Art and Culture: Chapter - Art Forms And Architecture
1. Art Forms and Architecture
SHORE TEMPLE
The Shore Temple is the lone surviving structure from a series of ancient temples that once lined the crescent-shaped beach of Mamallapuram.
About Shore Temple:
- Location: Mamallapuram (Mahabalipuram), Tamil Nadu, India.
- Deities: The complex is dedicated to Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
- Period: Constructed in the 7th century CE during the reign of Narasimhavarman II, also known as Rajasimha (his reign marked the zenith of Pallava architecture).
- Marco Polo in his travels has identified the Seven Pagodas of Mamallapuram. The shore temple is believed to be one among these Pagodas.
- Construction: Built with blocks of granite, employing a Dravidian style of architecture.
- Monolithic Animals: The temple complex also features sculptures of Nandi (the bull), Shiva's mount, and a lion, which are monolithic and a signature element of Pallava art.
- UNESCO World Heritage list: 1984.
MARTAND SUN TEMPLE
Martand Sun Temple glows in tricolour for the first time.
About Martand Sun Temple:
- Location: Hindu temple situated near Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley, Jammu and Kashmir.
- Deities: Dedicated to Surya, Hinduism's greatest solar deity; Surya is also called Martand in the Sanskrit language.
- Period: Built around the 8th Century CE by King Lalitaditya Muktapida, the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty.
- Architecture: Unique blend of local Kashmiri style with Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman, and Greek architectural influences.
- Believed to have been demolished by Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri around 1413, during his rule in Kashmir from 1389 to 1413.
WARLI PAINTING
The Mashe Family has organised an exhibition of the Warli paintings in Delhi.
About Warli Paintings:
- Origin: Warli painting originated in the tribal communities of Maharashtra, and is believed to be one of the oldest art forms in the country. While there are no records of the exact origins of this art, its roots may be traced to as early as the 10th century AD.
- The art form was traditionally practised by women.
- Method:
- Layers of cow dung form the canvas. Dried canvas is painted in mud brown to create a background.
- Bamboo-stick paint brushes are used to carve the art lines.
- These rudimentary paintings are made using a set of geometric shapes - a circle, a triangle, and a square. The circles represent the sun and moon, the triangles represent the mountains and the squares are considered as the central motifs of the painting known as the "chauk" or "chaukat".
- People and animals are represented by two inverted triangles joined together, where the upper triangle is the torso and the lower triangle is the pelvis.
- Theme: Hunting, fishing and farming. Festivals and folk dances are also common scenes depicted through Warli art.
About Warli Tribe:
- Origin: They are an indigenous community primarily residing in western India's mountainous and coastal regions, stretching across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- They speak an unwritten Varli language which belongs to the southern zone of the Indo-Aryan languages.
- Culture: They believe in animism and worship nature spirits and ancestors.
- Origin: They are an indigenous community primarily residing in western India's mountainous and coastal regions, stretching across Maharashtra and Gujarat.
- They speak an unwritten Varli language which belongs to the southern zone of the Indo-Aryan languages.
- Culture: They believe in animism and worship nature spirits and ancestors.
MOHINIYATTAM
Kerala Kalamandalam, a deemed university for arts and culture, has lifted gender restrictions to learn Mohiniyattam.
About Mohiniyattam:
- Origins:
- Mohiniyattam dance derives its name from the word 'Mohini', a female incarnation of Lord Vishnu.
- Its roots date back to the age-old Sanskrit Hindu text on performing arts called 'Natya Shastra'.
- History: Mohiniyattam is an Indian classical dance form that evolved in the state of Kerala. It used to be performed by Devadasis (temple dancers) in temples, during the rule of the Chera kings from 9th to 12th C.E.
- Performance: It is typically a solo dance performed by female artists.
- Feminine form of Dancing: It follows the Lasya style, which features a more elegant, gentle, and feminine manner of dancing.
- Gestures: The emphasis is on hand gestures and Mukhabhinaya, or subtle face expressions, rather than footwork.
- Costumes: Mohiniyattam costumes feature a basic white or ivory cream traditional sari embellished with dazzling gold-laced brocade.
- Musical Instruments: Musical instruments include the Mridangam, Madhalam, Idakka, flute, Veena, and Kuzhitalam (cymbals).
