The art and crafts of Uttar Pradesh are ancient and renowned, not only in India but across the world. The state is famous for its rich tradition of art forms, including painting, sculpture, and designs on wood, ivory, metal, clay, and stone. Each region in Uttar Pradesh has its own specialty, making it a vibrant hub of cultural heritage.

Overview of Arts and Crafts in Uttar Pradesh

• Banarasi Sarees from Varanasi are famous for their fine silk and intricate designs.
• Carpets from Mirzapur and Bhadohi are known for their quality and craftsmanship.
• Leather Crafts from Agra and Kanpur have a global reputation for excellence.
• Metalware from Moradabad is celebrated for its beautiful brass work.
• Chikankari Embroidery from Lucknow is highly valued for its delicate patterns.
• Perfumes from Kannauj have been cherished for centuries.
• Pottery is a widespread craft throughout the state, showcasing the skill of local artisans.

Art of Uttar Pradesh

Ancient Art

The tradition of art in Uttar Pradesh dates back to prehistoric times. The cave paintings found in Sonbhadra and Chitrakoot depict scenes of hunting, war, festivals, dances, and animals. These artworks provide valuable insight into the lives of ancient people.

Key Points:

• Cave Paintings: Early depictions of life and rituals.
• Golden Period: The Mughal era marked a significant advancement in painting and architecture.

Architecture in Uttar Pradesh

The architecture in Uttar Pradesh is known for its diversity, reflecting influences from Buddhist, Hindu, Indo-Islamic, and Indo-European cultures. The development of architecture in the state can be divided into three main periods:

1. Ancient Architecture

• Mauryan Period: Sandstone structures from Chunar, like the Lion Pillar of Sarnath, are key examples.
• Gupta Period: Temples like Deogarh Temple in Jhansi and Bhitargaon Temple in Kanpur represent the pinnacle of temple construction.
• Shung-Satvahana Period: The ruins of Sarnath provide insight into the architecture of this period.

2. Medieval Architecture

• Sharqi Period: The Atala Mosque in Jaunpur, built in 1408 by Ibrahim Sharqi, is a notable example.
• Mughal Period: This period is marked by grand structures like the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri Fort. The Mughal style blended Indian and Islamic influences to create a unique architectural form.

3. Modern Architecture

• Introduced by the Nawabs of Awadh and the British, modern architecture includes structures like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and the Bada Imambara in Lucknow.

Table: Periods of Architecture in Uttar Pradesh

Period	Key Examples
Ancient Period	Lion Pillar of Sarnath, Deogarh Temple
Medieval Period	Atala Mosque, Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri Fort
Modern Period	Kashi Vishwanath Temple, Bada Imambara

Painting in Uttar Pradesh

Painting has been practiced in Uttar Pradesh since prehistoric times. Various styles of painting have emerged from different periods, each with its own unique characteristics.

Mirzapur Paintings

• Time Period: Prehistoric
• Characteristics: Depicts scenes of festivals, dances, and hunting. Found in caves like those in Lakhaniya Dari in Mirzapur.

Mughal Paintings

• Golden Era: The Mughal period, particularly under Emperor Jahangir.
• Style: Known as the Agra style, these paintings often feature miniature depictions of events, lifestyles, and poetry in Urdu script.

Bundel and Braj Paintings

• Bundel Paintings: Flourished in Bundelkhand, focusing on religious themes.
• Braj Paintings: Depict scenes from the life of Lord Krishna, prominent in Mathura, Gokul, and Vrindavan.

Jain Paintings

• Developed In: Mathura
• Unique Feature: First to introduce paintings on paper.

Modern Paintings

• Early 20th Century: Modern painting in Uttar Pradesh began to flourish with the establishment of the Art and Crafts College in Lucknow in 1911.

Box: Key Artists from Uttar Pradesh

• Jagannath Murlidhar Ahivasi (Gokul): Known for his wall paintings in Vidhan Sabha.
• Chaman Singh Chaman (Meerut): Author of over 50 books related to art and crafts.
• Raj Kapoor Chitera (Prayagraj): Created a 1500 ft high painting of cricketer Sachin Tendulkar.

