India is a storehouse of art forms from paintings that flourished from earlier periods, to its sensitive tradition of crafts. Its living traditions are a testimony to numerous art styles. From paintings in caves, temples to even roofs and courtyards of homes, Indians have in the arts, sought a spiritual contentment. Some art forms are homage to Gods, and are laced with humility. Artists believed that since art served a specific purpose of addressing the divine, there was no need to add their signatures to the artworks.

Indian arts and handicrafts have, since time immemorial, captivated the imagination of people globally. Every state in India boasts of an exclusivity and specialty, depending upon its historical influences, traditional skills, and raw materials India is world renowned for its dexterity in paintings, exquisite embroidery, beautiful sculptures in stone, metal, wood, temple carvings and elegantly designed Jewelry.

Paintings appeared on pots found in the Indus valley civilization as early as the 3rd century B.C. The cave paintings of Ajanta and Ellora date back to the 1st to 5th century A.D. These, including the wall painting of Brahadeeswara temple in Thanjavur from 1st century A.D. and the Kalamkari art forms in the Vidharba temple in Lepakshi, portray advanced techniques and refinement of creative styles.

Places where murals from ancient periods have survived include the caves of Ajanta,Bagh, Badami, Ellora, Kailasanatha Temple, Talagirisvara Temple, Brahadiswara Temple, Virupasaka Temple. Best known are the Ajanta caves carved out of volcanic rock in the Deccan Plateau. The cave paintings were done by artists employed by Buddhist monks who turned the stone walls into picture books of Buddha’s life and teachings. The artists, in doing so, portrayed costumes, ornaments and styles of the court life of the times. Close to the ancient trade routes, the caves attracted traders and pilgrims through whom the art style traveled to China and Japan.

The paintings of India have many dimensions to them. Most of the paintings are intricate with clarity in minute detail. Different techniques are used to produce the most exquisite designs and works. The colors used are vibrant and the themes range from royal portraits and events to illustrations of innumerable Gods and Goddesses. The painting techniques are Maharajas of Tanjore. Tanjavur or modern Tanjore in Tamil Nadu, is famous for a special style of decorating the paintings which were done both on glass and board, a piece of ply covered with cloth, which is then treated with lime. The required images are outlined. Following this, semi-precious stones, beaten gold leaf and gilt metal are stuck on the image with a mixture of sawdust and glue. The skill of the craftsman lies in balancing the effect of the stones. Krishna in various poses has been the main theme.

The Kalamkari technique of painting involves drawing outlines with burnt tamarind twigs dipped in molasses and iron filings. Begetable dyes of deep shades are used to create epic scenes. With repeated subdued coloring processes, a sober but fine effect is achieved. The finished product depicts mythological themes with larger than life figures. The enormous scope of expression ascertains that no two panels are alike.

The pata chitra painters are attached to the family of the Jagannath temple of Puri. In this tradition, the cloth, cotton or tussar, is coated with a mixture of chalk, tamarind seed and gum giving the surface a leathery finish. These are also drawn on palm leaves. ‘Scroll’ painting or parchment, is perhaps one of the oldest traditions in painting. In this technique, a pictorial account of the deities and miracles are painted. The lines are distinct and vibrant colors are used. It is also practiced by a selected group of families at Warangal. So minute are the details, that they can often be missed by the naked eye. Phad painting is doen by artists belonging to a family of painters in Bhilwara in Rajasthan. The themes usually depict historic tales of Rajput chieftains, painted on long cloth lengths. The outlines of paintings are first drawn in block and later filled with colors.

Ivory painting involves highly delicate brush work using the colors from the crushed stone. The ivory is first treated and smoothened. Outlines of the image, usually of a Mughal emperor, are drawn and delicately filled with color. Today, however there is a ban on ivory and camel bones are used instead.

Madhubani paintings come from Bihar. Initially drawn on walls, today this painting has found its way to handmade paper and cloth. Straight lines are drawn and these are filled in with bright and vibrant colors.

Thanka paintings from Leh in Ladakh revolve around the Buddha and ritual worship. Forms of dragons dominate. Thankas, painted on silk, are poplar for their brilliant color display as wall hangings

Miniature paintings used vegetable dyes and derivatives from nature. While the art exists today, it is not as refined and most of it finds itself on roadsides where it is picked up by tourists.

Miniature paintings used vegetable dyes and derivatives from nature. While the art exists today, it is not as refined and most of it finds itself on roadsides where it is picked up by tourists. It existed in different forms in Bengal, Bihar, Orissa, Gujrat, Himachal Prades, Madhya Pradesh, And Rajasthan. Buddhist deities, Jain forms, tales from the Ramayana and Mahabharata dominate. The paintings are replete with motifs of flora and fauna in bold and striking colors, with human figures in brilliantly designed turbans and outfits.