Legacies of Indian Art

Today, 80 percent of Indians practice Hinduism, the third largest religion in the world. The religion dates back thousands of years. Hinduism is a polytheistic religion, which means Hindus worship more than one god. The sculpture above depicts one of the most important Hindu gods: Shiva, who is known as the destroyer.

In this 10th-century sculpture, Shiva performs a complex South Asian dance. His pose is symbolic: the figure’s four arms and two strong legs create a sense of balance, representing the balance of life and death in the universe. Shiva raises one of his right hands in a mudra, or spiritual gesture, that means do not be afraid.

The sculpture is only about 27 inches tall, so people can carry it during religious ceremonies. Hindu worshippers from a thousand years ago as well as the present recognize and understand the symbols in this work.

Today, eight out of ten Indians practice Hinduism. This makes it the third largest religion in the world. Hinduism religion is polytheistic. This means that Hindus worship more than one god. The sculpture above shows Shiva, one of the most important Hindu gods. An artist crafted it in the 10th century.In Hindu religion, Shiva is the god of destruction and rebirth. The sculpture shows Shiva dancing. His pose is an important symbol. His four arms and two strong legs balance one another. Here the artist represents the balance of life and death in the universe. Shiva raises his right hand in a symbolic gesture that means “do not be afraid.”

The sculpture is only about 27 inches tall—small enough for people to carry during religious ceremonies. It is more than a thousand years old. But Hindus today still understand the symbols.

In the 17th century, miniature paintings were a prized artform in India. They provided a popular way to record and share religious narratives, romantic tales, and information about Indian politics and history. People often brought miniature paintings like the one below on voyages to other countries. Visually conveying ideas made them easily understood, not only by Indian people but also by viewers worldwide.

Artist Bichitr (bih-CHIT-truh) painted this miniature, which is only about 9 inches by 7 inches, using watercolors, ink, and gold on paper. He depicts Jahangir (jah-HAHN-geer), an Indian emperor whose name means “conqueror of the world.” The artist shows Jahangir handing a book to a religious scholar, a gesture that demonstrates his wisdom. Borders made of ornate patterns surround the majestic scene. Patterns like these are common in Indian art.

In the 17th century, miniature paintings became popular in India. Artists used them to share stories about religion, love, and history. People used to bring miniature paintings like the one below on trips to other countries. Even if they didn’t speak the same language, people around the world could understand the stories artists told in the paintings. An artist named Bichitr (VICH-it-rah) painted this miniature, which is smaller than a page of notebook paper. The artist used watercolors, ink, and gold. He paints Jahangir (jah-han-jur), an Indian emperor whose name means “conqueror of the world.” The artist shows Jahangir giving a book to a religious man. This gesture represents Jahangir’s wisdom. Bichitr adds borders of detailed patterns around the scene. Many Indian artists use patterns like these in their art.

The Taj Mahal (tahj muh-HAL), above, is a monument in Agra, India. People all over the world consider it to be among the most beautiful buildings in the world. The Muslim emperor Shah Jahan (shah juh-HAHN) commissioned it, hiring craftsmen to build it between 1631 and 1648. Most scholars believe he designed the building in honor of his wife, who died during the birth of their 14th child.

Constructed of luminous white marble, the building is perfectly symmetrical. Patterns adorn surfaces on its exterior and interior walls. In the detail below, delicate vines twist and cascade, forming organic shapes ending in crimson blossoms. The Taj Mahal’s majestic domes, towering minarets (tall, slender towers), and lavish gardens attract massive, awestruck crowds every day.

Throughout history, Indian art has evolved according to the ideas and values of India’s people. But the traditions that define the country’s vibrant past also inform its present and its future. As you read the following articles, think about how contemporary artists look to the past to comment on life in India today.

People all over the world believe that The Taj Mahal (tahj MUH-hall), above, is one of the most beautiful buildings in the world. It is a monument in Agra, India. Shah Jahan (sha-AH JUH-ha), a Muslim emperor of India, paid craftsmen to build it between 1631 and 1648. Most experts think that he designed the building in honor of his wife. She died during the birth of their 14th child.

The building is constructed of white marble. It’s perfectly symmetrical, or the same on either side. Patterns cover the walls inside and outside the building. In the detail below, the pattern shows delicate, twisting vines and bright blossoms. Every day, tourists visit the Taj Mahal to see its majestic domes, beautiful gardens, and tall minarets, or towers. Indian art is diverse, just like its people. Over the centuries, artistic styles have changed as Indian culture changes. But old traditions can still be found in India’s daily life and art. As you read the next articles, think about how contemporary artists reflect on the past to say something about life in India today.