A Critique of the Proposed National Education Policy Reform
India's Cultural Legacy in a Time Capsule
1. K. IFALLOF THE WORLD´S CULTURAL HERITAGE
(SPORTS, MUSIC, FASHION, ARCHITECTURE,
LITERATURE, PAINTING, ETC..) WAS CONTAINED INA
TIME CAPSULE, WHAT WOULD YOU INCLUDE TO
DEMONSTRATE THE LEGACY OF YOUR COUNTRY?
BY: PRIYANKA SHARMA
MIM APPLICANT
FEBRUARY 2017
2. India is an immense landmass in South Asia,
consisting of many states and union territories,
each having language, customs, traditions,
culture and dialects different from the other.
Every aspect of the country presents itself on a
massive, exaggerated scale.
Four of the world's major religions—Hinduism,
Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism—originated
here.
India is an known for its colorful people,
Meditation and Spiritual practices, Culture, Fair
and Festivals, Forts, Palaces, Art & Architecture,
Temples.
The illustration depicts, unity in
diversity. In India, people of
various communities, religions
and race co-exist harmoniously
3. “ARCHITECTURE SHOULD SPEAK FOR
ITS TIMEAND PLACE, BUTYEARN FOR
ITS TIMELINESS”
One definition of a great civilization is the magnificence of its architectural legacy,
and Indian architecture is as old as the history of the civilization, representing more
than its fair share of culture and art.
With a past stretching back to 2500 B.C., there are innumerable examples. The
early Mughals could only bring a modest and rather restrained version of the
Central Asian style to India. The architectural marvels display an assortment of
Islamic, Turkish, Greek and British sensibilities combined with ancient Hindu
aesthetics and mythology, standing tall as the guardian pillars of India’s cultural
heritage.
Each of these represented a different era and a mishmash of world art. Evident
from the master craftsmanship and elegance, it brings to the forefront the splendor
of the bygone era and a glorious past. The monuments of India have become an
inspiration for the future generations.
4. EARLYARCHITECTURE
The gateways of the Sanchi Stupa are adorned with
beautiful sculptures, depicting scenes from Jataka
stories (stories telling about the previous lives of the
Buddha, in both human and animal form) are
specimens of the skill and aesthetic sense of the
artisans.
The Great Sanchi Stupa, Madhya Pradesh, is the
oldest stone structure in India, made of bricks.
5. UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE :
AJANTAAND ELLORACAVES, MAHARASHTRA
One of the largest rock-cut
monastery-temple caves complexes
in the world that present monument
and artwork of Buddhism, Hinduism
and Jainism.
A fine source of sculpture and
paintings, depicting significant socio-
economic information in ancient India
through gestures, forms and poses.
A lot of foreign influence, like that of
Persia has been been portrayed in the
paintings, reflecting the trade route of
merchant and traders from prehistoric
India; rebirth of Buddha; celebration of
physical beauty, aspects that early
Western observers felt were scandalous
for a sacrosanct place
7. TEMPLES:AN EXPRESSION OF VALUE
The Khajuraho Temples, Madhya Pradesh
(top): is dedicated to two religions:
Hinduism and Jainism, suggesting a
tradition of diversity and acceptance. It is
famous for the erotic arts, showing deities
performing sexual acts. This is indicative of
India’s broader perspective on taboo
subjects like nudity and represented an
expression of many forms of arts that
flourished in the Rajput kingdoms of India
Temples like the Meenakshi temple in
South India (middle) and Sun Temple in
the West (bottom) became centers of
learning and development and formed an
inherent part of the community life. The
vibrant décor of temples down South, was
indicative of the way each being is
welcomed at God’s altar. A similar practice
was followed at house, with entrances and
courtyards decorated with Rangoli.
8. Jaivilas Palace, Gwalior Umaid Bhavan Palace, Jodhpur
Devigarh Fort, Rajasthan City Palace, Udaipur
The enlisted palaces and forts are a testament to the princely states and regional kingdoms
of India, reflecting affluence, grandeur. These have been the abode of priceless, exquisite
pieces of art, jewelry, handloom etc. Foreign dignitaries are invited by the Royal families to
familiarize them with the erstwhile India, up close and personal.
THE ROYAL FABLES
9. A distinctive feature of the forts and palaces was the fanciful use of color, mirror-work,
mother-of-pearl, glass inlay and ancient art forms like Thanjuvar , Warli, Madhubani and
Minakari that tried to convey what was behind doors and walls in an easily understandable
manner.
Thanjuvar PaintingSemi- precious and rare stones used in the
main halls of palaces
Glass inlay work on a palace wallWarli Art Form
10. THE LEGACY CONTINUES WITH LUXURY HOTELS…
Many palaces have tied up with Indigenous hospitality
partners to (partly) convert palaces into luxurious
heritage hotel properties, so as to maintain the
traditions and the rich legacy.
Taj Falaknuma Palace, Hyderabad (top), gives
tourists a true experience of the Nizami culture. The
massive dining room (middle) blends the aristocratic
nuances with the Nizami living.
The rooftop (bottom) offers a bird’s eye view of the
bustling city of Hyderabad.
This one is definitely worth a visit before you die!
11. Rambagh Palace Hotel, Jaipur (A property of
the Royal family of Jaipur)
ITC Grand Bharat, Delhi NCR
Hotel Jag Mandir, Udaipur, believed to be
an inspiration for the Taj Mahal, Agra
The Iconic Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
These hotels have taken inspiration from the past, amalgamating perfectly with the
modern tastes of the city and its people. International travel portals and magazines have
listed some of these properties amongst the best hotels in the world, with each offering a
break from the monotony of the metropolitans of the world .
An important phase of Indian architecture began with the Mauryan period. The material prosperity of the Mauryans and a new religious consciousness led to achievements in all fields