The Religious Influences on the Arts of India

India is a country with maximum diversity in religion, region, race, languages and cultures. This fact is clearly manifested in the diverse art forms, paintings, architecture, folklores and folk dances.

India is said to be the home to the first known human civilization, the Indus Valley Civilization. The Indian art has been influenced by various cultures like the Dravidian, the Aryan, the Hindus, the Mughals and the Europeans over a period of time.

The deeply spiritual and diverse religious beliefs have played a major role in influencing the Indian art. Religion is called the way of life. The effect of religion can be clearly seen on the Indian paintings.

There are paintings depicting the life of lord Krishna. These paintings are inspired by the happenings in the lives of their gods. You will find beautifully painted picture of the birth of lord Krishna, and some depicting his victory over the cruel king Kansa and various other episodes of his life.

The Islamic period also had its influence on the Indian art. This era was inspired by Persian art. You will find the art depicted in form of miniatures in tempera on paper. The Rajputana period marked a change in the art forms. They had a belief that the nature is sacred.

This spiritual belief made them worship the various forms of nature. This is even evident from the art of their times. You will find that their painting had trees, animals and people in harmony to one another.

The Indian people have strong beliefs in their numerous Gods and Goddesses. They worship them and follow the path shown by them. This even encouraged the Indians to build beautiful worship places. Whether temples or mosques or gurudwaras or the churches all these religious buildings are a treat to see.

These buildings have the finest work of art displayed on them. People go there to worship and find peace and solace. They have intricate carvings and breathtaking interiors.

Hindus use different materials to make idols of their gods. They can be seen in clay, marble, wood, and even metals. The top of a famous gurudwara in Amritsar is even covered with pure gold and is rightly called the Golden Temple. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the Taj Mahal is another monument to admire the Indian art of that time. The carvings on this tomb can easily leave you wondering how much of hard work has gone into it.

Several religions including Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, Jainism, Judaism, Sikhism and Zoroastrianism. These have all influenced various styles of art, architecture, literature, music and dance, and several lifestyles of people.

India has a rich heritage in arts and architecture. It not only has the beautiful architectural structures, the carved figurines and the sculptured objects but it also has the art depicted in the field of painting, rhythm, dancing, and literary. The uniqueness of Indian art comes from its spiritual inspiration and their religious beliefs.