HISTORY
Indus Valley – the cradle of civilization
The history of art and architecture in the Indian sub-continent takes us back to 2500 B.C with two dominating civilizations of the Indus Valley, Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The advanced architecture of the cities is signified by elaborate buildings made from mud bricks with intricate wood carvings, and an advanced drainage system. Their arts and crafts included sculptures, pottery, and figurines of animals made of gold, stone, and terra-cotta. As the cities came to a decline due to climate changes and exhausted soil, the Gandhara style of art was emerging in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
The history of art and architecture in the Indian sub-continent takes us back to 2500 B.C with two dominating civilizations of the Indus Valley, Mohenjo-daro and Harappa. The advanced architecture of the cities is signified by elaborate buildings made from mud bricks with intricate wood carvings, and an advanced drainage system. Their arts and crafts included sculptures, pottery, and figurines of animals made of gold, stone, and terra-cotta. As the cities came to a decline due to climate changes and exhausted soil, the Gandhara style of art was emerging in India, Pakistan and Afghanistan.
Gandhara – Crossroads of Indo-Greek culture
The Gandhara civilization, nested between beautiful valleys of Hindu Kush and Himalayas, became the cradle of Buddhism around 800 B.C . The culture, architecture, and arts of the region is heavily influenced by the Greeks under Alexander and later by Ashoka’s dynasty. Takshala, what is now known as the city of Taxila in Pakistan, became the establishment of Buddhist spiritual influence.
The art and craft from centuries ago left a rich legacy in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The artisans of the region have inherited these gifts with the ability to take durable Deodār Cedar, indigenous to the region, and convert a simple piece of wood into an exquisite piece of art.
The Gandhara civilization, nested between beautiful valleys of Hindu Kush and Himalayas, became the cradle of Buddhism around 800 B.C . The culture, architecture, and arts of the region is heavily influenced by the Greeks under Alexander and later by Ashoka’s dynasty. Takshala, what is now known as the city of Taxila in Pakistan, became the establishment of Buddhist spiritual influence.
The art and craft from centuries ago left a rich legacy in India, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The artisans of the region have inherited these gifts with the ability to take durable Deodār Cedar, indigenous to the region, and convert a simple piece of wood into an exquisite piece of art.
Rohi the Land of Mystics
Playing a pivotal role in history, the mystical region of Multan is known for its Sufi poetry, ornate mosques, tombs, and its architecture. Through time, the region has experienced several invasions and cultural infusion which left the region rich with art and architecture influenced by Arabic & Turkish traditions. The artists of the region favor the use of cobalt blues and turquoise hues in furnishings and pottery which gives a sharp contrast against the desert sand of the region. Geometric designs and the use of bright colors bring harmony with its Arabic roots which can also be seen in the Moroccan style of art and architecture. The Artists from this region portray the pride in their art throughout the world today.
Playing a pivotal role in history, the mystical region of Multan is known for its Sufi poetry, ornate mosques, tombs, and its architecture. Through time, the region has experienced several invasions and cultural infusion which left the region rich with art and architecture influenced by Arabic & Turkish traditions. The artists of the region favor the use of cobalt blues and turquoise hues in furnishings and pottery which gives a sharp contrast against the desert sand of the region. Geometric designs and the use of bright colors bring harmony with its Arabic roots which can also be seen in the Moroccan style of art and architecture. The Artists from this region portray the pride in their art throughout the world today.
Mughal School of Art
Mughals ruled most of the Indian sub-continent through the mid-centuries, with them they brought Turko-Persian culture to Indian subcontinent. Soon their Central Asian inheritance infused with rich Indian culture gave birth to Mughal school of arts. This Indo-Persian style of design is characterized by delicate carvings and a harmony of geometric and organic patterns. The artisans that belong to this school of art combine distinctive elements of Islamic design, highlighted by symmetry and beautifully constructed arches, with Vedic style of India, inspired by the uninhibited beauty of nature.
Mughals ruled most of the Indian sub-continent through the mid-centuries, with them they brought Turko-Persian culture to Indian subcontinent. Soon their Central Asian inheritance infused with rich Indian culture gave birth to Mughal school of arts. This Indo-Persian style of design is characterized by delicate carvings and a harmony of geometric and organic patterns. The artisans that belong to this school of art combine distinctive elements of Islamic design, highlighted by symmetry and beautifully constructed arches, with Vedic style of India, inspired by the uninhibited beauty of nature.
British Raj & Colonial Influence
The establishment of the British Empire greatly influenced the architecture and culture of India and lead to a fusion of styles and techniques. The fusion of Indian traditions with European style at this time became evident in the arts & architectural styles of the region.
The establishment of the British Empire greatly influenced the architecture and culture of India and lead to a fusion of styles and techniques. The fusion of Indian traditions with European style at this time became evident in the arts & architectural styles of the region.