Conclusion

The art and crafts of Uttar Pradesh are a testament to the state’s rich cultural heritage. From ancient cave paintings to modern architectural marvels, the state’s artistic achievements are admired worldwide. As students, understanding these contributions is crucial, not just for exams but for appreciating the diverse cultural legacy of our country.

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Crafts of Uttar Pradesh

Uttar Pradesh is known worldwide for its diverse and rich crafts. These crafts reflect the state’s cultural heritage and are admired for their intricate designs and fine workmanship. Let’s explore some of the famous crafts of Uttar Pradesh.

Carpet Weaving

Carpets from Uttar Pradesh are globally recognized for their unique colors and designs. Some key points about carpet weaving in the state include:

• Major Carpet Hubs: Bhadohi, Mirzapur, and Agra are the main centers for carpet production.
• Bhadohi: Known as “Carpet City,” it is the largest carpet manufacturing center in India, famous for its silk carpets with Persian patterns.
• Agra: This was the first carpet center during Mughal India. Agra’s carpets are known for their hand-imprinted or hand-carved borders in colors like rose beige, honey, ivory, and Iraq green.
• Carpet Designs: The carpets have various names such as Jamabar, Kandhari, Kethariwala, and Jal.

Embroidery Craft

Chikankari

• Origin: Introduced by Empress Nur Jahan, wife of Emperor Jahangir.
• Meaning: The word “Chikan” comes from Persian, meaning “cloth wrought by needlework.”
• Features: It is delicate embroidery, usually done with white thread on fabric. There are two types of Chikankari: flat and embossed.
• Common Designs: Mughal architectural motifs, bel (creeper) designs, and the fish motif, which is the emblem of the Court of Awadh.
• Main Center: Lucknow.

Zardozi

• Introduction: Brought to India by the Afghans in the 12th century.
• Work: Involves silver and gold embroidery on textiles, drapes, sarees, and other items.
• Famous Products: Exquisite bridal outfits, bags, cushions, caps, and wall hangings.
• Centers: Varanasi, Agra, Lucknow, Rampur, Bareilly, and Farrukhabad.
• Special Mention: Banarasi sarees, known for their zari work, are famous globally.

Varanasi Brocade

• Fabric: Brocade is a luxury fabric made with golden and silver threads, used on sarees’ pallas (end pieces) and fields.
• Craftsmanship: Brocades are made on fine silk or cotton, with raised patterns or floral designs.
• Main Centers: Varanasi, Mirzapur, Chandauli, Bhadohi, Jaunpur, and Azamgarh.
• Geographical Indication: Varanasi brocade received GI Rights in 2009.

Glassware

Overview

• Origin: The glass art in Uttar Pradesh dates back to ancient times when foreign invaders brought glass items, which were later melted down and reused.
• Main Centers:
• Firozabad: Known as “Suhag Nagari” or the City of Bangles, famous for glass bangles.
• Varanasi: Known for glass beads.
• Anpur: Known for glass beads and glass plates.
• Products: Bangles, beads, utensils, pots, chandeliers, jewelry, decanters, and trinkets.

Hand Printing

• Ancient Craft: Hand printing is one of India’s oldest crafts.
• Main Centers: Farrukhabad, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Pilakhwa.
• Designs: Prints like butis, tree of life, and Paisley patterns are created using dark colors, sometimes with wooden blocks.

Inlay Work

• Technique: This ornamental craft involves fitting pieces of contrasting materials into objects to create patterns or pictures.
• Famous Center: Agra, known for its intricate inlay work seen in the decorations of the Taj Mahal and Akbar’s Palace.
• Materials Used: Crystal, turquoise, carnelian, bloodstone, jasper, and garnet.

Jewellery Craft

• History: Jewelry making is an ancient craft in Uttar Pradesh.
• Specialization: Craftsmen are known for lightweight gold and silver ornaments, particularly filigree and Meenakari work.
• Main Centers: Lucknow and Banaras are famous for Meenakari jewelry, including antique pieces like Basra pearls, emeralds, rubies, and diamonds.
• Lucknow Specialties: The Bidri and Zarbuland silver works.

