: Second Ramapurva
pillar.
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Elephant capital: Sankisa pillar, Uttar Pradesh.
Similarities between Ashokan pillars and Persian pillars: Both pillars are
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made of stone, had a shaft and bell-shaped portion, abacus and capital.
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Differences between Ashokan pillars and Persian pillars:
Shaft of Ashokan pillars monolithic; Persian pillars made of stone pieces
joined together.
Shaft of Ashokan pillars tapered from bottom to top; Persian pillars was
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cylindrical.
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Popular Art
During Mauryan period, caves were generally used as viharas by Jain
and Buddhist monks
Cave Architecture
They were marked by a highly polished finish of interior walls and
decorative gateways.
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Nagarjuni caves: These caves were cut under the patronage of Ashoka’s
grandson Dasaratha
The caves located in Nagarjuni hill are Gopi Cave (Gopi-ka-kubha),
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Bahayak Cave (Vadithi-ka-kubha)
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and Vedantika Cave (Vapiya-ka-
kubha)
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The caves divided into two
chambers: Front hall for gathering of
worshippers and back chamber used
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worship
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6. Post-Mauryan Architecture
Cave architecture: Commonly referred as ‘Kirti’, it reached pinnacle during the post-Mauryan
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age (200 BC- 300 AD) + The period saw development of Chaityas (place of worship) for the first
time and Viharas (Place of residence for monks and also acted as educational centres).
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Cave interiors of the caves are simple without much ornamentation and their
Architecture facades decorated with sculptures depicting scenes of court activities,
– Eastern India royal processions, hunting scenes and scenes depicting daily life etc +
Ranigumpha, Ganeshgumpha, Swargapuri- Manchapuri and
Hatigumpha are the most prominent caves in Udayagiri hills + Ananta
Gumpha, Ambika Gumpha, Tatowa Gumpha (Parrot caves) and
Navamuni gumpha are the most prominent caves in Khandagiri hill
Ajanta, Karle, Bedsa, Bhaja, Nasik, Junnar and Kondana are the
Cave prominent centres of cave architecture in western India
Architecture 23 caves carved between 1st century BCE & 3rd century CE
- Western India Most of them are caves except cave 18, which is chaitya of the 1st
century BCE
Junar caves: It is the largest cave complex in India, which has around
130 caves + Aka Pandulena
Bedsa and Kondana caves exhibit transition from wooden
architecture to stone architecture
Pitalkhora caves are located in Maharastra; these form the oldest of
the rock-cut cave architecture of India and are believed to belong to the
Hinayana period of Buddhism contemporary to Satvahana dynasty
Pandav Leni Jain Caves: ancient rock cut sculptures complex at
Gomai river around 6 Km north of Shahada, Maharashtra
Stupa Architecture:
o Stupas became larger and more
decorative
o Stone was used in place of wood and brick
o Shunga dynasty introduced the idea of
torans as beautifully decorated gateways
to stupas + They are carved with patterns
showing Hellenistic influence
o Examples - Bharhut stupa (Madhya
Pradesh): Tall structures like Mauryan
depictions of Yaksha and Yakshini +
illusion of three-dimensionality is
conveyed with slanted perspective in the
relief panels displaying storytelling + One of the sculptures depicts Lakshmi which is the
earliest representation of the goddess.
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7. Gupta Architecture: The beginning of the Gupta Empire in the 4th century A.D. is considered as
Golden Period of Indian Architecture.
Cave architecture
Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh
Bagha caves
Buddhism
Bhagalpur district, Bihar
Mandargiri caves
Jainism.
Magnificent image of Vishnu in form of great boar (varaha) is
located at the entrance of these caves.
Location: Vidisha, MP. It contains some of the oldest Hindu
temples and iconography, related to Vaishnavism, Shaivism and
Shaktism.
Though it is present north of Tropic of Cancer, it is believed that
historically, on the day of summer solstice, the sun was directly
overhead in this place, making Udhyagiri (Mount of sunrise) a
Udayagiri caves (350- place of worship.
550 CE) Iconic Varaha Scultpure rescuing the earth symbolically
represented by Bhudevi clinging to the boar's tusk is a salient
feature in Udayagiri caves.
These caves are 20 rock-cut caves belong to Vaishnavism and
Shaivism located in Madhya Pradesh.
The sculpture of Vishnu in his incarnation as the male boar
rescuing the mother earth presenting bhudevi to boar’s tusk as
depicted in Hindu mythology is present here,
They were built under the patronage of Gupta rulers
23 Buddhist caves; also known as Pandav Leni developed during
1st century AD
Nasik caves
Belong to Hinayana period: Buddha indicated through use of
motifs and symbols like throne and footprints.
