Cultural Heritage of India: Traditional Handicraft and Fine Arts
Fundamentals of Indian Cultural Heritage
India is characterized by a rich and varied cultural heritage that encompasses both materialistic and genetical inheritance. Genetic inheritance refers to the physical and mental characteristics that a child inherits from their parents by birth. In contrast, material heritage refers to properties such as houses, land, and estates obtained from ancestors. Broadly, cultural heritage includes everything a human being obtains or creates using their intellect and skill, which involves traditions, customs, rituals, and the specific lifestyles adopted by ancestors. It further encompasses education, farming techniques, trade practices, rules for daily life, festivals, entertainment, artistic skills, and beliefs. India is an ancient country with deeply rooted social values, dogma, and a robust family system. It is considered a moral duty for citizens to preserve this legacy. Ancient literature identifies the existence of distinct arts, including handicraft, workmanship, poetry, drawing, music, dramatic art, and dance. India's historical prosperity made it a primary target for foreign visitors and invaders. Today, the practice of Yoga is recognized globally as a vital part of Indian cultural heritage, and as a result, is celebrated as World Yoga Day across the globe.
The Ancient Art of Clay Work
Humanity and clay have been closely linked since ancient times, with man's lifecycle revolving around clay from the cradle to the grave. Before the advent of metalworking, clay objects were used extensively. Potters made toys, pots, pitchers, earthen lamps, and clay stoves (chulhas) to store essential items like grains, milk, ghee, curd, and buttermilk. Most ancient kitchenware was made of clay, and even the walls of houses and huts (known as kubas) were plastered with a paste consisting of cowdung mixed with clay. Archaeology has revealed red-colored clay utensils from the cultures of Lothal, Mohan-Jo - Daro, and Harappa. The potter's wheel is acknowledged as the earliest technical device for clay work in ancient India. In modern times, the use of the garba (a pitcher with holes containing an earthen lamp) during the Navratri festival remains a prominent tradition. India achieved early fame for producing utensils made from both baked clay (terracotta) and unbaked clay. Evidence for these ancient handmade clay utensils is found at Nagarjunakonda in South India and Laghnaj in the Mehsana district of Gujarat.
Textile Traditions: Spinning, Weaving, and Embroidery
The art of spinning involves creating long threads by joining small pieces of cotton from cotton balls together. Mahatma Gandhi gave this cottage industry special importance by linking it with the Swadeshi movement during the freedom struggle to promote self-reliance. Hand weaving is another area where India has excelled; for instance, the fine muslin of Dhakha was so delicate that an entire piece of cloth (Taka) could pass through a ring or fit inside a matchbox. Other prominent textile items include hand-woven carpets (Galicha), knitted attire, and the unique Patola of Patan, Kanjivaram and Banarasi sarees, and the Bandhani of Rajasthan. During the Solanki era in Gujarat, Patan became a hub for weavers, particularly for the creation of Patola, an art form now over old. Patola is made of silk (known as Bevad Ikt, where Ikt means weaving) and is designed so it can be worn on either side. These sarees are highly durable and their colors remain intact for decades, giving rise to the saying that the design of a Patola never fades even if the cloth itself is torn.
Embroidery work in India dates back to the Indus Civilization, as evidenced by the clothes found on idols and statues at Harappa and Mohan-Jo - Daro. Historically, this art flourished in Sindh, Saurashtra, and Kutch. The Kashmiri (kasab) work of Kashmir is also widely recognized. In Gujarat, the Bandhani of Jamnagar, Jetpur, Bhuj, and Mandvi is famous for its vibrant designs featuring elephants, puppets, dice, and pitchers. The women of Kutch and Saurashtra have traditionally led the embroidery cottage industry, producing items like torans, chakda, pillow covers, bed sheets, and garments like kediya. The Jat community in the Banni area of Kutch is particularly famous for its uniquee embroidery style used on quilts and shawls.
The Leather Industry and Its Historic Importance
In ancient India, the skin of dead animals was processed traditionally for various functional uses. Leather was essential for making 'Masak' (bags for fetching water) and 'kos' (used in wells), as well as bellows used by blacksmiths. It was also used to create musical instruments like drums, dholak, and tabla. In the military, leather was used to prepare shields for war. The leather industry occupied a prominent place, known for producing well-knitted Mojadi of Rajasthan, shoes, purses, and belts. Additionally, accessories for horses and camels, such as the saaj (saddle), palan, lagaam (reign), and whips, were crafted from leather.