THEYYAM
Theyyam artists performed at the Chala Kadankottu Makkam Bhagavathi temple in Kannur district, Kerala.
About Theyyam:
- It is a ritualistic dance performed at local temples or groves (locally known as 'kavu') in northern Kerala and parts of Karnataka, often by people who are momentarily treated as God-like entities during the act.
- A similar practice in Karnataka is popular by the name 'Bhuta Kola'.
- It incorporates dance, mime and music to worship heroes, deities and spirits of ancestors.
- Themes: Vaishnavism, Shaktism and Shaivism.
- Performance: It is performed mainly by males, except the Devakkoothu Theyyam (only Theyyam ritual performed by women).
GATKA MARTIAL ART
Punjab's Gatka team dominated in Khelo India Youth Games (2024) held in Tamil Nadu.
About Gatka Martial Art:
- Gatka: It is a style of stick fighting, with wooden sticks (Gatka) intended to simulate swords, one of the basic techniques of self-defence for Sikh warriors.
- Origin: Guru Hargobind, the sixth Sikh Guru, introduced Gatka to the Sikhs.
- It was developed as a self-defensive style after the 14th century in Punjab, India.
- Guru Hargobind introduced the two swords of Miri and Piri and propagated the notion of temporal power-spiritual power.
- Purpose: The 'Stick' and 'Farri' are used to substitute the sword and shield respectively for practice and safety purposes.
- The martial arts of India include:
- Silambam and Kuttu Varisai: Tamil Nadu,
- Kalaripayattu: Kerala
- Lathi Khela: West Bengal
- Gatka: Punjab
- Thang-Ta: Manipur
- Mardani Khel: Maharashtra
- Pari Khanda: Bihar
- Kathi Samu: Andhra Pradesh
- Mallakhamb: Madhya Pradesh
Knowledge Nugget: About Khelo India Youth Game
- Objective:
o Revive the sports culture in India at the grassroots level.
o Build a strong framework for all sports played in the country.
o Establish India as a great sporting nation.
- Financial Assistance:
o Talented players in priority sports disciplines receive INR 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.
- Sports Disciplines:
o Covers 26 sporting disciplines, including:
* Conventional Sports: Football, Volleyball, Badminton, etc.
* Traditional Sports: Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang Ta, Kabaddi, Yogasana.
* Demo Sport: Silambam, a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu, introduced for the first time.
- Games covered under Khelo India Games: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Fencing, Football, Gatka, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Thang-Ta, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and Yogasana.
- Khelo India Youth Games Highlights:
o Held in South India for the first time.
o Mascot: Veera Mangai, inspired by Rani Velu Nachiyar, an Indian queen who resisted British rule.
o Logo: Featured the figure of poet Thiruvalluvar.
About Silambam:
- Silambam is referred to as the "Mother of all Martial Arts" worldwide, developed in Tamil Nadu.
- Purpose: Combines physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline, aims to develop overall well-being and mindfulness.
- Primarily focused on stick fighting, the main weapon used is the Perambu, a type of bamboo staff.
- Objective:
o Revive the sports culture in India at the grassroots level.
o Build a strong framework for all sports played in the country.
o Establish India as a great sporting nation.
- Financial Assistance:
o Talented players in priority sports disciplines receive INR 5 lakh per annum for 8 years.
- Sports Disciplines:
o Covers 26 sporting disciplines, including:
* Conventional Sports: Football, Volleyball, Badminton, etc.
* Traditional Sports: Kalaripayattu, Gatka, Thang Ta, Kabaddi, Yogasana.
* Demo Sport: Silambam, a traditional sport of Tamil Nadu, introduced for the first time.
- Games covered under Khelo India Games: Archery, Athletics, Badminton, Basketball, Boxing, Cycling, Fencing, Football, Gatka, Gymnastics, Hockey, Judo, Kabaddi, Kalaripayattu, Kho-Kho, Mallakhamb, Shooting, Squash, Swimming, Table Tennis, Tennis, Thang-Ta, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Wrestling, and Yogasana.
- Khelo India Youth Games Highlights:
o Held in South India for the first time.
o Mascot: Veera Mangai, inspired by Rani Velu Nachiyar, an Indian queen who resisted British rule.
o Logo: Featured the figure of poet Thiruvalluvar.