Mandapeshwar Aka Montperir caves which belong to Brahmanical religion which
caves was later converted into a Christian cave.
These are a group of rock-cut caves located in Aurangabad district
of Maharashtra
29 caves: 4 Chaityas and 25 Viharas
Ajanta Caves Cut into a U- shaped cliff overlooking River Waghora
(200 BC- 650 AD) Discovered by Captain John Smith in 1819.
Features of the caves
o The figures in these caves painted with frescoes and exhibit
a high level of naturalism.
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o Cave no. 10 is the oldest cave and Cave no. 26 is the latest
caves.
o These caves were included in UNESCO’s list of World
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heritage sites in 1983.
o A grand image of Buddha’s Mahaparinirvana with numerous
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celestial musicians above and sorrowful figures of his
followers is found at Ajanta.
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34 caves: Cave No. 1 to 12
belong to Buddhism; Cave
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No. 13 to 29 belong to
Brahmanical religion and
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of tolerance
UNESCOs list of world
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heritage sites.
Features of the caves
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Styles of Temple architecture: The architectural principles of temples in India are described in
Shilpa Shastra. It mentions 3 types of temples in India: Nagara, Dravida and Vesara style.
i. Nagara style of architecture: It came into existence during 4th century AD; these temples are
found all over north India from Punjab in west to Bengal and Odisha in the East + Temples
constructed using stones and bricks + Metal was not used in construction + Kandariya
Mahadev temple (Madhya Pradesh), Sun temple at Konark, Sun temple at Modhera are
examples for Nagara style.
Features of the Nagara temples
- Adhistana/Jagati: Entire temple structure built on raised platform.
- Garbhagraha/Sanctum sanctorum: Main building of temple complex where chief
deities placed.
- Peetha: Seats of deities in Garbhagraha.
- Antarala: Pillared veranda built in front of Garbhagraha for passageway for devotees.
- Panchayatan style: It consisted of minor shrines arranged in a crucified ground plan in
relation to the main shrine.
- Mandapas: Presence of assembly halls or mandapas in front of principal shrine.
- River goddess images: Images of the river goddesses Ganga and Yamuna were put
outside the garbhagriha.
- No water tanks or reservoirs in the temple grounds in general.
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- Shikharas: Latina or rekha Prasad (square at base and walls curve inward to point on the
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top), Phamsana (broader base and shorter in height than Latina), Valabhi (rectangular base
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- Kalasha: Sacred pot is called as Kalasha which is placed over Amalaka to collect cosmic
energy; Kalasha surmounted by a flag known as Jhanda.
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- No boundary walls: The temple grounds did not have ornate boundary walls in general.
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Sree Rama
ii. Dravidian style of temple architecture
Stages of Development
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o Mahendra Style
1st stage of Pallava temple architecture basically rock-cut temples; temples
were known as Mandapas. ai
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o Narasimha style
Mandapas were divided into 3 rathas: Dharmaraja ratha (biggest one),
Draupadi ratha (smallest one)
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o Rajasimha style
Beginning of development of real structural temples + Emerged under
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o Nandivarman style
The temples are comparatively smaller in size + The features are almost
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v. Vijayanagar school: Walls of the temples are highly decorated with carvings and
geometrical patterns + Gopurams were built on all the sides + More than one mandapa built
in each temple; central mandapa were known as Kalyan Mandap (halls used to celebrate
divine marriage or other ceremonies) + Concept of secular buildings inside the temple
premises was also introduced + Important example is Vittalaswami temple and Lotus Mahal.
o Hampi: It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located near Hospet town in Karnataka on
south bank of Tungabhadra river.
Name derived from Pampa which is the old name of the Tungabhadra River on whose
banks the city is built.
Virupaksha temple - Main shrine is dedicated to Virupaksha, a form of Lord Shiva.
Stone Chariot- Iconic monument located in front of Vijaya Vittala Temple in Hampi,
Karnataka dedicated to Garuda, the official vehicle of Lord Vishnu
vi. Hoyasala art: It developed from 1050- 1300 AD in the Karnataka region with prominent
seats at Belur, Halebid and Sringeri + Multiple shrines built around a central pillared hall +
Shrines led out in shape of stellate pattern + Soft sope stone was the main building material
+ More emphasis on fecoration through sculptures + Best example is Hoyasaleshwara
temple at Halebid.
vii. Pala school: This style of architecture developed in Bengal region between 8th and 12th
century AD under Pala dynasty and Sena dynasty + Influence of both Buddhism and
Hinduism can be seen + Buildings had a sloping roof popularly known as “Bangla roofs” +
Burnt bricks, clay was the principal building material used + Highly lustrous finish + Best
example is Siddhesvara Mahadeva temple in Barakar.
