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Art and Culture

Pahari School of Painting

The Pahari School of Painting, emerging in the Himalayan foothills between the 17th and 19th centuries, is renowned for its delicate lines and vibrant colors. It focuses on Krishna-Radha themes and incorporates local traditions influenced by Mughal and Rajput styles. Major sub-schools include Kangra, Guler, and Basohli, each showcasing unique artistic features.

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Art and Culture

Bundi School of Painting

The Bundi School of Painting, flourishing in Rajasthan from the 16th to 19th centuries, is renowned for its vibrant colors, intricate details, and Mughal influences. It emphasizes nature, romantic themes, and royal life, with notable examples found in the murals of Bundi Palace. Key artists include Raghunath and Sahibdin.

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Art and Culture

Bagh Caves – History, Architecture, and Significance

The Bagh Caves, located in Madhya Pradesh, India, are a group of nine rock-cut Buddhist caves known for their exquisite fresco paintings and architecture, similar to the Ajanta Caves. Built between the 5th and 7th centuries CE, they served as monasteries for Buddhist monks and reflect significant Gupta-era art and culture.

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Art and Culture Medieval India

Gol Gumbaz (1656) – The Architectural Marvel of Deccan

Gol Gumbaz, built in 1656 in Bijapur, Karnataka, is the mausoleum of Sultan Muhammad Adil Shah. Known for its massive 44-meter dome and unique whispering gallery, it blends Persian, Turkish, and Indian architectural styles. This monumental structure represents the grandeur of the Adil Shahi dynasty’s rich cultural heritage.

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Art and Culture

Tulsidas (1532–1623) – Composer of Ramcharitmanas & Devotee of Lord Rama

Tulsidas was a 16th-century Hindu poet-saint, famous for composing Ramcharitmanas, a vernacular version of the Ramayana in Awadhi. He played a major role in spreading Rama Bhakti (devotion to Lord Rama) during the Bhakti Movement. Basic Information on Tulsidas Early Life of Tulsidas Philosophy and Teachings of Tulsidas 1. Rama Bhakti (Devotion to Lord Rama) […]

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Art and Culture

Surdas (1478–1583) – Devotional Poet of Bhakti Movement

Surdas, a 15th-century blind poet and saint, was a key figure in the Bhakti Movement, celebrated for his devotional songs dedicated to Lord Krishna. Born in Haryana, he focused on Krishna’s childhood and emphasized love and pure devotion over rituals, leaving significant works such as Sur Sagar and influencing Krishna Bhakti practices.

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Art and Culture

Kabir (15th Century) – Bhakti Movement Reformer & Mystic Poet

Kabir was a 15th-century Bhakti saint, poet, and social reformer who played a crucial role in Hindu-Muslim unity. He criticized ritualism, caste discrimination, and religious hypocrisy, emphasizing devotion (Bhakti) to a formless God (Nirguna Bhakti). Basic Information on Kabir Feature Details Full Name Kabir Das Born 1440 CE (Approximate) Birthplace Varanasi (Banaras), Uttar Pradesh, India […]

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Art and Culture

Nayanars – Tamil Shaivite Saints (6th–9th Century CE)

The Nayanars were 63 Tamil poet-saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE, devoted to Lord Shiva and key figures in the Bhakti Movement. They emphasized personal devotion and social equality, challenging caste discrimination. Their hymns, such as Tevaram, became integral to South Indian temple worship and enriched Tamil spiritual literature.

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Art and Culture

Lord Shiva and Shaivism

Lord Shiva is a principal deity in Hinduism, known as the Destroyer and Transformer, and worshiped as the Supreme God in Shaivism. Key features include his roles in the Trimurti, various forms like Nataraja and Ardhanarishvara, and significant scriptures. The Nayanars contributed to Shaivism through poetry and social inclusiveness.

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Art and Culture

Alvars

The Alvars were 12 Tamil poet-saints from the 6th to 9th centuries CE, central to Vaishnavism and the Bhakti movement. Their hymns, compiled as the Divya Prabandham, emphasized devotion to Lord Vishnu and promoted social equality. Notable figures include Nammalvar and Andal, whose works remain vital in Tamil devotional practices.