Art And Architecture In Himachal Pradesh | Himachal GK | Himachal Pariksha
In this article Art And Architecture In Himachal Pradesh we are going to share ancient arts, architecture and culture of Himachal Pradesh. This is article is very important in the view of point of HP Competitive Examinations. So If you interested in this topic then stay continue reading this article Art And Archietecture In Himachal Pradesh.
Art And Archietecture In Himachal Pradesh
The ancient art of Himachal Pradesh has survived in the form of temple archietecture, stone and metal sculptures, wood carvings, paintings and Chamba Rumal art. This art can be divided into three groups; indigenous or more precisely, Khasha art, Indo-Aryan and Indo-Tibetan. The most ancient art and archietecture of Himachal Pradesh is in Khasha style and the basic material used is wood. The earliest example of this style is found on the copper and silver coins of the Audumbaras (2nd century B.C.).
Throughout Himachal Pradesh there are four district styles of hill temple architecture which mark out different eras of religious beliefs; and perhaps, the infusion of new races with the older inhabitants. Taking the design of roof as the basis of distinction, the four types are; the "pent" roof and veranda, pyramidical, pagoda genre with successive wooden roofs one on top of the other, and a mixture of sloping and pagoda genre roofs, this last known as Sullej valley design.
The pent roof temple are such as Lakshana Devi temple (Bharmour, Chamba), Shakti Devi temple (Chatrari, Chamba) and Mrikula Devi temple (Udaipur, Lahaul).
Fairs and Festivals of Himachal Pradesh
The Pyramid-style temples are; Hateshwari Devi and Shiva temples at Hatkoti, Mahasu and Shiv temples at Deora in Jubbal Valley, Lakshmi Narayan, Hari Rai, Gauri Shankar and Manimahesh (Bharmaur), Baijnath temple in Kangra and Trilokinath temple in Lahaul.
Pagoda-style temple are; The Prashar temple (Mandi), Maheshwara temple at Sungra and Chagaon temple (both in Kinnaur), Bhimakali temple (Sarahan in Shimla district), Hadimba temple (Manali), Tripura Sundari temple (Naggar, Kullu), Triyugi Narayan temple at Dyar, Adi Brahma temple at kokhan and Manu temple at Shanhar.
Rock-cut temples at Masrur in Kangra (8th century AD) are unique examples of very early Nagara style.
Wood Art :
The wood art reached a high standard in the medieval period when many temples were built. Wood masks with intricate designs are used for ritual dances in these temples. The figures of birds and animals are also carved on their windows and door frames. The earliest specimen of the Nagara design is possibly represented by a series of monolithic temples of Masrur in Kangra valley. These temples are cut out of the rock and reproduce the characteristics of the very early Nagara temple. These belong to the 8th century A.D.
Sculpture :
The post Gupta phase, which is also known as the Rajput period is the classical age of Himachal art and has produced sone of the best stone and metal sculptures. The outstanding example in stone can be seen at Hatkoti temple, Nirath, Nirmand(Kullu), Mamel and Masrur(Kangra). Mrikula Devi in Lahaul Spiti and Bhim Kali (the family divinity of the Raja of Bushahr Estate) and also a elaboration of this period.
Painting :
More than its temples and sculptures. Himachal is known for its famous paintings. From the seventeenth to the nineteenth century the courts of hill princes were hummed by the activities of the artists. They painted miniature paintings in body color, illustrated manuscripts, and decorated the doors and walls of the palaces. Nearly 35 painting centers flourished. Some of the well known centres were at Guler, Chamba, Kangra, Nurpur, Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur, Arki and so on. All these centres were collectively known for the Pahari School of Paintings.
The Climatic conditions have been establishing the type of house structures in the Pradesh. In the Lower areas, the village houses are usually single storeyed with thatched roofs, whereas in the upper areas, there are generally two storeyed houses with mostly local state roofs. In the still higher regions the three storeyed houses are found, where the ground floor, the basement being use for keeping cattles. This arrangement is done more so to warm up to the house, as well as to keep the cattles warm due to severe cold climatic conditions of these areas.
More than its temples and sculptures. Himachal is known for its famous paintings. From the seventeenth to the nineteenth century the courts of hill princes were hummed by the activities of the artists. They painted miniature paintings in body color, illustrated manuscripts, and decorated the doors and walls of the palaces. Nearly 35 painting centres flourished in Himachal. Some of the well known centers were at Guler, Chamba, Kangra, Nurpur, Mandi, Kullu, Bilaspur, Arki and so on. The central theme is amazing and its sentiments are expressed in a lyrical style full of rhythm and beauty.
Chamba Rumal :
Himachal Pradesh has been the cradle of many rich folklores, some of which have prospered under the protective patronage of kings and queens who ruled this hill heartland from time to time. The Chamba Rumal and themes, is a fitting example of such an endearing folk culture of Chamba district, also known for its divine approaches.
Rivers in Himachal Pradesh
We can evaluate its origin, down into the better half of the 16th century when Umed Singh is ruler of Chamba. A great lover of art, the king was deeply moved by the pitiable plight of the artists and craftsman who were maltreated at the hands of the ruling Muslim monarchs. The Chamba Rumal art, which is now a collector's item across the whole world, is available in simple and unique shades, shapes and sizes. Two sets of the Chamba rumal are very popular. The one which exudes rustic simplicity in sober pastel shades, serves as a headgear for local eves and gaurds them against snow and chilly winds. Much mre needs to be done.
Kangra Art School :
The Kangra school of Painting began during the administration of Raja Goverdhan Chand of Guler state (A.D. 1744-73). Many artists levant the Mughal court of escape the depredations of invaders like Nadir Shah Durrani and Ahmed Shah Abdali and sought refuge in the serenity of the Evergreen Kangra Valley. The artists received auspices from the hill rulers. They incorporated new principle in the Mughal style and the result was the Kangra miniature.
The Kangra painting reached its zenith during the ruler Raja Sansar Chand (1775-1823). His largesse attracted a host of masters from Guler state. Kangra paintings is a lyrical blend of religion and romance. The Himachal Pradesh Government revived the art. It started training centres for young artists through the Handloom and Handicraft Corporation.
Andretta Art Gallery :
Andretta is a little sleepy village in district Kangra. The first to come here was Norah Richards, and Irish writer, dramatist and a follower of Tolstoy. Her husband had been a Professor at the Government college, Lahore. After her husband's death there, and a shortened stay in England, Norah returned to India in the middle of 30's. She settled in Andretta (Kangra), where she built a beautiful English style cottage, constructed of slate, mud and bamboo.
From Lahore, Norah invite B.C. Sanyal, the popular painter and Professor Jaidayal who had been her husband's pupil. They also built mud houses in Andretta. Later, Prithviraj Kapoor used to visit Andretta and stay with professor jaidayal who had been his tutor in Lahore. Sobha Singh, the painter of Sikh Gurus, settled in Andretta (Kangra) and lived there untill his death in the middle of 80's. Norah also called Sardar Gurcharan Singh, The master potter from Delhi. He was liable for introducing "studio art pottery" into India. He built a house and a small earthenware for summer use in Andretta. The building mirrors Norah's desires as it is constructed almost entirely of local materials, with special emphasis on bamboo of which there is an abundance in Kangra.
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