In India, art is part of the fabric of daily life. Whether the multifunctional lota, often superbly crafted or the highly stylised pata paintings, art is seldom the prerogative of a few or the pursuit of some. And this is hardly surprising, considering that creative expression is so much a part of the Indian persona. Whether religious ritual, or the simple act of serving food, Indian's have developed a way of doing things aesthetically. Seeped in centuries-old traditions, the Indian way of living imbibes various forms of folk and modern culture. Be it ethnic dance, painting, architecture or textiles, a glimpse of it can be got in every Indian home.

Art & culture

Many classical forms are rooted in a folk or tribal base. Over the years as the Indo-Gangetic plains grew in size and importance, there arose an affluent class, the rulers, warriors and priests. Their demands for manufactured goods gave a boost to production, and attracted artisans to the cities. As these cities grew into republics and finally empires, the size and wealth of the elite also increased.

India is studded with architectural monuments of great antiquity. One of the oldest, is the stupa at Sanchi, built by Ashoka in the third century B.C. Buddhist structures dating back to the second century B.C. notably the prayer halls in Ajanta, are the earliest to be found.

The Islamic influence in architecture came in the 13th century with the Turkish and Afghan invasions. Domes, arches and minarets were added to India's architectural vocabulary. Qutabud-din Aibak, the founder of the Slave dynasty, built the first mosque in India, the Quwwaqt-ul-Islam and also the famous Qutab Minar in Delhi. The great Mugal emperor Akbar built his new capital city of Fatehpur Sikri in an innovative fusion of Hindu and Islamic styles. Created by Shah Jahan as a symbol of love for his queen Mumtaz Mahal, the matchless Taj Mahal is now synonymous with India.

Indian sculpture like Indian painting has its beginnings in ritual and worship. Largely devotional in nature, today the terracotta figurines of various deities as well as birds and animals have become highly stylised, through the act of creation still remains a sacred pursuit for the potter who invests each image with life.