Describe the art of ancient India.

The skill of Indian artists is visible in the sculpture, pillars, stupas and temples of ancient India.

a) PILLARS: the thirty pillars built by emperor Ashoka are a good example of Indian architecture. These pillars were over 50 feet long, with shapes resembling the trunk of an elephant. They had been designed in a manner that they have retained their shine, polish and smoothness despite the years.

b) BUILDINGS: Hemispherical monuments called Stupas were built in large numbers, for example the Sanchi Stupa in Bhopal. They were extraordinary monuments, and fairly advanced as per the knowledge of the time.

c) CAVE TEMPLES: Cave temples provided a place for worship and residence. Theyw ere used as assembly halls and were made by cutting hard mountain rocks.

d) SCULPTURE: Indian sculpture had a distinct spiritualism and beauty. Major sculptures include the birth of Krishna (Pathari), statue of Visnu on snake (Deogarh), stone statues of Buddha (Sarnath), four lions statue on Ashoka pillar etc.

e) PAINTINGS: the cave paintings of Ajanta, Gwalior and Bangh are uniquely India. They are known for their wide-ranging subjects, which capture all forms of life and emotions. They depict everything from palaces and trees to the lives of the common people.

f) SEAL ART: The seals used to stamp the export goods had a distinct beauty and nationalistic symbolism. They were made of gold or silver and differed across the kingdoms.