Showing posts with label indian culture. Show all posts
Showing posts with label indian culture. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Indian Jewelry

Jewelry has always been an integral part of Indian culture. In fact, Indian lifestyle segment is incomplete without jewelry. It is being said that, history of Indian jewelry is almost 5000 years old. Indian people have always been very fond of different styles of jewellery. Metals like gold, silver and different gems and stones have clearly defined the history of Indian jewelry. Even if you look at mythological serials and movies, you will find all the characters wearing jewellery. It is a sign of importance and existence of jewelry in the history of India.
Indian jewelry is very stylish and is available in numerous of designs. India always had a great name in handicrafts of different types of gold jewellery and gems, stones etc. one can find all types of ornaments suitable for all the body parts. In ancient era, metals and crude stones were used to make necklace, anklets and rings. With the passage of time, people discovered the art of polishing gold and extracting different types of gems. Later on, gold and other precious stones were used to make rings, chains, anklets and earrings etc.
The most fascinating aspect of Indian jewelry is availability of eclectic mix of designs and styles. Different states in India have different styles of jewelry and all of them are uniquely beautiful. India has been ruled by different kingdoms and all of them have left indelible mark on the jewelry styles. For example, Rajputs gave enameled jewelry whereas Mughals were known for intricate carvings and usage of precious stones. Traditional jewelry of India will always remain in vogue. Indian jewelry is indeed a great mix of modern and traditional style.

Monday, January 26, 2009

Amazing India


India gave birth to several religions including Hinduism, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism etc. consequently these religions spread to all over the world. Buddhism is a major religion in many parts of Asia. Islam made entry into India with the arrival of kings like Mohammad Ghazani and Mohammad Gori. Mughal soon followed and that was beginning of spread of Islam all over India. India is one of the largest countries in world with maximum population of Muslims. If one looks at different archeological and architectural monuments of ancient India, amalgamation of diverse religions has been distinctly demonstrated in them. Confluence of diverse religions is one of the greatest hallmarks of Indian culture. Ancient Indian art and monuments are wonderful mixture of all the religions.

Indian art first surfaced during prehistoric Stone Age. Many caves and historical places bear testimony to artistic inclinations of Indians. Paintings and drawings of animals can be found in numerous caves. With the passage of time, drawing and painting also got refined. Many ancient households used to adorn the front deck of the house. This particular things has not changed as we can see Indians often decorate their houses. South Indians in particular, are more apt at making beautiful designs in their homes. Other arts including music and dance also got refined. India is home to wonderful classical dances and music like Hindustani and Carnatic music. In fact, different parts of the country have separate dance forms and all of them are still followed with utmost sincerity. People tend to forget themselves in dance like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Manipuri, Odissi etc.