18LEM110L- Indian Art Form SEMESTER – VI Name of the Student : Ali Shahwar Kichloo Register Number RA2011033010024 : DEPARTMENT OF COMPUTATIONAL INTELLIGENCE SCHOOL OF COMPUTING SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Deemed University u/s 3 of UGC Act 1956) Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603 202. 1 COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY SRM INSTITUTE OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY (Deemed University u/s 3 of UGC Act 1956) Kattankulathur, Chengalpattu District, 603 202 BONAFIDE CERTIFICATE Register Number : RA2011033010024 Certified to be the bonafide record of work done by Ali Shahwar Kichloo of B.Tech. (CSE) Degree for the course 18LEM110L (IndianArtForm) in SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur during the Academic Year 2022-2023. Date: Faculty In-charge Head of the Department ii 2 CONTENT Ex. No. Weekly Assignment 1. Mysore & Tanjore Paintings 2. Indian Traditional Paintings 3. Folk Art and its effect on the life of common man 4. Mughal Paintings 5. Indo-Saracenic architecture 6. Why use Terracotta today? 7. Rock Cut Sculptures 8. Cupules 9. Famous Temples 10. Kolam Designs 11. Kalamezhuthu 12. History of Mehendi 13. Pookalam Page No. 4-5 6-9 10-11 12-13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22-23 iii 3 Mysore and Tanjore Art 1. Write a brief History of Mysore Paintings. Mysore Painting is a form of classical South Indian painting, which evolved in the Mysore city of Karnataka. During that time, Mysore was under the reign of the Wodeyars and it was under their patronage that this school of painting reached its zenith. Quite similar to the Tanjore Paintings, Mysore Paintings of India make use of thinner gold leaves and require much more hard work. The most popular themes of these paintings include Hindu Gods and Goddesses and scenes from Hindu mythology. The grace, beauty and intricacy of Indian Mysore Paintings leave the onlookers mesmerized. History of Mysore Paintings It was under the rule of Raja Krishna Raja Wodeyar that the popularity of the Mysore School of painting reached its highest point. However, after the Raja expired in 1868, the artists started scattering and the school reached the point of total extinction. The year 1875 saw the establishment of Jagan Mohan Palace and Chitrakala School and along with it, the revival of the Mysore Painting of India. Late Sri Siddalingeswara Swamiji and late Sri Y. Subramanya Raju also contributed to this exquisite art form. 2. What is the process involved in making Mysore paintings? • • • • • • A lot of steps are involved in the process of producing a Mysore painting. The initial stage needs the artist to create a primary sketch of the image on the base, which includes a cartridge paper pasted on a wooden base. Afterwards, they make a paste of zinc oxide and Arabic gum, identified as ‘gesso paste’. This paste is used to give a slightly raised effect of carving to those parts of the painting that need embellishments and it is allowed to dry. Then, the gold foil is fixed onto the surface. The remaining painting is prepared with the help of watercolours. After the painting is fully parched, it is covered with a thin paper and scrubbed lightly with a smooth soft stone. 3. Write the unique feature of Tanjore paintings. The Most unique feature of Tanjore Paintings is its 3-D property. Let us explain it further. Tanjore Painting is the only painting to have EMBOSS on it. That is, the painting has areas that are ELEVATED from the surface. Photo of a semi completed Durga Devi is shown on the left side for reference. A tanjore painting has typically 10 processes. Embossing is one of them. 4 The other feature is the Real Gold Foil used to stick on the EMBOSSED areas - 22 carat gold foil is used. It is made of real gold and it never fades. Nowadays, to reduce the overall cost and make more profit, some galleries have started using imitation gold foils (read fake gold foils). Sometimes the customers are aware of it and sometimes they are not- they get cheated. Care has to be taken while evaluating the authenticity of the gold foil. One should look for shops/ artists providing ‘Certificate of Authenticity’ for the gold foils. We at Chola Impressions issue Authenticity Certificate for each painting we make. 4. Explain the procedure of Tanjore paintings. Initially work begins by preparing the wooden board of required size and cardboard is placed over the board after the cardboard is pasted to wooden board, Cotton fabric is then stretched and pasted on the board using an indigenous gum. After the fabric attached well to the board, the process of coating the cloth begins. Then cloth is coated with the paste, which is prepared by mixing chalk powder and tamarind seed powder. This paste applied over the canvas to multiple