SUN TEMPLES:
Location: bank of the river Pushpavati.
Built after 1026-27 CE during the reign of Bhima I of the Solanki
dynasty in 1026 AD.
Modhera Sun The temple complex has 3 components: Gudhamandapa, the shrine
Temple, Gujarat hall; Sabhamandapa, the assembly hall and Kunda, the reservoir.
The halls have intricately carved exterior and pillars. The reservoir has
steps to reach bottom and numerous small shrines.
Influence of the wood carving tradition of Gujarat is evident
It was constructed by the Eastern Ganga ruler Narasimha Deva I in
about 1250 A.D.
Aka 'BLACK PAGODA' due to its dark colour and used as a
Sun Temple,
navigational landmark by sailors to Odisha.
Konark
It is carefully oriented towards the east so that the first rays of sunrise
strikes the principal entrance.
The temple is built from Khondalite rocks
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Martand Sun temple, Kashmir
Katarmal Sun Temple, Uttarakhand
Dakshinarkaa temple Gaya, Bihar
Other Sun
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Bhramanya temple, Unao, MP
temples in India
Surya Prahaar temple, Assam
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Suryanar Kovil Temple at Kumbakonam in Tamil Nadu
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Suryanarayana temple at Arasavalli, Andhra Pradesh
Amarkantak: It is one of the major pilgrimage centers for Hindus located in the hills of Maikal
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o This holy place bordering Chhattisgarh has a meeting point of the hills of Vindhya, Satpura,
and Maidar, whose view is astonishing.
o It is a unique heritage area commonly known as “Tirthraj” or “The King of pilgrimage”.
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o It is the place where the Vindhya and Satpura ranges merge and where the Narmada and Son
river get birth.
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Jyotirlinga:
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8. Indo-Islamic Architecture
a. Introduction: After the establishment of Turkish rule in India: Indian architecture elements +
Islamic elements = Indo-Islamic architecture.
b. Features of Indo-Islamic architecture:
o Introduced use of minars around mosques and mausoleums.
o Mortar was utilized as a cementing agent.
o Avoided use of human and animal figures.
o Usage of calligraphy and arabesque method as means of decoration.
o Heavy usage of principles of geometry
o Intricate jaali works: signify importance of light in Islamic religion.
o Use of water in the premises of constructions in form of courtyard pool and small drains.
Charbagh style of gardening: square block was divided into four adjacent identical gardens.
o Used Pietra-dura technique for inlay of precious stones and gems into stone walls.
o Foresighting technique : inscriptions appear of same size from any place.
o Arches and Domes (Arcuade style): Arches were introduced to India by Qutb al-Din Aibak
during the year 1206 + Domes were introduced by the Turks during the 1500s by Persian
architects + Minarets were introduced by Qutb-Ud-Din Aibak
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Dynasty
Sikandar Lodi founded the Lodi Gardens and the city of Agra.
The first double dome was used in the construction of tomb of Sultan
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Sikander Lodi in Delhi
d. Mughal Architecture Features
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i. Mix of Indian, Persian, and Turkish architectural styles.
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ii. Building materials - red sandstone and white marble.
iii. Charbagh gardens with noticeable bulbous domes, thin turrets at corners, large entrances,
magnificent calligraphy, arabesque, and geometric patterns on pillars and walls, and royal
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iv. The arches, chhatri, and other forms of domes were extremely popular in Indo-Islamic
architecture, which was further developed by the Mughals.
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Babur
He brought Charbagh style of architecture to India
He constructed the city of Din Panah at Delhi in 1533 AD
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The golden age of Delhi began in 1556 when Akbar came to the throne of
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Delhi
Popularised "Tudor arch" (four centered arch).
Agra Fort: It has 2 gateways called Delhi gate and Amar Singh gate +
Principle of construction based on the use of beam and bricket.
Akbar Fatehpur Sikri:
o Tomb of Salim Chishti - erected in 1581 AD at Sikri; white marble
o Buland Darwaza and Jama Masjid are also part of the imperial complex
o Panch Mahal - 5-storey edifice built of columns that is based on the
Persian badgir idea (wind-catcher)
o Ibadat Khana where Akbar would meet with religious authorities to
address issues.
9. Regional Architecture
a. Regional Architecture in India during Medieval Age
Aka Sharqi style
Jaunpur Atala Mosque was completed by Ibrahim Shah Sharqi
school of Jhanjhari mosque was erected by Sultan Ibrahim Sharqi in honour
architecture of Hazrat Said Sadr Jahan Ajmali
Jami Masjid of Jaunpur was built by Hussain shah.
It is characterized by large-scale use of bricks and rare use of stone
Bengal school
+ Adina Masjid at Pandua was built by Sikandar Shah
of architecture
Lotan Masjid was built by Yusuf Shah at Gaur.
