Appreciation of Indian Art

by C.P. Sinha and U.C. Dwivedi

Art in India, as in other countries of the world, was principally devoted to the service of religion. It reflects the intimate relationship of ideas and life.

Mythology, symbolism and iconography are just vehicles or aids to understand the essence and spirit of Indian art as each symbol or every icon has a specific meaning and is expressed with a specific purpose.

To appreciate and enjoy Art in its proper perspective, it is imperative to understand the inner meaning and the philosophy behind the creation of the art piece. The enjoyment, which art gives is of a unique kind (vilaksnasvada) and is quite different from other kinds of enjoyment in life (alaukika).

Appreciation of Indian Art aims at documenting and analyzing different aspects of Indian art focusing primarily on appreciation and aesthetics. Fresh evidences in the subject are marshaled and new aspects have been outlined. The theme is thus viewed from a refreshingly original angle. The lucid exposition of the delicate theme is sure to facilitate a deeper comprehension and evoke stimulating response from art lovers and scholars.

About the Authors:

Dr. U.C. Dwivedi was recipient of the Patna University Gold Medal for having topped the list of successful candidates in first class in M.A. in 1972. At present, he is Curator of Ranchi Museum, Jharkhand. Dr. Dwivedi has contributed extensively on ancient Indian art and iconography in research journals. He recieved his Ph.D. on ‘Female Deities in Ancient Indian Art’ which is currently in press.

Dr. C.P. Sinha, former Director of prestigious K.P. Jayaswal Research Institute, Patna has been actively engaged in the field of Indian art for the last 35 years. Dr. Sinha is author of several books and about 160 research articles published in various journals and proceedings of national and international seminars and workshops. He is the editor of the Proceedings of the Indian Art History Congress and has successfully edited its 9 volumes. He is at present Senior Fellow of the Indian Council of Historical Research, New Delhi and is engaged in preparing an authoritative account of art and architecture of Jharkhand State.