coats. This coated area is then rubbed with a smoothening stone and emery sheet to obtain a surface with mild sheen and good texture. Coating of the cloth board helps prevent the painting from damage caused by moisture and heat. After the canvas is ready painter draws the Sketch over the canvas using the templates of religious themes. The template will be in the form of a tracing sheet with pinpricks on the outlines. This tracing sheet is placed on top of the cloth board and dusted with charcoal dust. Molding paste is made by mixing quantity of a paste made of chalk powder and glue with Gold paint and water. It is then filled in a squeezing bottle to create the relief work. To give a fine detailing even fine brushes are used. In brush, the first layer of the paste is applied to create a raised effect for the chosen areas of the work. Once this layer is dry, finer details are painted using the same paste to create raised patterning. They are Pated using the glue. Once dried, the embossed areas are covered with gold leaf. Gold leaf work is made by using gold foil, a thin gold foil is placed on an embossed area and the foil is then cut to shape. Glue is then applies to the back side of the foil and it is then applied over the embossed area. Using the pointed back of a paintbrush, the foil is pressed down to reveal the embossed details. In this manner, all the embossed areas are covered with gold leaf. Painting is then enhanced by pasting the Kundan/ gems or precious stones along with mirror in the border. Colors are then painted in several coats over the design and it is allowed to dry. A fine outlining is done for features. The painting, once it is complete, it is framed using the teakwood with glass on top. 5 Session 2- SLO 2 Indian artists from different fields The history of Indian painting dates back to the era of Ajanta, Ellora and other murals. Other famous examples are Buddhist palm leaf manuscripts, the Jain texts and the Deccan, Mughal and Kangra schools. Indian paintings is a portrayal of tradition and depiction of ancient texts and theories in color and anecdotal accounts. It was common during the ancient times have paintings in households in the doorways or indoor rooms where guests resided. Cave painting is another example we can refer to know further about Indian paintings. The paintings of Ajanta, Bagh and Sittanvasal and temple paintings testify to a love of naturalism. From the early civilization to the present day the paintings provide an aesthetic continuum. Various traditions that have existed in the country have helped for the evolution of paintings in India. Miniature paintings are those executed on a very small scale on perishable material such as paper, cloth, etc., though this style had been perfected by artisans under the various rules, not many remain today. Prime examples are the Rajasthani & Mughal miniatures. Contemporary artists have kept up to the times & excel in their modern works, giving free expression to their imagination & artistic liberty. (Source: https://www.nriol.com/indian-paintings/) Classwork Collect the images (one for each) for the following kinds of Indian traditional paintings and label them. Paste the images in the space provided below. Adjest the size of your images accordingly. Madhubani – Rajput – Kalamkari – Pattachitra – Warli (5x5=25 marks) 6 1. Madhubani: 2. Rajput: 7 3. KalamKari: 4. Pattachitra: 8 5. Warli: 9 10 11 MUGHAL PAINTINGS India has a rich history in terms of Art and culture. Many ruling dynasties came here, established their rule and not only embraced local culture but also enriched it through their own contributions. One of such rich heritage is of storytelling through paintings. • Story telling through paintings has been an established art form in India. We find many examples of Ramayana and Mahabharata depicted in the form of continuous paintings, for example in Pattachitra of Odisha. • Similarly, Jataka stories of Buddha are also found in paintings of Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra. • Though this art form already existed in India, but Mughals with their rich colours and more realistic paintings took this art to its pinnacle. Mughal painting marks a unique a blending of Persian and Indian ideas. Mughal painting was essentially a court art, developed under the patronage of the ruling Mughal emperors and began to decline when the rulers lost interest. The subjects treated were generally secular, revolving around themes like battles, court scenes, receptions, legendary stories, hunting scenes, wildlife, portraits, and the likes. Imperial Mughal painting represents one of the most celebrated art forms of India. It arose with remarkable rapidity in the mid-sixteenth century as a blending of three distinct traditions: 1. Court painting of Safavid Iran, 2. Indigenous