The usage of various colored stones and marbles was the most
conspicuous element of the structures
The structures had big windows, possibly as a consequence of
European influence
Malwa school
Aka Pathan School of architecture
of architecture
Man-made reservoirs known as 'baulis' were built
The introduction of the batter system by the Tughlaqs improved the
situation
Example - Rani Roopmati Pavilion, Jahaz Mahal, Ashrafi Mahal, etc.
It was developed under the patronage of Adil Shah
He built a variety of mosques, and tombs notable for 3-arched facades,
bulbous domes, and cornices
Bijapur school
The structures were reinforced with iron clamps and a thick plaster of
mortar. The walls were adorned with intricate sculptures
Example - Gol Gumbaj at Bijapur.
The city of Ahmedabad was founded by Ahmed Shah in 1414 AD
Gujarat school Jami Masjid at Ahmedabad was built by Ahmed Shah
Sultan Mahmud Begarha built a city and palace citadel at Champaner.
The city of Nauraspur was founded by Ibrahim Adil shah of Bijapur +
City of Hyderabad was founded by Md. Quli Qutub Shah
Bahamani
Gol Gumbaz at Bijapur is the largest dome
school
The city of Ahmednagar was founded by Ahmed Shah of Nizam Shahi
dynasty
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the Nawabi architecture of Lucknow, and its significantly different
from the Mughals.
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Material: bricks coated with lime, while the Mughals often used red
sand stone
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10. Modern Indian Architecture
● Iberian architectural style
● Imported the notion of 'patio homes' and the 'Baroque style
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prominent structures
● The French brought with them the concept of urban city planning +
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The Cartesian grid layouts were used to build the French colonies of
French Puducherry and Chandernagore + They established the notion of faceless
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thinner + Pointed arches and use of large windows + The churches had a
crucified ground plan + Examples include Victoria Memorial in Kolkata
and Gateway of India in Mumbai.
British ● Neo-Roman style: Anonymous constructions, focus on circular buildings,
Influence overuse of oriental motifs to realise western architectural designs +
Concept of upturned dome as can be seen in Supreme court and
Rashtrapati Bhavan.
● Indian Parliament: foundation stone laid in 1921, by Duke of Cannaught;
designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens & Sir Herbert Baker
******
Chapter - 2
PAINTINGS IN INDIA
1. Introduction: The art of painting has a long tradition in Indian subcontinent as progress commenced
very early during stone age; Chitrasutra, part of Vishnudharmottara purana is oldest known
book on painting in the world; Mudrarakshasa by Vishakadutta mentions numerous paintings.
2. Six Limbs (Shadanga) of Indian Paintings: Emerged in 1st century BC explained by Vatsyayana
Kamasutra.
Rupabheda: Knowledge of appearances E.g: Padmapani, Cave No.1, Ajanta
Sadrisyan: Portrayal of likeliness of subject
Bhava: Expression E.g: Padmapani cave no.1 Ajanta
Lavanyayoganam: Immersion of emotions E.g: Radha & Krishna with gopis, Pahari miniature.
Pramanam: Correct depiction of size and other measurements E.g: Mayadevi, Ajanta
Varnikabhanga: Use of brush and colours in artistic manner
Common minerals were ochre or geru mixed with lime and water; Red was used for hunters
and the green mostly for dancers.
Mainly depict huge animal figures such as bisons, elephants, tigers besides stick-like
human figures and geometrical patterns.
Richest paintings reported from Vindhya ranges of Madhya Pradesh and their Kaimurean
extensions.
Mesolithic period:
Largest pre-historic paintings belong to this
period; more themes than Paleolithic period;
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smaller in size than the upper paleolithic period.
painting of both fear and affection towards
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animals; animals painted in naturalistic style
but humans were painted in a stylistic manner;
mainly sees the use of red colour.
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Hunting scenes depicting people hunting in
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groups, community dancing, people gathering
fruit or honey from trees, women grinding etc;
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Remarkable inclusivity: young, old, animals, etc all found space in Bhimbetka paintings
Men adorned with elaborate head-dresses, and sometimes painted with head masks
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Elephant, bison, tiger, boar, deer, antelope, leopard, panther, rhinoceros, fish and at times
birds are also depicted.
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Chalcolithic Period:
Paintings reveal association and mutual
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Bhimbetka Rock Paintings = Located in the Raisen district of Madhya Pradesh ; discovered by
Dr Vishnu Wakankar; estimated to be 30,000 years old and have survived due to its location
deep inside the caves; around 400 paintings on the walls of Bhimbetka caves: oldest belong to
Paleolithic age; paintings at Bhimbetka belong to Upper Paleolithic, Mesolithic, Chalcolithic,
early historic and medieval period; most of the paintings belong to Mesolithic age; Various
colours like red ochre, purple, brown, white, yellow and green are used, obtained from natural
resources; brushes were made up of plant fibre; declared a UNESCO world heritage site in 2003;
Hunting scenes and war scenes with armed men; Zoo Rock which depicts elephants, bison,
deer, and Sambar is the most striking feature.
