Indian art and architecture

Indian art and architecture Earliest examples of Indian art date from the ancient civilization of the Indus Valley (c.2300–1750 bc). Excavations at Harappa (Punjab) and Mohenjo-daro (Sind) show fortified cities with a variety of buildings and sophisticated sanitation. Art in the Maurya Empire (321–185 bc) was intensely Buddhist in motivation. It can be seen in the chaitya (shrines) and vihara (monastic halls hollowed out of solid rock) at Ajanta. The Gupta dynasty (ad 320–550) was the golden age of Buddhist art. The Buddhist temple, with a porch and cella (main sanctuary), originated at this time. From the 6th century ad, a typical Hindu temple plan developed. In s India in the 7th and 8th centuries ad, a Dravidian style of Hindu temple emerged. Islamic art and architecture was introduced after the Muslim conquest (1192). Between the 16th and 18th centuries, during the Mogul Empire, an Indo-Islamic style evolved, influenced by Persian prototypes. The Taj Mahal stands as the most perfect example of Mogul architecture. Persian influence was initially strong in drawing but, by the late 16th century, Indian taste was emerging in bright colouring and in detailed backgrounds. Under British rule, most Indian art declined to mere craftsmanship until the early 20th century. Major modern painters include Rabindranath Tagore, Jamini Roy and Francis Souza.