Discover Ways to Learn the Richness of Traditional Indian Arts

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By Tuba Ali

  • Culture
  • India
  • Art
  • Books
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    Art is a medium through which we can travel to the ancient world; it tells us much about our ancestral world and their societies. It's not just a decorative item but also something that tells a story. Indian art has a long history, from the ancient Harappan civilisation to modern times, it has come a long way, constantly evolving, experimenting and contributing to the cultural scene of our nation. India is a place of various tribes, religions and cultures living together, and this diversification led to a rich artistic environment. Historically, In Indian society, Art has played a huge role, ancient civilisations like Harrapa and Mesopotamia produced a great level of art. Whether it is the “Dancing Girl” from Harappa, Stupa at Sanchi or the painting “Bharat Mata” by Abanindranath Tagore, all of these tell us a beautiful history. 

    To learn about Indian Art, we don’t necessarily need to go to libraries anymore. We are living in a world where we can learn about it from the comfort of our homes. In this digital age, there are multiple learning tools. From books to videos to audio, the availability of learning tools is vast and limitless. In this article, we will explore various tools to learn about Indian Art.

    Books

     

     

    When it comes to learning about Indian art, books are the most reliable and resourceful option. Various writers and authors have explored this topic in their books. Art writers and art historians are constantly making outstanding efforts in this field. “Indian Art” by Partha Mitter is one such example; it mainly explores the history of art in India of about 5000 years ago. This book deals with the evolution of Indian art in a short, introductory way, which is best for those who need something engaging but brief on this topic. William Dalrymple’s book “Forgotten Masters” is for those who are interested in the East India Company paintings, it unveils the forgotten artists of this particular period, who blended Indian and Western characteristics in their paintings, who were not just painters but also travellers who were documenting what they were seeing through their eyes. Many books delve into specific topics in Indian art, such as architecture, miniature paintings or contemporary art. “Indian Miniature Painting” by Anjan Chakravarti is something that provides an interesting read to anyone who is into miniature whether it is Mughal or Rajput miniature. This book delves into the development of each miniature school and its decline, it also sheds light on the life of the master miniature artists. Other recommended books are: The spirit of Indian painting by B.N. Goswamy; Indian Art: An overview by Gayatri Sinha - The book offers essays on Indian art by leading scholars; Myths and Symbols in Indian Art by Heinrich Zimmer.

    Visual Media

    We all enjoy visionary experiences, and what is more interesting for art aficionados than Art movies, series or documentaries? There are several biographical films available online; these movies celebrate the journey of master artists, Including Raja Ravi Verma, the 1997 film “Raja Ravi Varma: The Painter Prince” was aired on Doordarshan. Another movie on 19th-century Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma is “Rang Rasiya” It was released in 2008 and is now available on OTT platforms like Zee5. Nainsukh is another interesting movie based on 18th-century miniature artist Nainsukh; it revolves around the story of his passion for painting and how he became a court artist of the Rajput prince. 

     

    A scene from the movie “Rang Rasiya”, 2008

     

    “Crafted in India” by Google Arts and Culture also explores topics related to Indian art and is available on platforms like YouTube. Not just movies and documentaries, there are many interviews and shows available on YouTube, such as Art Talk with Jujhar Singh, which is one of the leading art shows in India, featuring interviews with renowned artists such as S. H Raza, Akbar Padamsee, Jogen Chowdhury, and Anjolie Ela Menon. The show gives insight into the creative journey of Indian artists and their contribution to Indian Art. Cinematic storytelling plays a significant role, it enhances the experience of learning art history and brings art to life. The arrangement of scenes and different cinematic techniques, such as foreshadowing and pacing transforms art into immersive experiences.

    Audio Platforms - Podcasts

    Learning about Indian Art is not limited to Visual media, Podcasts and Audio Platforms are another way to delve deeper into artistic expressions. The MASH Podcast stands out, presented by archivist Ayushi Chaurasia, who excavates Indian art from prehistoric to contemporary times. Engaging episodes reveal hidden gems and revisit iconic pieces, thus making an auditory journey to the past in the diversity and contradictions of India's rich artistic heritage. Other platforms like Apple Podcast also offer lists of Indian art, including "Honest Indian Art" by Gayathri Iyer, which brings Indian art history into conversation with contemporary issues and imagery politics, as with episodes such as "Ganesha: Buddhist Demon or Modak Lover?" and "Should Krishna Be Cancelled? ". The series covers a wide range of topics, from cultural narrative to social issues, it delves into interesting themes such as the impact of colonialism on art, gender representation and representation of female beauty in Indian art. These podcasts bring immersive learning to the fore, using a combination of expert interviews and compelling storytelling to bring complex topics alive. From deep insight into Indian art, listen to diverse perspectives, historical narratives, and cultural themes, all in an engaging and accessible way.

    Online Channels and Platforms

     

    Dancing Krishna with Cows, Kalamkari Painting

     

    Online channels and platforms have transformed the way we perceive art; it has completely changed the way we learn about Indian art. Several YouTube channels are providing a bunch of information, such as The National Museum of India, which has a vast range of topics available on YouTube. They also have detailed exploration of the exhibition and even their public lecture and curatorial talks. Similarly, Indian Art History by Deepak Raj on YouTube presents informative videos on art, history and culture. Platforms like Google Arts & Culture are another way to gain insight into Indian art; they offer an immersive experience to people by providing virtual tours and bringing Indian art closer to the audience. For Folk and Tribal art, platforms like Memeraki highlight the works of Indian artisans and present vibrant traditional art forms such as Madhubani, Pichwai, Kalamkari and Pattachitra.

    Online Courses and Workshops

    Online courses have proved quite useful in producing skill-building and a deeper understanding of Indian art. Courses are being offered at the Indian Institute of Heritage to illustrate the History of Indian art, from ancient times to contemporary expressions, via expert lectures and gallery talks. Similarly, IGNCA's short-time certificate courses, such as Rock Art Appreciation, Screenwriting, and Folklore, further ignite interest and skills development through well-designed modules led by seasoned professionals.

    Several art institutes and galleries offer both online and offline workshops, Kiran and Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) regularly host workshops, their recently hosted session was on reverse painting with Mahmud Husain, a renowned artist. In this workshop, participants learnt the detailed process of reverse painting. Similarly, MeMeraki organises illustrative workshops on traditional Indian art forms involving deep insight. Sessions on Tanjore painting, for example, systematically guide the audience through steps, from preparation of a board to gold foil layering and intricate detailing. These experiences do not only teach technical skills but, more importantly, link participants to the cultural and historical richness of Indian art traditions. Workshops such as these are perfect for someone who would like to learn, practice, and celebrate the diversity of Indian artistic heritage.

    Conclusion

    Learning about Indian art has no boundaries anymore; it has become more and more accessible. From the traditional charm of books to immersive cinematic movies and audiovisuals, the tools are abundant now. Online or digital platforms have further revolutionised the way of learning about Indian art, it has brought the art world into our home. Workshops and courses are another good option to learn hands-on experience. Whether it is traditional art or contemporary, all these options have connected us to India’s rich cultural legacy and enhanced our understanding of our history, culture and art.

    References

     

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