Themes
o Paleolithic period paintings: Huge figures of animals and stick like human figures
painted using green and dark red colour.
o Mesolithic period paintings: Scenes of hunting, communal dance, mother and child,
pregnant women and communal drinking.
o Chalcolithic period paintings: Contact with agricultural communities residing in Malwa
region.
o Early Historic age: Portray horse riders, different types of script, religious symbols
etc; red and white colours were primarily used.
Recent developments: On the roof of the Bhimbetka Rock Shelters, researchers recently
uncovered three fossils of the earliest known living species, the 550-million-year-old
Dickinsonia : adds to the evidence of similar paleoenvironments and verifies the 550 Ma
assembly of Gondwanaland.
4. Harappan paintings: The art of painting was highly advanced in Harappan civilization; made
paintings on outer surface of their pots in black colour; depict geometrical designs, birds and
animals, flowers and pictographic scripts.
5. Paintings of Vedic age: Later vedic paintings made on outer surface of pots; colours of pots was
grey and paintings were made in blue colour; depict floral and geometrical designs.
6. Paintings of Gupta period: Kalidasa, Varahamihira and vatsayana provide information about
painting during the Guptan age; formal training was imparted to painters; most remarkable found in
Ajanta and Bagha caves.
7. Mural paintings: Works on walls or a solid structure referred as Murals; existed between 2nd
century BC and 10th century AD; major ones are at Ajanta, Armamalai cave, Ravan Chhaya cave
shelter and Kailashnatha temple in Ellora; known for their sheer size.
Ajanta cave paintings: only surviving painting of the first century BCE and the fifth century CE;
contains a set of 29 caves; depict religious and spiritual scenes: mostly associated with Jataka
stories of Lord Buddha; portray human values and social fabric; emotions expressed through
hand gestures; each female figure has a unique hairstyle; even animals and birds shown with
emotions medium of paintings was vegetable and mineral dyes; outline of figures is red ochre.
o Prominent paintings
Paintings of Padmapani and Vajrapani at Cave no. 1
Story of Mahajanak Jataka depicted at Cave no.1
Story of Kapi Jataka portrayed at Cave no. 17
Painting of Dying princess: full of expressions, located at Cave No. 16.
Painting of Mother and Child located at Cave no. 17.
ceiling decoration from cave no. 17; pink elephant is also from the same decorative
painting.
Few Brahmanical figures such as Indra is depicted flying amid clouds together with
celestial nymphs holding musical instruments.
Ellora cave paintings: Mural paintings in Ellora caves found in 5 caves, mostly limited to
Kailasha temple; paintings portray scenes related to Buddha’s enlightenment; Vishnu with
Lakshmi borne through clouds by garuda, Lakshmi, Shiva and apsarasas; white, green and
brown colours used by painters; scenes of court life, women involved in various activities,
festivals etc are portrayed; birds and flowers also found in paintings of Ellora caves.
Cave No. 10 known as Vishwakarma Cave: Buddha seated in Vyakhyana Mudra and
Bodhi tree is carved at his back.
Cave No. 14 is themed “Raavankikhai”.
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drawn gracefully; Faces are round and
large; lines are rhythmic with increased
ornamentation; Tirumalaipuram caves
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and Jaina caves at Sittanvasal are prominent examples; paintings at Brihadeshwara temple
show narrations and aspects related to Lord Shiva, Shiva in Kailash, Shiva as Tripurantaka,
Shiva as Nataraja etc. ai
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Vijayanagara murals: In Hampi, Virupaksha temple has paintings on the ceiling of its
mandapa narrating events from dynastic history and episodes from the Ramayana
and Mahabharata; evolved a pictorial language wherein the faces are shown in profile
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and figures and objects two-dimensionally; lines become still but fluid, compositions
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temples in 8th century; paintings depict Jain religious stories and tales Astathik palakas.
Sittannavasal cave: Located in Tamil Nadu; known for paintings in jain temples; medium
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used is vegetable and mineral dyes; common colours include yellow, green, orange, blue and
white.
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Ravan Chhaya rock shelter: Located in Keonjhar district of Odisha; most noticeable painting
is royal procession; they have unique tempera paintings belonging to 7th century.
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Lepakshi paintings: Located in Andhra Pradesh: made during Vijayanagara period; complete
absence of primary colours; decline in painting in terms of quality; costumes, forms and figures
outlined in black colour.