Diamonds, Bead Work, and Enamel Artistry
With a coastline of surrounding its East, West, and South, India has had a plentiful supply of diamonds and beads since ancient times. Trade in these gems was conducted across sea routes to foreign countries where Indian diamond-studded ornaments were in great demand. World-famous diamonds like the 'Kohinoor' and 'Great Mughal' originated in India. Indian royalty and the wealthy historically wore jewelry made of gold as well as diamonds, rubies, beads, emeralds, and topaz to adorn crowns, thrones, bracelets, and garlands. Bead work is especially prominent in Gujarat, where it is used to create artistic torans, pots, Bari (door grill frames), chakda, and decorative items for ceremonies such as 'Lagna na nariyel', 'Indhoni', 'Modiya' (net for bullocks), and 'Jhool' (animal back covers). India is also uniquely skilled in Enamel work, which involves inlaying bright colors like red, green, and blue into gold and silver jewelry such as rings, bangles, and earrings. The primary centers for enamel work are Jaipur, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Hyderabad.
Special Crafts: Jari, Metal, Wood, and Inlay Work
Jari work involves weaving golden and silver threads into clothing for decorative embroidery, and Surat is the most prominent center for this craft. Artisans in Surat produce beautiful Jardoshi work on dresses like sarees, Panetar, and Gharchola. Metal work developed after the Stone Age; artisans in Lothal made weapons like sickles, drills (curved saws), and needles from copper and bronze. Gold and silver were used for ornaments, while copper, brass, and bronze were reserved for utensils and idols, and iron was used for heavy tools and weapons. Wooden art evolved from using wood as fuel to making weapons, buildings, and eventually artistic idols, toys, and furniture. Idar and Sankheda in Gujarat are famous for their wooden swings and toys. Inlay work is another ancient art where precious gems like diamonds, pearls, and rubies are studded into jewelry such as necklaces, crowns, and rings. Bikaner in Rajasthan is particularly famous for this skill.
Akik Work and the Art of Painting
Akik is a type of semi-precious stone found in river valley areas, consisting primarily of chalcedonic mixed with silica in blue or white shades. Carnelian is the most notable type of Akik, known for its semi-transparent quality and red color. In Gujarat, these stones are found in Ranpur and Surat and are sent to Khambhat to be molded into ornaments, beads, and garlands. Painting is considered the foremost of all arts, expressing emotions through the imitation of nature's animate and inanimate objects using lines and colors. Archaeological evidence from Harappa suggests Indian painting is at least old. Primitive cave paintings of animals like elephants, rhinoceros, and deer have been found at Bhimbetka (M.P.). The paintings at Ajanta-Ellora are incomparable specimens of this art. Drawing traditional sketches like the swastik, pitcher, and Ganesha during festivals, as well as making Rangoli, are centuries-old traditions in India.
The Science and Soul of Indian Music
Indian music is unique globally due to its specific tune, rhythm, and harmony. The Samveda is the Veda specifically associated with music, containing Richas intended to be sung. The seven vowels of music are SA, RE, GA, MA, PA, DHA, and NI. Music is divided into classical and folk categories, with five main classical ragas: Shree, Deepak, Hindol, Megh, and Bhairavi. These ragas are believed to have originated from the Panchmukh of Lord Shiva. Important ancient texts on music include Sangeet Makarand (written by Narad around , describing veenas and rhythms), Sangeet Ratnakar (written by Pandit Sarangdev and considered the most authentic text by Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande), and Sangeet Parijat (written by Pandit Ahobale in on Northern Hindustani music, describing types of tunes). During the rule of Allauddin Khilaji, Amir Khushroo became famous for his poetry and music, earning the title 'Tuti-e-Hind' (Parrot of India). The Bhakti movement from the to century featured music by Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, Kabir, Tulsidas, Mirabai, and Narsinh Mehta. Famous -century musicians include the disciples of Swami Haridas, Baiju Bavra (Baijnath), Tansen, and the duet performers Tana-Riri.
Classical Dance Traditions
The word 'Nritya' comes from the Sanskrit root 'Nrit'. Dance is a medium for aesthetic joy, governed by taal and laya (rhythm and harmony). Lord Shiva, as Nataraj, is the originator of dance. India's classical dances include Bharatnatyam, Kuchipudi, Kathakali, Kathak, Odissi, and Manipuri. Bharatnatyam originated in Tanjor, Tamil Nadu, based on the texts 'Natyashastra' by Bharatmuni and 'Abhinav Darpan' by Nandikeshwar. Famous preservers include Mrinalini Sarabhai, Vaijanti Mala, and Hema Malini. Kuchipudi, created in the century in Andhra Pradesh, focuses on women's beauty and is performed by dancers like Guru Prahlad Sharma and Raja Reddy. Kathakali is famous in Kerala and is based on epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Its characters wear artistic crowns and plaited attires, using facial expressions and hand poses to represent 'Trilok' characters. Kathak dance is summarized by the line 'Kathan kare so Kathak kahave' and developed through the Shrungar Bhakti of the Vaishnav community; it is kept alive by Pandit Birju Maharaj and Sitara Devi. Manipuri dance, based on the Rasalilas of Krishna, features a green-colored plaited petticoat known as 'Kumin' and is performed by artists like Guru Bipin Sinha and Nayna Zaveri.
