The art and monuments represent values and years old customs o | Mains

The art and monuments represent values and years old customs of Indian philosophy like plurality, Dharma, way of life etc. These beliefs have deeply influenced sculptures, paintings, arts and crafts etc.


This evident from the following examples:

1. Pluralism: Temples are devoted to various deities and represent various themes, each element in the temples represents some significant event and has a meaningful symbolism attached to it.

2. Cosmic elements: Cosmic elements that create and sustain life have been given prominence in the monuments. Example: Fire, water etc.
Sun temple at Konark is one such example.

3. Shakti: The due importance to the feminine characteristics have been provided through the temples,stories and statues devoted to Shakti.

4. Pillars and Statues display 4 important aspects of life.
● Pursuit of :
i. Dharma
ii. Karma
iii. Moksha
iv. Artha

5. Lotus: It is a symbol of purity, fertility, patience and beauty and is central to both buddhist and hindu philosophy.

6. The philosophy of Dharma is a key concept in Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism and Hinduism.
Example: The “wheel of Dhamma” is depicted on Sarnath Pillar.

7. The dome shape of Stupas represents the meditative state of Buddha

8. Cultural syncretism is seen through the Ellora caves where Shrines of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism all stand at a single place.


Apart from the Indian philosophy and traditions, elements of the British, persian, greek, Islamic etc also put an impression in shaping the monuments and art in India.

Example:

1. Islamic architecture in India had adopted some features of earlier Indian architecture, such as the use of a high plinth, and often mouldings around its edges, as well as columns and brackets and hypostyle halls.

2. The amalgamation of Indo-Islamic and European styles led to a new style, known as the Indo-Saracenic style.