Indian devotional manuscript illumination, and; 3. Indo-Persian or Sultanate painting, which is it is a hybrid of provincial Persian and local Indian styles. The result of this merging resulted in paintings of unprecedented vitality, brilliant coloration, and impossibly precise detail, is something dramatically more than the sum of its parts. The credit for the development of Mughal painting goes to Akbar and Jahangir. The former possessed a library of 24000 Manuscripts, many of which were illustrated through paintings. In the year 1567 Akbar ordered the preparation of 12 a lavishly illustrated manuscript of the Persian translation of the "Hamzanama", the celebrated Arab epic about a legendary Hamza. Sayyid Ali and Abdus Samad were appointed to lead a group of roughly and hundred painters. The projects took 15 years to complete, and most of the Indian pointers who founded the Mughal School were trained during that period. One of the leading painters at Akbar's court was a potter's son Daswanth. Similarly, "Tutinama" was also an Illustrated version of Persian tales in the form of 250 miniature paintings commissioned by Akbar. • Mughal Court paintings provide an insight into the life and times of rulers of the period. These paintings also reflect the contemporary social and political condition of the people. Social customs and courtly traditions are vividly depicted in these paintings. Mughal painting forms a dramatic episode in the history of India, it's alms and standpoint are secular and realistic: it is interested in passing events and most typically in the exact delineation of individual character in the portraiture of men and animals. • It is dramatic rather than static, aristocratic more than surreal and academic rather than vocational. • After Mughal, there came "company paintings" in India. But they were not as realistic and detailed as Mughal miniature paintings. Thus, it can be concluded that Mughal paintings are great story tellers and are very informative, providing us with deep insights into not only the life and times of the Mughals but also in rich Indian heritage and culture. 13 Name: Ali Shahwar Kichloo Reg. No. RA2011033010024 Batch: CSE-SWE (T1) Why use terracotta today? Terracotta is a versatile and durable material that has been used for centuries in various forms of art and architecture. Here are some reasons why terracotta is still used today: Aesthetic appeal: Terracotta has a warm and earthy appearance that gives a natural, organic look to any design. Its rich colour and texture make it an attractive material for use in decorative objects, sculptures, and architectural elements. Durability: Terracotta is a durable material that can withstand weathering, temperature changes, and other harsh conditions. It is also resistant to fire and water, making it suitable for use in construction and outdoor settings. Sustainability: Terracotta is an environmentally friendly material that is made from natural clay and other natural materials. It is also recyclable and biodegradable, making it a sustainable choice for designers and architects. Versatility: Terracotta can be moulded into various shapes and sizes, making it a versatile material that can be used for a wide range of applications, including roofing tiles, wall cladding, flooring, and pottery. Cost-effective: Terracotta is an affordable material that offers excellent value for money. Its low maintenance and long lifespan make it a cost-effective choice for homeowners and builders. Overall, terracotta's aesthetic appeal, durability, sustainability, versatility, and costeffectiveness make it a popular material for use in contemporary design and architecture. 14 Name: Ali Shahwar Kichloo Reg. No. RA2011033010024 Batch: CSE-SWE (T1) Short Notes: The earliest rock-cut cave sculptures date back to prehistoric times and were created by early human societies. These sculptures were typically carved into the walls of caves and were often depictions of animals, humans, and natural forms. They were created using simple tools and techniques and were often used for religious or ceremonial purposes. Rock-cut sculptures in cave temples were popular in ancient India, especially during the time of the Maurya and Gupta empires. These sculptures were typically carved into the walls and pillars of the cave temples and often depicted Hindu deities and scenes from Hindu mythology. The most famous examples of rock-cut cave temples are the Ajanta and Ellora caves in Maharashtra, India. Rock-cut sculptures in monolithic temples are those that are carved from a single piece of stone or rock. These sculptures were popular in ancient Greece and Rome, where they were used to create impressive and imposing religious structures. Examples of monolithic temples include the Parthenon in Athens, Greece, and the Pantheon in Rome, Italy. Free-standing rock-cut sculptures are those that are carved from a separate piece of rock and then placed in a specific location. These sculptures were popular in ancient Egypt, where they were used to create statues of pharaohs and other important figures. Examples of freestanding rock-cut sculptures include the Great Sphinx of Giza and the Colossi of Memnon. Rock-cut sculptures in rock-cut monuments are those that are carved into the surface of a rock or cliff. These sculptures were popular in ancient civilizations such as Petra in Jordan, where they were used to create impressive tombs and temples. Examples of rock-cut monuments include the Treasury and the Monastery in Petra. 