Roadmap for Answer Writing Introduction Briefly introduce the significance of temple architecture in India. Mention how the temples in the hill regions of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir have unique architectural features, influenced by geography, climate, and cultural traditions. Body 1. Use of Wood in ...
Model Answer The evolution of modern Indian art during British colonial rule was influenced by several key factors, shaping the art scene into what it is today. 1. Colonial Superiority Complex Under British colonial rule, fine arts were seen as a European achievement, and Indians were considered incRead more
Model Answer
The evolution of modern Indian art during British colonial rule was influenced by several key factors, shaping the art scene into what it is today.
1. Colonial Superiority Complex
Under British colonial rule, fine arts were seen as a European achievement, and Indians were considered incapable of creating or appreciating “high” art. This Eurocentric view led to the establishment of art schools in major Indian cities like Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras, modeled on European styles. The popularity of Raja Ravi Varma’s oil paintings, depicting both mythological and social themes, marked the early phase of modern Indian art in response to this colonial bias.
2. Nationalistic Aesthetic and the Bengal School
As a counter to colonial cultural dominance, nationalist art emerged, particularly through the Bengal School of Art. Influenced by Abanindranath Tagore and E.B. Havell, the Bengal School emphasized Indian traditions and sought to create an indigenous style. The setting up of Kala Bhavan at Shantiniketan by Rabindranath Tagore fostered the growth of this movement, which drew heavily from India’s rich artistic heritage.
3. Revival of Indian Traditions
Artists like Nandalal Bose and Asit Kumar Haldar, students of Abanindranath Tagore, turned to India’s past traditions for inspiration. They incorporated elements from ancient Indian art forms like the Ajanta frescoes, and Mughal, Rajasthani, and Pahari miniature paintings into their work, establishing a bridge between traditional and modern artistic expressions.
4. Global Events and the Indian Independence Movement
Global events like World War II and the Bengal famine indirectly influenced Indian art. The crisis led to the formation of the Calcutta Group in 1943, led by sculptor Prodosh Das Gupta, which reflected the socio-political turmoil of the times. Furthermore, the Indian Independence movement, along with the desire for both political and artistic freedom, inspired artists to adopt nationalistic themes, exemplified by the Progressive Artists’ Group in 1946, which promoted modern art in post-independence India.
5. Influence of Western Modernism
Western modernist movements such as Cubism and Expressionism had a significant impact on Indian artists like Gaganendranath Tagore and Rabindranath Tagore. Their exposure to these international trends led them to challenge traditional academic art, thus contributing to the diversification of Indian modern art.
Conclusion
The confluence of colonialism, nationalism, global events, and exposure to Western modernism led to a flourishing of modern Indian art. Figures like Jamini Roy, Amrita Sher-Gil, Ramkinker Baij, and Benode Behari Mukherjee were instrumental in establishing a distinct modern Indian art, which culminated in the formation of institutions like the National Gallery of Modern Art and the Lalit Kala Akademi post-independence.
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Model Answer The temples in the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir showcase distinctive architectural styles, shaped by diverse cultural influences. These temples, built between the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, reflect the unique blending of Gupta, post-Gupta, and Gandhara styles. Wooden ARead more
Model Answer
The temples in the hills of Kumaon, Himachal Pradesh, and Kashmir showcase distinctive architectural styles, shaped by diverse cultural influences. These temples, built between the 5th and 6th centuries BCE, reflect the unique blending of Gupta, post-Gupta, and Gandhara styles.
Wooden Architecture and Roofing Traditions
A prominent feature of hill temples is the use of wood, reflecting the traditional Kashmiri style. Due to the harsh climatic conditions, such as heavy snowfall, the temples often have peaked, slanting roofs designed to shed snow. For instance, the Manu Temple in Himachal Pradesh showcases wooden thatched roofs. The steep roofs of Kashmir temples, like those in Pandrethan, built during the 8th-9th centuries under the Karkota dynasty, also exhibit this adaptation to the environment.
Mix of Architectural Styles
These temples often combine different architectural styles. While the main sanctum (garbhagriha) and tower (shikhara) follow the rekha-prasada or Latina style, the mandapas (pillared halls) often reflect an older wooden design. The Pandrethan Temple in Kashmir is a prime example, where the garbhagriha follows the rekha-prasada style, but the mandapa retains traditional wooden architecture.
Moderate Ornamentation and Simple Design
The temples in these regions moved away from the heavy ornamentation seen in post-Gupta styles, opting for more moderate decoration. A notable example is the Pandrethan Temple, which features a row of elephants at the base and a decorated doorway. This simplicity in ornamentation reflects a shift towards functional aesthetics, suited to the local climate and lifestyle.
Intermingling of Religious Traditions
Brahmanical and Buddhist traditions heavily influenced the region’s temple designs. The Hadimba Devi Temple in Himachal Pradesh, built in the Buddhist pagoda style, reflects this intermingling. Additionally, the Chamba sculptures and Samlaji findings show a blend of local traditions with post-Gupta influences, blending both Buddhist and Hindu elements.
Metal Tradition and Sculptural Influences
In regions like Himachal Pradesh, the influence of the metal sculpture tradition is evident, with bronze alloys used in the making of temple images. For example, the Lakshana Devi Mandir houses sculptures like Mahishasuramardini and Narasimha, made from a zinc and copper alloy, indicative of the Himalayan region’s unique metalworking tradition.
Nagara Style Influence
In Kumaon, temples such as those at Jageshwar and Champavat are excellent examples of the Nagara style of temple architecture, known for its distinct tower and sanctuary design.
In conclusion, the temples in these hill regions of India reflect a rich blend of local, Buddhist, and Hindu traditions, incorporating unique architectural adaptations to the environment, climate, and cultural influences. These temples represent an important aspect of India’s architectural heritage.
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