Our country has always been a repository of indigenous knowledge, which has been transferred from one generation to another. Artists in each generation have created the best works out of available materials and technology. Many scholars named these art forms as minor arts, utility art, folk art, tribal art, people’s art, ritual art, crafts, and so on. We know that these art forms have existed from time immemorial. We have seen examples in pre-historic cave paintings or works of pottery, terracotta, bronze, ivory, etc., of the Indus period as well. During the early history and its subsequent times, we find references of artists’ communities everywhere. They made pots and dresses, jewellery and ritual or votive sculptures. They decorated their walls and floors and did many more artistic things to fulfil their daily needs and supply their works to local markets at the same time. There is an instinctive aesthetic expression in their creations. There is symbolism, specific use of motifs, materials, colours and methods of making. There is a thin line between art of the people and crafts as both involve creativity, instinct, necessities and aesthetics.

During the early history and its subsequent times, we find references of artists making which of the following?

1) Dresses
2) Jewellery
3) Votive sculptures
4) All of the above

4

During the early history and its subsequent times, we find references of artists’ communities everywhere. They made pots and dresses, jewellery and ritual or votive sculptures.

Our country has always been a repository of indigenous knowledge, which has been transferred from one generation to another. Artists in each generation have created the best works out of available materials and technology. Many scholars named these art forms as minor arts, utility art, folk art, tribal art, people’s art, ritual art, crafts, and so on. We know that these art forms have existed from time immemorial. We have seen examples in pre-historic cave paintings or works of pottery, terracotta, bronze, ivory, etc., of the Indus period as well. During the early history and its subsequent times, we find references of artists’ communities everywhere. They made pots and dresses, jewellery and ritual or votive sculptures. They decorated their walls and floors and did many more artistic things to fulfil their daily needs and supply their works to local markets at the same time. There is an instinctive aesthetic expression in their creations. There is symbolism, specific use of motifs, materials, colours and methods of making. There is a thin line between art of the people and crafts as both involve creativity, instinct, necessities and aesthetics.