15 Name: Ali Shahwar Kichloo Reg. No. RA2011033010024 Batch: CSE-SWE (T1) Questions/Answers: 1. Cupules were made during the prehistoric period, and their exact age varies depending on the region and culture in which they were created. Some cupules have been dated back to the Neolithic era, which began around 10,000 BCE, while others are more recent. 2. Cupules typically consist of a shallow, bowl-shaped depression that has been pecked, ground, or polished into a rock surface. They can range in size from a few centimeters to several meters in diameter and may be found singly or in large groups. Often, they are located near water sources or in areas with a high concentration of rock art. 3. Cupules occur worldwide, with examples found in Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and the Americas. They are often associated with other forms of rock art, such as petroglyphs or pictographs, and may be found in a variety of settings, including rock shelters, caves, and open-air sites. 4. The oldest known cupules are located in the Blombos Cave in South Africa and are estimated to be around 77,000 years old. However, cupules from the Paleolithic era, which began around 2.6 million years ago and ended around 10,000 BCE, have also been discovered in Europe and Asia. 5. The purpose of cupules is not entirely clear, and theories vary depending on the cultural and historical context in which they were created. Some researchers suggest that they may have served as grinding or polishing tools, while others believe they had spiritual or religious significance. In some cultures, they may have been used for divination or as part of fertility rituals. 16 Name: Ali Shahwar Kichloo Reg. No. RA2011033010024 Batch: CSE-SWE (T1) Questions/Answers: 1. Kandariya Mahadeva Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 11th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its intricate carvings and sculptures depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 2. Lakshmana Temple, Khajuraho: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 10th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 3. Chaturbhuj Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Orchha, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 16th century by the Bundela dynasty and is known for its massive stone structure and stunning architecture. 4. Javari Temple, Khajuraho: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 10th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 5. Vamana Temple, Khajuraho: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 11th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 6. Varaha Temple Khajuraho: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 10th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 7. Duladeo Temple Khajuraho: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 12th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 8. Devi Jagadambika Temple: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Jagadambika and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 11th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 9. Matangeshwar Mandir Khajuraho: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 9th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 10. Lakshmi Temple Khajuraho: It is a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Lakshmi and is located in Khajuraho, Madhya Pradesh, India. It was built in the 10th century by the Chandela dynasty and is known for its stunning architecture and intricate carvings depicting various Hindu deities and mythological scenes. 