Art

The origin of fine arts in India goes a long way back. India being a rich culture, the fine arts dates back to the beginning of civilization itself. India is known for its vivid history, co-existent plentiful of religions and path breaking philosophies. The importance of art has always constituted the fulcrum of India’s social and cultural hierarchies. As India’s history is segmented into various periods, similarly art in ancient India too is classified in accordance with those periods. Periods like, Hinduism and Buddhism, Islamic era, pre-independence period, post independence period and modern era. Every period has its unique blend of wonderful exhibition of Indian art. With changing times and changing periods, the form of art has also changed and every time it has managed to surpass the glorious works of previous age.

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Ancient Indian art forms are not just restricted to architecture, painting and sculpture. Folk and tribal art tradition in India is a wonderful example of culture and tradition of different social groups of India. Despite the onslaught of modernity, these traditions have managed to retain their essence and charm. What is most appealing about tribal art is that it is attuned to the rhythms of the nature. These art forms are simple expression of people that were further developed by fairs and festivals. The tribal art is based on local deities, myths, legends and epics. In that way, tribal art symbolises mutual dependency and co-existence of life and creativity. It is not merely an art for tribal people. It is in fact, a way of life that they live.

(source: factsaboutindia.org)

The term rangoli is derived from words rang (colour) and aavalli ('coloured creepers' or 'row of colours'). Rangoli is one of the most popular art forms in India. It is a form of sandpainting decoration that uses finely ground white powder and colours, and is used commonly outside homes in India. Rangoli can be wall art as well as floor art.

The origin of rangoli painting is traced to a legend recorded in the Chitralakshana, the earliest Indian treatise on painting. When the son of a Kings high priest died, Brahma, Lord of the universe, asked the king to paint the likeness of the boy so that Brahma could breathe life into him again. This is how, it is believed, the first painting was made. Also, the son of the king painted a portrait of a girl whom the son liked very much, although the king would not let his son see her. Rangoli also became a form of self-portraiture for women.

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