Question

Write a short note on development of art and painting in India

Answer 1

Indian painting has a very long tradition and history in Indian art. The earliest Indian paintings were the rock paintings of pre-historic times, the petroglyphs as found in places like Bhimbetka rock shelters, some of the Stone Age rock paintingsfound among the Bhimbetka rock shelters are approximately 30,000 years old.[1] India's Buddhistliterature is replete with examples of texts which describe palaces of the army and the aristocratic class embellished with paintings, but the paintings of the Ajanta Caves are the most significant of the few survivals. Smaller scale painting in manuscripts was probably also practised in this period, though the earliest survivals are from the medieval period. Mughal painting represented a fusion of the Persian miniature with older Indian traditions, and from the 17th century its style was diffused across Indian princely courts of all religions, each developing a local style. Company paintings were made for British clients under the British raj, which from the 19th century also introduced art schools along Western lines, leading to modern Indian painting, which is increasingly returning to its Indian roots.

Indian paintings provide an aesthetic continuum that extends from the early civilisation to the present day. From being essentially religious in purpose in the beginning, Indian painting has evolved over the years to become a fusion of various cultures and traditions.

Answer 2

Development of art and painting in India:

• Indian art is considered to have initiated during the top of the Indus Valley Civilization

• The most primitive Indian paintings were the rock paintings of pre-historic times, e.g. the petroglyphs establish in places like Bhimbetka rock shelters.

• Company paintings were made for British customers under the British raj, which from the 19th century also presented art schools along Western lines.

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