Jogimara cave paintings: Located in Chattisgarh; walls covered with paintings of dancing
human beings and animals.
Saspol caves: Located at Ladakh; caves adorned with paintings related to Buddhism.
Thirunadhikkara cave paintings: Located in Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu; paintings
depict Ramayana and Mahabharata scenes.
Chintakunta cave paintings: Located at Kadapa, Andhra Pradesh; it is first rock painting site
to be discovered in South India; red and white colours were predominantly used; throw light on
the life of megalithic period.
Badami Paintings:
o Cave 1 is oldest among the four caves. Paintings on the ceiling of the cave are of Lord Shiva
as Nataraja, and Shiva and Parvati with a coiled serpent which has high aesthetic value.
o Cave 2 is dedicated to Lord Vishnu and his many incarnations.
o Cave 3 is also inspired by Brahmanical forms and thus has giant figures of many avatars of
Vishnu like Paravasudeva, Bhuvaraha, Harihara and Narasimha.
o Cave 4 is based on Jain ideology and it has a huge image of Lord Mahavira.
8. Miniature paintings:
Paintings should not be larger than 25 square inch
Subject should be painted in not more than 1/6th of actual size
Human figurine is seen with side profile; bulging eyes, pointed nose and slim waist; women figurines
have long hairs and colour of their eyes and hair are generally black.
Red, blue, black, white colours – primary colours
Found as part of manuscripts and executed on palm leaf or vellum paper.
Shows a naturalistic style, sinuous lines, delicate nervous lines, sensuous
elegance and subdued tones of colour, linear and decorative account; lonely
Pala School
single paintings
of Art
surviving examples of the Pala illustrated manuscripts mostly belong to the
Vajrayana School of Buddhism.
Finest examples manuscript of Astasahasrika Prajnaparamita, or the
perfection of Wisdom written in eight thousand lines
Origin to Gujarat and Mewar region in Rajasthan; most common themes
Apabhrams related to Jainism; concept of Gita Govinda and secular love.
a School of Colours used had symbolic meaning usually red, yellow and ochre
Art Fish shaped bulging eyes, pointed nose and double chin
Famous example is of Kalpasutra and Kalakachya katha from 15th century
Miniature paintings of Delhi Sultanate:
o Bring together Persian elements with Indian traditional elements
o Preference to illustrated manuscripts
o Example - Nimatnama during reign of Nasir shah.
o Tabaqat-i-Nasiri of Minhaj-ud-din Siraj: earliest reference of murals in sultanate period;
Human beings and animals painted on main arch of palace to welcome representative of caliph.
o Sultan Firoz shah Tughlaq banned tradition of making paintings on walls of palace of Delhi.
o Veerabhadra temples, Lepakshi has fresco paintings in bright colours; themes drawn from
Ramayana, Mahabharata and Puranas.
Mughal era miniature painting: Focus shifted from depicting god to glorifying the ruler;
focused on hunting scenes, historical events and other court related paintings; use of brilliant
colours and focus on ensuring accuracy of line drawing; brought the foresightening tecgnique.
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of Shekhawati famous for their wall
paintings; painting is marked by bold
drawing, strong and contrasting colors; Mughal influence seen in refining
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of drawing and some element of naturalism introduced in figures and
trees; Paper, ivory and silk used as canvas
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Developed in the Hindu principality of
Mewar; characterized by simple
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bright colour and direct
Mewar School emotional appeal; The expressive
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Common themes: Scenes from royal courts, social events like marriage and
natural themes such as sun, moon and plants like Tulsi are depicted.
.
It is a traditional painting of
Odisha; picture painted on a
piece of cloth; inspired by the
Bhakti movement and by
religious themes; famous for
their bold lines and brilliant
Pattachitra colours; materials used in this
painting are natural
substances; disciplined form
of art with a set of rules and restrictions; painting is given a coating of
lacquer to give a glossy finish; themes are inspired from Jagannath and
Vaishnava cult; popular themes are Thia Badhia– depiction of the temple of
Jagannath; Dasabatara Patti, the ten incarnations of Lord Vishnu
Originated from Bengal; started by painters of telling Mangal kavyas; done
Patua art on scrolls and painted on cloth; usually comment on political and social
issues
Originated in 19th century around the area of Kalighat kali temples;
Kalighat
watercolours were used on mill papers using brush papers; depicted
painting
religious note especially Hindu gods and goddesses
Paitkar Practiced by tribal people of Jharkhand; common theme is ‘what happens
paintings to human life post death’.
