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ART AND ARTISTS IN ANCIENT INDIA
- A Sociological Inquiry
POONAM GANDHI-MOIRANGTHEM
Indian art is considered by many as being exotic, vast and diverse. India witnessed a great number of events which have left their indelible impression on Indian culture. The emergence of India's cultural heritage in a composite form is the result of a long process of synthesis. History shows that from a very early date the Indians profoundly contemplated over spirituality and its significance in life. Religion, if assumed to be a culutural institution then has linkage with art especially in the context of ancient India. Art in India hence, emerged idealistic as well as utilitarian. ART AND RELIGION IN ANCIENT INDIA
In ancient India, art was considered as a path for realization of the 'ultimate reality' (moksa). It was spiritual in its outlook, idealistic in expression and sublime in interpretation. As Ananda Coomarawamy states (1908:7) "the conscious aim of Indian art is the portrayal of divinity." Indian art in ancient times was essentially religious. The arts-poetry, drama, painting, sculpture and music were all considered sacred and spiritural, Dancing, singing and playing instrumental music are as old as vedic times. In fact while performing yajna'. playing the vina', singing (hymns) and even dancing were considered essential and sacred. In ‘Matsyapurana', instrumental melody and tunes are mentioned as being auspicious. Even in Buddhist literature though singing, dancing and performing other fine arts were opposed to, yet in some of their religious rites it was regarded as auspicious.
+ Department of Sociology, Faculty of Arts, The M.S. University of Baroda, Vadodara.
