Learning about Indian art has become accessible, through books, movies, podcasts as well as workshops and courses. Whether it is traditional art or contemporary, they connect us to India’s rich cultural legacy.
India is a place of various tribes, religions and cultures living together, and this diversification has led to a rich artistic environment. Whether it is the “Dancing Girl” from Harappa, the Stupa at Sanchi or the painting “Bharat Mata” by Abanindranath Tagore, all of these tell us of a beautiful history.
To learn about Indian art, we don’t necessarily need to go to libraries anymore. In this digital age, there are multiple learning tools, from books to videos and audio. In this article, we will explore various tools to learn about Indian art.
When it comes to learning about Indian art, books are a reliable resource. “Indian Art” by Partha Mitter is one such example; it mainly explores the history of art in India of about 5000 years ago. This book deals with the evolution of Indian art in a short, introductory manner, which is best for those who need something engaging but brief on this topic.
William Dalrymple’s book “Forgotten Masters” is for those who are interested in the East India Company paintings, it unveils the forgotten artists of this particular period, who blended Indian and Western characteristics in their paintings and were not just painters but also travellers documenting what they saw.
Many books delve into specific topics in Indian art, such as architecture, miniature paintings or contemporary art. “Indian Miniature Painting” by Anjan Chakravarti provides an interesting read to anyone who is into miniatures, whether it is Mughal or Rajput. This book delves into the development of each miniature school and its decline, while shedding light on the life of master miniature artists.
Other recommended books are: The Spirit of Indian Painting by B.N. Goswamy; Indian Art: An overview by Gayatri Sinha, offering essays on Indian art by leading scholars; Myths and Symbols in Indian Art by Heinrich Zimmer.
We all enjoy visionary experiences, and what is more interesting for art aficionados than art movies, series or documentaries? There are several biographical films available online, which celebrate the journey of master artists, Including Raja Ravi Varma. The 1997 film “Raja Ravi Varma: The Painter Prince” was aired on Doordarshan. Another movie on the 19th-century Indian painter is “Rang Rasiya”, which was released in 2008 and is now available on OTT platforms.
“Nainsukh” is another interesting movie based on 18th-century miniature artist Nainsukh; it revolves around the story of his passion for painting and how he became a court artist of Rajput princes.
“Crafted in India” by Google Arts and Culture also explores topics related to Indian art and is available on platforms like YouTube. Not just movies and documentaries, there are many interviews and shows available on YouTube, such as Art Talk with Jujhar Singh, featuring interviews with renowned artists such as S. H Raza, Akbar Padamsee, Jogen Chowdhury, and Anjolie Ela Menon.
Cinematic storytelling plays a significant role, enhancing the experience of learning art history and brings art to life. The arrangement of scenes and different cinematic techniques, such as foreshadowing and pacing transforms art into immersive experiences.
Podcasts and audio platforms are another way to delve deeper into artistic expressions. The MASH Podcast stands out, presented by archivist Ayushi Chaurasia, spanning Indian art from prehistoric to contemporary times.
Other platforms like Apple Podcast also offer lists of Indian art, including “Honest Indian Art” by Gayathri Iyer, which brings Indian art history into conversation with contemporary issues and imagery politics. The series covers a wide range of topics, from cultural narrative to social issues, delving into themes such as the impact of colonialism on art, gender representation and representation of female beauty in Indian art.
These podcasts bring immersive learning to the fore, using a combination of expert interviews and compelling storytelling to bring complex topics alive. From deep insight into Indian art, listen to diverse perspectives, historical narratives, and cultural themes, all in an engaging and accessible way.
Online channels and platforms have transformed the way we perceive art. Several YouTube channels are providing a bunch of information, such as The National Museum of India, which covers a vast range of topics. They also have detailed exploration of the exhibitions, public lectures and curatorial talks.
Similarly, Indian Art History by Deepak Raj on YouTube presents informative videos on art, history and culture. Platforms like Google Arts & Culture offer an immersive experience by providing virtual tours and bringing Indian art closer to the audience.
For Folk and Tribal art, platforms like Memeraki highlight the works of Indian artisans and present vibrant traditional art forms such as Madhubani, Pichwai, Kalamkari and Pattachitra.
Online courses have proved quite useful in producing skill-building and a deeper understanding of Indian art. Courses are being offered at the Indian Institute of Heritage on the History of Indian art, from ancient times to contemporary expressions, via expert lectures and gallery talks.
Similarly, IGNCA’s short-time certificate courses, such as Rock Art Appreciation, Screenwriting, and Folklore, further ignite interest and foster skill development through well-designed modules led by seasoned professionals.
Several art institutes and galleries offer both online and offline workshops. Kiran Nadar Museum of Art (KNMA) regularly hosts workshops; their recently hosted session was on reverse painting with Mahmud Husain, a renowned artist.
Similarly, MeMeraki organises illustrative workshops on traditional Indian art forms involving deep insight. Sessions on Tanjore painting, for example, systematically guide the audience through steps, from preparation of a board to gold foil layering and intricate detailing.
These experiences do not only teach technical skills but, more importantly, link participants to the cultural and historical richness of Indian art traditions. Workshops such as these are perfect for someone who would like to learn, practice, and celebrate the diversity of Indian artistic heritage.
Learning about Indian art has no boundaries anymore. It has become more and more accessible. From the traditional charm of books to immersive cinematic movies and audiovisuals, there are abundant platforms available now.
This story first appeared on MeMeraki.
About MeMeraki
MeMeraki is India’s first ‘culture-tech’ platform using technology to empower and accelerate the artisan creator economy. Their mission is to digitise every heritage art and craft of India to ultimately create sustainable livelihoods for artisans.
About the author:
Tuba Ali studied Art History at the National Museum Institute and has worked as a researcher with esteemed art organisations. She combines in-depth academic understanding with practical experience in writing, curating, and Art History.
The lead photo shows Ferocious Fauna, a Gond painting by Venkat Shyam.
