Portraits of a Nation: History of Ancient India by kamlesh kapur

Author:kamlesh kapur [kapur, kamlesh]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, epub
Publisher: Sterling Publisher Private Limited
Published: 2013-11-09T16:00:00+00:00

Iron pillar at Mehrauli “India’s heritage of solving problems is often overshadowed by centuries of colonialism and conquest. Outside Delhi, I visited one of the oldest monuments to that history... pillar of iron alloy, smelted by Indian metallurgists with such skill that it has remained rust-less for 1,500 years. These superb technicians were brethren of Indian thinkers who originated the concepts of zero and infinity and devised the inaccurately named Arabic numeral system, giving the science of mathematics to a world drenched in superstitious ignorance.”

To meet the religious aspirations of the people, the artists started making exquisitely sculptured temples. Mathura and Sarnath were centers of artistic activity. Unfortunately many of these ancient temples were destroyed in the subsequent invasions by Central Asian tribes. Two surviving temples of that period—one at Bhitargaon near Kanpur and another at Deogarh near Jhansi testify to the fine workmanship of the Gupta artists.

Building work on the famous Ellora caves started during this period. Created along historical and religious themes, carved out of rocks, these temples with frescoes, paintings and statues are marvels of architecture.

Credit for Ajanta caves which have marvelously sculptured statues and paintings around Jaina, Hindu and Buddhist themes is also given to the Guptas, even though most of the work was completed by the Rashtrakuta Kings of the Karnataka Kingdom.

Kailasa Temple (rock-cut architecture) The work of such a stupendous nature was started and continued under the patronage of several kings, Guptas and the Rashtrakuta King Krishna I, to name a few. The Hindu caves are dedicated to Lord Shiva. Shiva’s manifestations are many – he is shown as Mahakala or the personification of death and time, as Mahayogi or ascetic, as Nataraja or Lord of the Dance. Many other Devas and aspects of the female energy are also portrayed in the sculptured panels. Vishnu and Brahma are also shown in a variety of forms indicating that all different sects had friendly relations and could opt to worship either of the two or both.

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