17 Ali Shahwar Kichloo RA2011033010024 Introduction: Kolam is a traditional floor drawing that is an integral part of the culture of South India. It is a daily ritual where women draw intricate patterns on the floor using rice flour or other colored powders. These drawings are considered a form of art and are believed to bring prosperity and positive energy to the home. History and Significance: The tradition of Kolam dates back to ancient times, and it has been passed down through generations. In the olden days, the practice of Kolam was restricted to the rural areas of South India. However, with time, it has spread to the urban areas as well. Kolam was initially used as a means of food for ants and other small insects. Later on, it became a form of artistic expression, and people began to draw more intricate designs. Kolam is an essential part of South Indian culture and is often associated with festivals and other celebrations. It is believed that the designs drawn during these times are especially auspicious and have the power to ward off evil spirits. Designs and Techniques: Kolam designs are usually drawn using rice flour, which is white in color. However, nowadays, people use other colored powders like turmeric, vermillion, and other natural dyes to create more colorful designs. The designs are usually drawn using the fingers, and the patterns are based on simple geometric shapes like circles, triangles, and squares. Kolam designs are usually drawn in front of the house or in the courtyard, and they are often quite large. Some of the more intricate designs can take hours to complete, and they require a great deal of skill and patience. The designs are often symmetrical and have a repetitive pattern that is meant to create a sense of harmony and balance. Modern Day Adaptations: In recent times, there have been many adaptations of the traditional Kolam designs. People have started experimenting with new colors, shapes, and patterns to create more contemporary designs. Some artists have even started using Kolam as a medium for their artwork, creating large-scale installations using rice flour or other colored powders. 18 Ali Shahwar Kichloo Kunjal Lal RA2011033010074 RA2011033010024 Introduction: Kalamezhuthu is an ancient form of art and ritualistic performance that originated in Kerala, a southern state of India. The word "Kalamezhuthu" is derived from two Malayalam words- "Kalam," which means picture, and "Ezhuthu," which means drawing. It is a ritualistic art form, which is performed as an offering to the Gods and Goddesses in Hindu temples. Kalamezhuthu is an integral part of Kerala's cultural and religious heritage, which has been passed down through generations. Religious Significance: Kalamezhuthu is considered a highly auspicious ritual and is believed to bring blessings and prosperity to the performers and the devotees. It is a form of offering to the deity and is usually performed during temple festivals and other religious ceremonies. The art form involves the creation of elaborate and intricate patterns using natural powders and pigments like rice flour, turmeric powder, charcoal, and other natural colors. The Kalamezhuthu performance is usually done in front of the deity's sanctum sanctorum. The performer or the artist, known as the "Kalamkar," first cleanses the temple premises and takes a ritualistic bath before starting the art. The Kalamkar then draws the image of the deity on the ground with a bamboo stick using the natural powders. The artist creates an elaborate and intricate design with great precision, which usually takes several hours to complete. The Kalamezhuthu performance is accompanied by devotional songs and music played on traditional musical instruments like Chenda, Maddalam, and Thakil. The songs are usually sung in praise of the deity and its virtues. The art form is believed to have the power to evoke the deity's presence and bless the devotees. The intricate patterns and designs created in Kalamezhuthu are symbolic representations of the deity's power and divine energy. The art form is also believed to have healing properties and is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to treat various ailments. 19 Ali Shahwar Kichloo RA2011033010024 1. Mehendi, also known as henna, is a form of temporary body art created by applying a paste made from the powdered leaves of the henna plant to the skin. 2. The exact origin of Mehendi is unknown, but it is believed to have originated in ancient India, Egypt, or the Middle East. It has been used for centuries in many cultures for various rituals, celebrations, and medicinal purposes. 3. Mehendi is considered significant in Hinduism as it is believed to symbolize the bond of matrimony and is an essential part of Indian weddings. It is also used in various religious and cultural ceremonies, as well as to bring good luck, prosperity, and protection from evil. 4. The procedure for applying Mehendi involves creating a paste using henna powder mixed with water, lemon juice, and sugar. The paste is then applied to the skin using a cone or brush, and left to dry for several hours. Once the paste is removed, the design will gradually darken over the next 24-48 hours, depending on the quality of the henna and the amount of time it was left on the skin. 20 Ali Shahwar Kichloo RA2011033010024 CSE SWE T1 21 22 23