Arts Of India

A saree can convert a lady into an artist’s muse , is rightly said by several eminent designers. This six yard of sheer elegance has its origin in the Indus Valley Civilisation, which came into being in North-West India during 2800–1800 BC. Indian women have been illustrating a huge variety of saree draping styles, starting from Nivi style of Deccan to Atpoure style of Bengal. Considered as a cultural icon, the saree is worn with a fitted bodice and a petticoat, which is generally fabricated from a soft and breathable material, like cotton.  How did this Name Originate? The Hindustani word ‘ Saree’  is derived from the Sanskrit word  ‘Sati ’ and Pali word ‘ Sadi ’, which means a 'strip of cloth'. Gradually, with the development of modern Indian languages, the word ‘Saree’ came into form. In ancient Sanskrit Literature, the word 'Sattika' has been mentioned to describe women’s attire. Even in  Jatakas , we can find several mentions and descriptions of the attire which...

Papier-Mâché is a French word whose literal meaning is chewed/pulped or mashed paper. It is an art technique that uses pieces of paper or pulp bound with adhesives like glue, starch, or wallpaper paste for making various items, of common use, or for decoration. ORIGIN The origin of Papier-Mâché dates back to Imperial China in 200 AD when the Han Dynasty was ruling. It came to the forefront after the paper was invented. Papier-Mâché works were also found in ancient Egypt, Middle East, Kashmir, and Japan.              The use of Papier-Mâché started in Europe in 1725 where it was used in architecture. In America and Mexico, Papier-Mâché sculptures are considered traditional handicrafts. They are known as ‘ Cartonería’  or ‘ Carton-piedra’  (rock cardboard). Paper boat making was first started in America during the 19th century. TECHNIQUES AND MATERIALS USED Papier-Mâché requires composite materials for making vario...

When it comes to the richness of art and culture, West Bengal stands out to be one of the most unique and diverse states. The various foreign reigns have highly influenced the art and architecture of the state. However, Bengal prides itself on the imprint which it carries beyond the foreign influences, ancient and modern.  Jamdani Owing to its origin in Dhaka, Bangladesh, Jamdani is popularly known as  Dhakai Jamdani . The royal patronage of Mughal rulers helped to flourish the finest weaving techniques of Jamdani. Throughout the fabric, floral motifs and geometric patterns are woven exquisitely with golden threads. One of the most expensive fabrics is the Muslin Jamdanis which were highly in demand during the Mughal period. However, over time, cheaper fabrics substituted Muslin, which in turn offer a contemporary look. The age-old tradition of the weaving art of Jamdani was included in  Unesco’s Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity  in 201...

Found in the wetlands across the world, water reeds, scientifically known as  Phragmites Australis , are broad-leafed grass with a length of about 1.5 to 5 metres. They have smooth stems and clusters of feathery flowers at the top of them. Originally used as thatching materials in the UK, India, and other parts of the world, water reeds are now used to produce several essential items.  Water reeds are grown along the margins of lakes, streams, and marshy areas from the Arctic to the tropics. In Egypt, these stems are dried to use as fishing poles. Here, fences and cattle pens are also created out from the reeds. In the Philippines, the reeds are used to make household brooms, which they call  ‘walis tambo’ . In the Netherlands, Germany, and England, people use the dried stems for constructing thatched roofs. Giant reed, sea reed, blue joint, bur-reed, reed canary grass, and reed mace are some of the other plants of the family of  Poaceae . The Types and Application K...