Ancient Indian art forms date back to the Vedic Civilisation. Science and art during that period were closely linked to inquiry into human evolution and enlightenment. Art was understood as the human expression of harmony, beauty, creativity, and the bliss inherent in nature. Training and expertise in these art forms came from years of Sadhana to express the finest wonder nature holds. These arts were pursued as a path to the realisation of God and enlightenment. However, many of these art forms face challenges today because of modernisation and a lack of awareness, making active preservation efforts essential.
Indian classical music and dance have their origins in the Gandharva Veda. Fortunately, over several centuries and millennia, India has preserved most of these art forms through dedicated institutions and cultural programs. The most prominent are Indian classical music, both the Hindustani form from North India with its various Gharanas and Carnatic classical music from South India; at the same time, various folk music from different states of India has also been preserved well through the ages. Indian classical dances include major forms such as Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakali, Kuchipudi, Odissi, Mohiniyattam, etc., which have been passed down in their purity from generation to generation, while folk dances from each state have also flourished over time. Organizations like the Sangeet Natak Akademi actively promote these art forms today.
Ancient Indian temple and palace architecture and sculpture trace their origins to the Sthapatya Veda. Notable temples include the Kailasa Temple at Ellora, the Sun Temple at Konark, the Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai, the Ranakpur Jain Temple in Rajasthan, the Khajuraho Temple in Madhya Pradesh, and the Hoysaleswara Temple in Karnataka, each showcasing India’s architectural grandeur.
India’s exquisite ancient art of painting is best preserved in caves such as the Ajanta Caves in Maharashtra, the Bagh Caves in Madhya Pradesh, and the Sittanavasal Caves in Tamil Nadu. Each state in India has unique painting traditions, passed down through generations of artisans, showcasing the diverse beauty of Indian art.
The Calico Museum of Textiles in Ahmedabad preserves rare, specialised textile designs, weaving, and embroidery from ancient India. Many regard this museum’s collection of historical Indian textiles as the finest and most comprehensive in the world.
Support and training are vital to keep ancient Indian art alive. We must train new artists in its intricacies by reviving the ancient Gurukul system, where students learn from Guru ji, who has expertise in them. At the same time, to support students in their life Sadhana, the art of refining and evolving their consciousness through the natural and scientifically proven Vedic art of meditation, Transcendental Meditation, should be integrated into each Gurukul.
Written by Girish Momaya (MERU Centre Vlodrop)