Art form belonging to the state of Andhra
Pradesh; natural dyes used on cotton and silk
fabric to make paintings; use date palm with
pointed end to make their brush; vegetable
Kalamkari
dyes used alongwith minerals such as iron,
paintings
tin etc; Kalahasti and Masulipatnam are
two main centres; Hindu mythology and
gods are the main themes; transferred hereditarily and practiced mainly by
male members of families
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and represents the corn goddess,
Kansari; central motif is surrounded by scenes of everyday life, portraying
acts of hunting, fishing, farming etc.; circle and the triangle come from
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their observation of nature
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Belong to state of Sikkim; originally used as a medium of reverence that evoked
ideals of Buddism; painted on a base of cotton canvas; colours have their own
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significance; once painting is done: framed in colourful silk brocade
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jra
Thangka
paintings
va
bu
ba
This art belongs to Bhagalpur region of Bihar; also known as Angika art;
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manjushas are temple shaped boxes having 8 pillars made of jute and bamboo:
paintings of various deities made on these boxes; used during Bishahari puja in
am
which snake is worshipped; Serpentine designs, snake motifs, birds and natural
scenes painted in three different colours
Manjusha
paintings
Chapter - 3
SCULPTURES IN INDIA
1. Sculptures of Harappan civilization
Introduction: Highly advanced; materials used are stone, terracotta, metal and bronze alloy
to make sculptures; both secular and religious elements present; female goddess figurines are
abundant; stones such as Limestone, alabaster and steatite used.
Stone sculptures
o Bearded priest (Mohenjadaro): It is made of steatite; shawl in trefoil pattern covers the
left shoulder; right-hand armlet and holes around the neck imply a necklace; appearance as
of Greek style.
o Dancing Girl: The dancing girl made of steatite is found at Harappa.
o Male Torso: Red sandstone was used; legs are broken and head attached to the neck and
shoulders through socket openings.
Copper and Bronze sculptures: Lost wax method used to make sculptures: made both solid
and hollow figures.
o Bronze Dancing girl (Mohenjadaro): Oldest bronze sculpture in whole world; stand in
tribhangi posture of Nataraja; Ernest Mackay discovered it; full of expression and bodily
vigour; girl is naked wearing only a necklace and bangles; figure is lanky, thin and
rhythmic in character.
o Bull from Mohenjo-Daro: Bull massiveness and the charge's wrath are vividly depicted;
seen standing to the right with his head cocked; cord is wrapped around the neck.
o Bronze sculptures of Buffalo and Ram (male sheep) found at Mohenjadaro.
o Bullock cart and Ikka made of Bronze found at Harappa and Chanhudaro.
o Bronze bull with head raised found at Mohenjadaro.
o Copper dog and bird found at Lothal
o Daimabad hoard: Four bronze objects Elephant, two-wheeled chariot, buffalo and
rhinoceros were found; southernmost limit of Harappan civilization.
Terracotta sculptures: Less sophisticated compared to metal and stone figures; majority are
cult objects and toys; red colouring on clay employed commonly; most frequently depicted
animal was Unicorn; others include rhinoceros, elephant, monkey, turtle, dog and sheep.
o Mother Goddess: Found at Mohenjadaro; wearing a loin robe and a girdle; adorned with
jewelry dangling from her large breast; distinctive ornamental element is her fan-shaped
headpiece with a cup-like protrusion on either side.
o Toys depict Ikka (small chariot), rhinoceros, monkey discovered at various places.
o Animal resembling horse found at Mohenjadaro.
o Toy carts with wheels, whistles, birds and animals etc
o Most of the images were used for religious and ritualistic purposes; more realistic in
Gujarat sites and kalibangan.
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Harappan seals: Discovered by General Alexander Cunningham in 1853 AD; maximum
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number of seals found at Mohenjadaro; Steatite was the most common material; seals are
made of copper, ivory, shell, agate, faience and terracotta.
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o Copper seals found only at Jhukar (sind), Lothal (Gujarat) and Desalpur (Gujarat).
o Dimensions varied from 0.5 inch to 2.5 inch; most seals are quadrilateral in shape; square
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o Elephant, bull, tiger, rhinoceros, antelope and crocodile were depicted; Unicorn was most
frequently depicted; fish was most common zoomorphic sign; cow was not depicted on
va
seals.
o Inscriptions in pictographic script, written in right to left; seals primarily used for
bu
figure.
o Bull seal and seal depicting Mother Goddess with plant
growing from her womb found at Mohenjadaro.
o A seal depicting rhinoceros found at Amri (Sind).
o Seal depicting Garuda with snake in his claws found at
Harappa.
o Seals are not discovered at Alamgirpur (Uttar Pradesh)
Pottery during Harappan period
o Red and Black pottery: It is among the oldest pottery used in India; pots are black from
inside and outer body is red in colour (inverted firing method); river sand mixed with clay
to make pottery; mostly wheel turned, organic resins applied to their outer surface.