About Silambam:
- Silambam is referred to as the "Mother of all Martial Arts" worldwide, developed in Tamil Nadu.
- Purpose: Combines physical, mental, and spiritual practice or discipline, aims to develop overall well-being and mindfulness.
- Primarily focused on stick fighting, the main weapon used is the Perambu, a type of bamboo staff.
BELA PRINTING
Context: Bela block printing, a traditional craft from Bela village in Kutch, Gujarat, is in danger of disappearing.
About Bela Printing:
- Origins: Originating in Kutch Gujarat, this art form boasts a rich history.
- Practising Community: The Khatri community is renowned for its mastery of this craft.
- Process: Bela block printing involves carving intricate designs onto wooden blocks, which are then stamped onto fabric to create decorative patterns.
- Technique: Mordant printing method and hand block printing technique.
- Mordant Printing Method: Also known as resist printing or block printing. It is a traditional textile technique involving mordants to create patterns on the fabric. It enhances color fastness with natural dyes and produces intricate and vibrant designs.
- Hand Block Printing Technique: This technique uses hand-carved wooden blocks to apply dyes directly onto fabric.
- Design and Colours: Bela prints are known for bold, graphic and vibrant red and black designs, made using natural vegetable dyes with exceptional colour fastness.
GOTIPUA DANCE
Context: Gotipua dancers in Odisha face challenges as they transition from traditional dance to modern livelihood opportunities.
About Gotipua Dance:
- Gotipua is a traditional boys-only dance form from Odisha, where "Goti" means "single" and "Pua" means "boy" in the local language.
- Origin: It originated in the 16th century as a precursor to the classical Odissi dance.
- Location: Raghurajpur, near Puri, is famous for Gotipua troupes. The dance is accompanied by traditional Odissi music with Mardala percussion.
- Key Features:
- Boys are trained in singing, dancing, yoga, and acrobatics within gurukuls or akhadas.
- They dress as girls to perform at festivals and religious ceremonies, praising Bhagwan Jagannath and Krishna.
- The dance incorporates acrobatic yogic movements inspired by the lives of Radha and Krishna.
- Costume: Kanchula (bright blouse) and embroidered silk cloth (nibibandha) around the waist.
- Repertoire: It includes Vandana (prayer to God, or a guru), Abhinaya (the enactment of a song) and Bandha Nritya (rhythms of acrobatic postures).
- Musical Instruments: These include Mardala (a two-headed drum), Gini (small cymbals), Harmonium, Violin, Bansuri (alto bamboo flute), and one or two vocalists.
SOHRAI PAINTING
Context: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi presented a Sohrai painting to Russian president Vladimir Putin during the BRICS summit.
About Sohrai Painting:
- Sohrai Painting is a folk/tribal painting tradition that is mostly practised in the villages of Jharkhand's Hazaribagh area.
- During Sohrai, celebrated a day after Diwali, women traditionally paint mud walls of their homes.
- The paintings reflect a matriarchal tradition, passed from mothers to daughters, often portraying the mother-child bond.
- The colors (red, black, yellow, white) are natural earth pigments sourced from the wild or local merchants.
- Chewing twigs are used as paint brushes, while cloth rags are used to apply the base coat.
- The depiction of nature, matriarchy, Indus Valley symbols, and abstracts with no specific significance are the most common topics in Sohrai paintings.
Knowledge Nugget: Relationship between Isko Rock Arts and the Sohrai Paintings
- Shri Bulu Imam discovered a rock art site in Isko village of Barkagaon block of Hazaribagh district in 1991.
- The rock arts, according to ASI, date from 3000-7000 BC and are from the Paleolithic age.
- A strange resemblance was discovered between the motifs of rock arts and the paintings painted on the walls of local people's dwellings.
- They created the paintings on two occasions:
o One after the rainy season and before the harvest season (known as Sohrai)
o During weddings (known as Kohbar)
- This suggests that the rock arts of Isko inspired the paintings of Sohrai and Kohbar.
About Sohrai:
- Sohrai is derived from the Mundari term Soroi, which means "to lash with a stick."
- It is a traditional tribal festival and art, celebrated by the indigenous communities of Jharkhand.
- It serves as a celebration of agriculture, livestock, and the harvest season.
