Architecture, sculpture, arts and crafts of India
have an origin in the deepest annals of history of civilization. The 3rd
millennium Great baths of Mohenjodaro of Indus Valley civilization are
the finest example of these ancient origins. Hindu temples may have
varied sizes but also a typical pyramidal spire crowning the temples
such as those that can be seen in the Deccan temples of Kanchipuram,
Madurai, Srirangam and Rameswaram and Varanasi in the North. Muslim
invaders also missed the Khajuraho temples in Madhya Pradesh and Sun
temple of Konark in Orissa. Many of these temples are profusely carved
with figurines of deities on their exteriors and in some cases, even
interiors. Sanchi Stupa has fabulous sculpture embellishing the
surrounding balustrades and the gateways dating from the 3rd century
before Christ. These sculptures depict scenes from Buddha's life and
various folk deities.
Buddhist monks did the most notable rock-cut architecture and one of
the finest examples of their work is the temple at Mammallapuram.
Mauryan stone sculpture is at its best in the Lion Capital in the
Sarnath Museum, the state seal of India. The architectural sculptures of
Amaravati and Nagarjunakonda depict the social life and life of Buddha.
The Hindu cave architecture reached its zenith in Elephanta Caves near
Mumbai and Hindu and Jain rock temples of Ellora, especially the Kailasa
Temple of 8th century. The rich evidences of the art pieces of the past
suggest that Indian sculpture once ranked one of the highest in the
entire world. Like the Mediterranean sculpture, it is primarily
realistic and the human forms often have slim waists, supple limbs and a
youthful or sensuous poise. Flora and fauna has found its place in
Indian sculpture along with the innumerable deities. Take a tour to
discover a whole new world of art and sculpture in India and see the
marked differences that makes it stand apart from the sculpture of the
world over.
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