Dramatic Arts, Bhavai, and Cultural Entertainment
Indian dramatic art combines entertainment with moral education, often using dramas based on the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Bharatmuni’s 'Natyashastra' is the foundational text, claiming there is no branch of knowledge or art lacking in drama. The first drama was 'Devasur Sangram'. Renowned Sanskrit dramatists include Bhas (author of 'Karnabhar', 'Urubhanga', and 'Dutvakyam') and Kalidas (author of 'Abhigyan Shakuntalam', 'Vikramorvashiyam', and 'Malvikagnimitram'). In Gujarat, Jayshankar Sundari is the foremost name in drama, alongside contributors like Dina Pathak and Upendra Trivedi. Bhavai is a special emotion-oriented dramatic art started ago by Asait Thakar during the Solanki era. It provides public education at an economical rate and is performed without curtains using trumpets. Characters like Rangla-Rangli are used in Bhavai to promote social causes such as girls' education and 'Save the Girl-Child'.
Folk and Tribal Dances of Gujarat
Gujarat has a variety of tribal and folk dances performed during festivals and marriages. Tribal dances, such as 'Chado', involve imitating birds like peacocks and sparrows. In the Dang district, 'Mali No Chaalo' and 'Thakryo Chaalo' are common, while the 'Tippani Dance' is performed by the Bhil and Koli communities. Garba, derived from 'Garbh deep', involves moving in a circle around a 'Mandvi' placed in the center, typically during Navratri to worship Goddess Jagdamba. Poet Dayaram is known for his Garbi poems related to Krishna Bhakti. Rasa is a circular dance associated with Lord Krishna showing 'Rasa Lila' to Narsinh Mehta, often involving Dandiya. Other unique dances include Gof Gunthan, which creates a plait (Gunthan) using ropes attached to a pillar or tree, and the Dhamaal dance of the Siddis of Jambur (originally from Africa), who dance to the high-pitch 'Ho-Ho' sound using Mashira. The Merayo dance of Banaskantha features torans made of reed grass and sword tricks, while the Padhaar community of Surendranagar performs dances imitating sea waves. The Kolis of Saurashtra and the Bharwad tribe also have distinctive dance traditions featuring embroidered headgear.
Questions and Discussion
- Explain clay work of ancient Indian heritage. 2. 'Leather work is a very old art of India.' Explain the statement. 3. Give introduction of 'Sangeet Ratnakar'. 4. Give information about Kathakali dance. 5. Explain the progress of Dancing Art in India. 6. Give information about Garba and Garbi of Gujarat. 7. Describe the art of Diamond, Bead work and Enamel work of India and Gujarat. 8. Describe tribal dances of Gujarat. 9. Name the writers of 'Sangeet Ratnakar' and 'Sangeet Parijat'. 10. What is the process followed in spinning? 11. Name the items of metal prepared by the artisans of Lothal. 12. Which designs did artisans make on clay utensils? 13. Write a short note on 'Bhavai'. 14. Which of the following is a work of Kalidas? (A) Urubhanga (B) Karnabhar (C) Meghdoot (D) Dutvakyam. 15. With which dance style are Vaijayanti Mala and Hema Malini associated? (A) Manipuri (B) Kuchipudi (C) Kathakali (D) Bharatnatyam. 16. Which veda is associated with music? (A) Rigveda (B) Samveda (C) Yajurveda (D) Athrvaveda. 17. Who is known as Tuti-e-Hind in the field of Indian music? (A) Tansen (B) Tulsidas (C) Kabir (D) Amir Khusroo. 18. 'Chaado' dance means which dance? (A) Tribal Dance (B) Dance of Bharvaad (C) Dance of Kolis (D) Dance of Padharaas. 19. Siddhis, the dancer of Dhamaal dance were native of (A) Rajasthan (B) Andaman (C) Africa (D) Thailand. 20. On which day is the "World Yoga Day" celebrated? (A) (B) (C) (D) . Activities: Take students to Ajanta-Ellora, show videos of various dances, visit a Government-owned handloom corporation, and visit a local 'Handicraft Fair'.