- Fine Arts of Assam
Fine Arts of
Assam has extremely rich tradition.culpture and architecture
The archaic Mauryan
Stupas discovered in and aroundGoalpara district are believed to be the earliest examples (c. 300B.C. to c. 100A.D.) of ancient art and architectural works. The monumental architectural remains discovered in Doporboteeya (Daparvatiya) archaeological site along with a beautiful doorframe in Tezpur are identified as the best examples of art works in ancient Assam with influence ofSarnath School of Art of the late Gupta period. Gupta influence was prominent due to intense interaction of the thenKamarupa with the kingdom ofMagadha . Many other sites also exhibit development of local art forms with local motifs and sometimes with similarities with those in theSoutheast Asia . There are currently more than forty discovered ancient archaeological sites across Assam with numerous sculptural and architectural remains. Moreover, there are examples of several Late-Middle Age art and architectural works including hundreds of sculptures and motifs along with many remaining temples, palaces and other buildings. The motifs available on the walls of the buildings such asRang Ghar , Joydoul, etc are remarkable examples of art works.Paintings
Painting is an ancient tradition of
Assam . The ancient practices can be known from the accounts of the Chinese travellerXuanzang (7th century CE). The account mentions that Bhaskaravarma, the king ofKamarupa has gifted several items to Harshavardhana, the king ofMagadha including paintings and painted objects, some of which were on Assamese silk. Many of the manuscripts available from the Middle Ages bear excellent examples of traditional paintings. The most famous of such medieval works are available in theHastividyarnava (A Treatise on Elephants), theChitra Bhagawata and in theGita Govinda . The medieval painters used locally manufactured painting materials such as the colours ofhangool and haital . The medievalAssamese literature also refers to chitrakars and patuas. Traditional Assamese paintings have been influenced by the motifs and designs in the medieval works such as the Chitra Bhagawata.There are several renowned contemporary painters in Assam. The
Guwahati Art College inGuwahati is the only government institution for tertiary education. Moreover, there are several art-societies and non-government initiatives across the state and theGauhati Artists' Guild is a front-runner organisation based in Guwahati.Graphic art
Applied art
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