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ART & CULTURE
(REVISION NOTES)
o Discovered for first time at Atranjikhera; Harappans were the first to use BRW pottery.
o Trees, birds, animal figures and geometrical patterns were recurring themes.
o Usage: Plain pottery used for household purposes; miniature vessels for decorative
purposes; perforated potteries used for straining liquor.
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BC.
o Locally found white spotted red sandstone was used.
o Initially Brahminical figures of god such as Shiva, parvati, Vishnu, Surya, Balarama was
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made; first to make sculptures of Buddha.
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o Secular elements were present: headless figure of Kanishka at Mathura; figures of trees
and animals; figures of kanishka, Vima kadphises found in Mat village.
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o Important sites are Mathura city, Mat village and Kankali tila.
o Characteristic features:
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c. Amaravati School
o Developed in Amaravati and Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh under patronage of
Satavahana, Ikshvaku and Vakataka rulers.
o White marble was the most common material.
o Foreign influence was absent completely.
o Secular elements: Large number of female figures in various postures; kings, queens and
princes and palaces also made.
o Important sites are Vengi, Amaravati, Goli, Nagarjunakonda and Jaggayyapeta.
o It never declined: got assimilated with Pallava and Chola schools of sculpture; spread
into Sri Lanka and South-East Asian countries.
o Characteristic features:
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ART & CULTURE
(REVISION NOTES)
4. Gupta Sculpture
Characterized by use of cream coloured sandstone and use of metal.
Halo around Buddha was intricately decorated.
Human figure is pivot of Gupta sculpture; ideal is based upon
an explicit understanding of the human body in its inherent
softness and suppleness; elaborate draperies, jewellery, etc.
Synthesis between symbolism of post-mauryan and nudity of early
medieval age.
Sultanganj Buddha: Made of copper which is 7.5 feet portrayed in
Abhaya mudra.
Great Varaha figure at Udayagiri (Madhya Pradesh)
Mehrauli iron pillar represent pinnacle of genius
******
Chapter - 4
INDIAN MUSIC
1. Introduction: Tradition of Music in India is one of the oldest musical traditions in the entire world
tracing its origin since the Stone age + All the seven notes of the raga karaharapriya can be found in
descending order in the Sama veda + Bharat Muni Natya Shastra: Most authoritative text on music,
dance and drama.
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2. Fundamental Elements of Music
Shruti: It is the pitch of music; shortest interval of pitch that human ears can detect and a musical
l.c
instrument can produce + It is the base of music + According to Natya Shastra, there are 22 shrutis
in number.
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Swara: It was originally associated with the recitation of the Vedas; Over time, the term has come
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to refer to a composition's 'note' or 'scale degree + The notational system of Hindustani music is
currently defined by these abbreviated swaras: Sa, re, ga, ma, pa, dha, ni.
Raga: It is derived from the Sanskrit word 'Ranj,' which literally means to delight, make happy,
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and satisfy someone + Serve as the foundation for the melody, while the tala serves as the
jra
Shuddha raga: Retains its original nature and form even if any element of other raga is
present in it.
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Chhayalag raga: The nature and form of this raga changes when elements of any other
raga are present in it.
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Rasa: These were created to elicit emotional responses in both the performer and the audience.
Rasas are the emotions that are evoked by singing and playing instruments + Originally, there
were eight rasas, but later 'shanta' rasa was added, bringing the total to nine rasas.
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The tempo is fast and controlled by the main singer who is supported by
others in chorus.
It is a highly dramatic form of ballad.
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Burrakatha
A bottle shaped drum (tambura) is played by the main performer while
(Andhra Pradesh)
reciting a story.
Daskathia ai
It is a form of ballad singing prevalent in Odisha.
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The performance is a form of worship and offering on behalf of the “Das”,
(Odisha)
the devotee.
These are the most distinctive type of folk songs of Assam, both for their
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(Assam) They are blessings for a happy new year and the dance is associated with
an ancient fertility cult.
va
Chai hia During the Chapchar Kut festival a special occasion for singing and
(Mizoram) dancing is called ‘chai’ and songs are known as ‘chai hia’.
bu
of Shiva and Parvati, the magic of monsoon, greenery, peacock dance etc.
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6. Classical Music
Hindustani Music: It came into existence in 13th century due to assimilation of elements of
am
Instruments used are Tabla, Sarangi, Sita Veena, Mridangum and Mandolin.
and Santoor.
Ustad Bismillah Khan, Pandit Ravi Tyagaraja, Muthuswami Dikshitar and
Shankar, Ustad Alla Khan etc. Shyama shastri (Trinity of Carnatic music)
******