2. How does religion often play a role in art?

4.  Said to be the art form that holds most traditions and oldest history among all the art forms in the world.  The aspect of art in India is said to be highly realistic.

5.  Portrait of Akbar the Great  Late 16 th century  Watercolor and Gouache  This portrait is famous for its exquisite linear drawing, meticulous treatment of details and subtle combination of warm tones.

6.  Indian art is unique in its art, literature, and architecture.  Indian art is constantly challenged as it rises to achieving the ideals of one philosophy in a visual form, then begins a new for another.  This challenge in thought provides Indian artists with reasons for creation, and the process of visualizing abstract ideas and the culture of the land.

7.  Architecture and rock cut art was an important step taken for the process of Indian art.  Initiated by the Buddhists and inspired Jains and Hindus who built similar kinds of structures like Ajanta, Elephanta, Elora, and Badami.

8. Key Term: Jain- Dharma, meaning is a religion and philosophy.

9. Key Term: Jainism- an Indian religion that suggests a path of non- violence towards all living beings.

10.  Painting started with rock paintings during the Stone Age.

11.  One of the biggest influences in India’s art is Buddhism.  The teachings of Buddha, an Indian prince can be seen in the creative art of the country.  One of the teachings of the Buddha is about happiness and how to be free from sin if one can learn to suppress all his desires.  Many artists, painters, and sculptors made the image of Buddha.  Peace in the image of Buddha is noticeable.

13.  One belief of Buddhism is that happiness and good fortune are attainable to everyone, regardless of age, race, or background.  All negative mental states can be overcome through meditation.  Meditation can develop a peaceful mental state and solve problems in daily life.

14.  Another belief of Buddhism is reincarnation.  Buddhists believe that humans are reborn after dying, and go through many cycles of birth, life, death, and rebirth.  These cycles will end when the person’s attachment to desire and the self is released.  When this happens, liberation and freedom from suffering is achieved; this is called Nirvana.

15.  The Buddha was born a prince in India.  He wore large, heavy gold earrings, which showed others his wealth and power.  These earrings stretched out his ears. He taught others that suffering and pain comes from wanting things.  To make suffering stop, he worked hard to give up things and wanting things. He gave up his riches, fine clothes, and earrings.  That is why the Buddha has long earlobes.  The bump on the top of his head indicates that he learned to be free from suffering and his now wise.  His eyes are half open because he is looking inward (or meditating). He looks calm because he has given up desire for material things.

16.  Pillars in India were built with a lotus (flower) shape and the figure of the lion.  The lion is a symbol of Imperial rule.  The lion represents Buddha, and the lotus represents religion.

17.  Sacred and holy  It is a way of expressing the message of religion.  The statue Shiva (main god) shows a religious message.

18.  Shiva is depicted with four arms in a graceful pose called tribhanga, a classic form of Indian dance.  Shiva dances within a ring of flames.  His eyes lightly closed and the ever-so- slightest upward turn on his mouth suggest a very calm, peaceful attitude.  His right foot, which stands upon a dwarf, represents him rejecting darkness and ignorance.  The demonic dwarf beneath his foot shows clear detail and depicts him looking upward, toward Shiva.

19.  The cosmic dance that Shiva is performing is called Anandatandava. This term means the Dance of Bliss and symbolizes the continuous cycle of life.  His four hands are symbolic to the perpetual cycle of death and rebirth, a characteristic of Hindu religion.  In his upper left hand, Shiva holds a flame. This flame resembles the flame of destruction.  In his upper right hand, Shiva beats a drum which is the sound of creation.

20.  His lower right hand is raised, gesturing protection.  His lower left hand is pointing down, which symbolizes comfort and consolation in a time of distress.  These symbols represents the cosmic cycles regarding creation, destruction and the daily rhythm of birth and death.

21.  Small images of Hindu gods were cared onto stones.  Some gods were given many heads and arms.  Most were carrying certain symbols.  It was believed that the spirit of a temple god could be transferred to the statue when carried in procession.

22.  Walls had carved and painted images.  Figures were painted realistically and firmly outlined.  Colors were used for shading.  During the Mongol Empire, paintings were about myths and histories of kings.  When the British took control of India, Hindu gods were painted in the style of British portrait paintings.

23.  Hindu temples were not intended to be for worshippers.  Supposed to be viewed from the outside.  Temples were used as alters, residences for gods, or shelter for people who worshipped for enlightenment (Nirvana).

24.  In Southern India, temples were built like palaces.  Had high walls and tall gateways.  Structures called mosques were created so people could gather for prayer.  Most mosques have an open courtyard an a covered hallway.

25.  The Taj Mahal is one of the most famous mosques.  Built in 1600’s by Shah Jaham, a Mongol emperor, as a tomb for his wife.  Made of marble

26. Key Term: Mosque- a Muslim place of worship.

27.  Art changes dimensions according to different eras.  Indian artwork has merged effortlessly with modernity and tradition.

28. Key Term: Rangoli- a folk art from India in which patterns are created on the floor in living rooms or courtyards using materials such as colored rice, dry flour, colored sand or flower petals. It is usually made during Indian festivals.

29.  A traditional decorative folk art from India.  These are decorative designs made on floors of living rooms and courtyards during Hindu festivals.  They are meant as sacred welcoming areas for Hindu gods.

30. Key Term: Linoleum Block Printing- a piece of thick, soft, cork linoleum often mounted on a block of wood, incised or carved in relief with a design, pattern, or pictorial motif, and used in making prints.

31. Key Term: Printmaking- The process of making artworks by printing, normally on paper.

32. Key Term: Print- produce, especially in large quantities, by a mechanical process involving the transfer of text, images, or designs to paper.

33. Video: The Art of India

34. Video: Linoleum Block Printing