- Dedicated to cattle, vital for tribal agriculture and livelihood, farmers express gratitude through livestock worship.
- Shri Bulu Imam discovered a rock art site in Isko village of Barkagaon block of Hazaribagh district in 1991.
- The rock arts, according to ASI, date from 3000-7000 BC and are from the Paleolithic age.
- A strange resemblance was discovered between the motifs of rock arts and the paintings painted on the walls of local people's dwellings.
- They created the paintings on two occasions:
o One after the rainy season and before the harvest season (known as Sohrai)
o During weddings (known as Kohbar)
- This suggests that the rock arts of Isko inspired the paintings of Sohrai and Kohbar.
About Sohrai:
- Sohrai is derived from the Mundari term Soroi, which means "to lash with a stick."
- It is a traditional tribal festival and art, celebrated by the indigenous communities of Jharkhand.
- It serves as a celebration of agriculture, livestock, and the harvest season.
- Dedicated to cattle, vital for tribal agriculture and livelihood, farmers express gratitude through livestock worship.
DHOKRA SHILPKALA
Context: Chhattisgarh's Ocher Studio is helping to preserve India's 4,000-year-old craft viz. Dhokra Shilpkala.
About Dhokra Shilpkala:
- The term "Dhokra" originates from the Dhokra Damar tribe of West Bengal and Odisha.
- Initially a nomadic tribe, they later settled in various states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, where the craft is widely practiced.
- Dhokra is a form of ancient bell metal craft practiced by the tribes of Central India.
- Major tribes involved: Mal, Malar, Malhor, Mahuli (West Bengal), Ghorua, Gond, Ghadwa (Chhattisgarh), Ghantaras and Ghungarghar (Odisha), Woj (Telangana).
- Technique:
- Their technique of lost wax casting/cire perdue is named after their tribe, hence Dhokra metal casting.
- The method combines metallurgical skills with wax techniques using an alloy mixture of Zinc, Brass and Nickel.
- One-time-use molds ensure no joints.
- Characteristics:
- Items contain a clay core within the metal casting.
- Products are handmade, with an individualistic and fine finish.
- No two pieces are identical in shape or size, making replicas nearly impossible.
- Key Items Produced: Hindu deities, tribal figurines, animal motifs, and tribal jewelry.
- Geographical Indicator (GI) tag in 2018:
- Adilabad Dokra metalcraft (Woj community/Wojaris/Otaris, Telangana) and
- Bengal Dokra (West Bengal)
Knowledge Nugget: Additional Metal Crafts of India
- Bronze: Jain imagery and icon (Karnataka). Pahaldar Lamps (Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh), Pembarthi craft (Telangana).
- Others: Marori work (Rajasthan), Tarkashi (Rajasthan), Bidri craft (Karnataka).
- Bronze: Jain imagery and icon (Karnataka). Pahaldar Lamps (Jaipur, Uttar Pradesh), Pembarthi craft (Telangana).
- Others: Marori work (Rajasthan), Tarkashi (Rajasthan), Bidri craft (Karnataka).
High-Yield Interactive UPSC Quiz (Chapter 1 Focus)
Q1. With reference to the historic Shore Temple at Mamallapuram, consider the following statements:
1. It marks the structural architectural transition during the reign of Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha).
2. Unlike typical Dravidian shrines, the complex contains sanctuaries dedicated concurrently to both Shaivite and Vaishnavite traditions.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Correct Answer: C. Both statements are true. The Shore Temple complex represents the structural architectural zenith built under Narasimhavarman II (Rajasimha) and uniquely incorporates structural sanctuaries dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu.
Q2. Consider the following pairs of traditional regional art forms and their core geographic zones:
1. Dhokra Shilpkala - Central India (Bell Metal casting)
2. Gotipua Dance - Western Ghats region
3. Sohrai Painting - Hazaribagh region of Jharkhand
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
Correct Answer: B. Pairs 1 and 3 are correctly matched. Gotipua Dance is a traditional boy-dance form originating out of Odisha, not the Western Ghats region.
Q3. With reference to traditional Indian martial arts, which of the following pairs is NOT correctly matched?
Correct Answer: C. Silambam is a traditional stick-fighting martial art native to Tamil Nadu, while Kalaripayattu belongs to Kerala.