Metal and Brassware

• Major Center: Moradabad is the leading center for metal and brassware in Uttar Pradesh.
• Craft Techniques: Khudai and Nakashi engraving techniques are used.
• Products: Vases, trays, stools, decorative items, and idols of gods and goddesses.

Pottery

• Popularity: Pottery is widespread throughout Uttar Pradesh, with the potters of Meerut, Khurja, and Hapur being particularly skilled.
• Famous Items:
• Surahi: A decorated vessel with beautiful floral designs.
• Khurja Pottery: Nearly 600 years old, known for glazed items like tableware and earthenware.

Stone Craft

• Flourished: Under Muslim rulers, particularly during the Mughal period, with masterpieces like the Taj Mahal.
• Famous Works: The mosaic work of the Taj Mahal and Fatehpur Sikri.
• Materials Used: Marble, soapstone, and occasionally cuddapah stone.

Terracotta Craft

• Gorakhpur: Villages in this region are known for creating clay figures of animals and decorated terracotta horses.

Wood Carving

• Main Center: Saharanpur is renowned for its intricate wood carving.
• Craft Techniques: Furniture and items are crafted with mehrab, jail, and grapevine motifs using woods like sheesham, dudhi, and sal.

Arts and Crafts Institutions in Uttar Pradesh

Name	Location	Year of Establishment
Art and Crafts College	Lucknow	1911
Indian Arts Council	Varanasi	1920
Lucknow Municipal Corporation Art Gallery	Lucknow	1949
Bharat Kala Bhawan	Varanasi	1950
Academy of Fine Arts	Lucknow	1962

Conclusion: The crafts of Uttar Pradesh are not just a source of livelihood for many artisans but also a representation of the state’s rich cultural heritage. Each craft has its unique identity and significance, contributing to the state’s global recognition in the field of art and craftsmanship.

FAQs

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Question 1: Mesolithic and Neolithic cave paintings can be seen in which place?
ANSWER: Chitrakoot

Question 2: Mughal style painting was started by which ruler?
ANSWER: Humayun

Question 3: Which style of paintings depict scenes from the life of Lord Krishna and Radha?
ANSWER: Braj paintings

Question 4: In Uttar Pradesh, Jain style of painting was developed in which city?
ANSWER: Mathura

Question 5: “Thirsty Camel” is a famous painting by which painter?
ANSWER: Vishwanath Mehta

Question 6: Which city of Uttar Pradesh is known as ‘Carpet City’?
ANSWER: Bhadohi

Question 7: Jamabar, Kandhari, Kethariwala, and Jal are terms used in which art form of Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Carpet

Question 8: Chikankari is mainly practiced in which place?
ANSWER: Lucknow

Question 9: Zardozi work is a famous craft of which place?
ANSWER: Varanasi

Question 10: Fine golden and silver threads are used in which craft form?
ANSWER: Varanasi brocade

Question 11: Varanasi brocade is famous for which type of fabric?
ANSWER: Silk sarees

Question 12: Which art or craft form secured Geographical Indication Rights?
ANSWER: Varanasi brocade

Question 13: Which place in Uttar Pradesh is known as Suhag Nagari?
ANSWER: Firozabad

Question 14: Wooden blocks are used to create patterns in which craft?
ANSWER: Hand printing

Question 15: In Uttar Pradesh, Minakari Jewellery is produced in which places?
ANSWER: Lucknow and Banaras

Question 16: Which place is famous for metal and brassware in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Moradabad

Question 17: Khudai and Nakashi engraving are done on which craft form?
ANSWER: Metal and brassware

Question 18: The pottery of which region in Uttar Pradesh is 600 years old?
ANSWER: Khurja

Question 19: Which is the greatest example of stone craft in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Taj Mahal

Question 20: During which rulers did stone craft flourish in Uttar Pradesh?
ANSWER: Mughal

Question 21: Name the area of Uttar Pradesh that is famous for terracotta craft.
ANSWER: Gorakhpur

Question 22: Which place in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its wood craft?
ANSWER: Saharanpur

Question 23: Dudhi, sheesham, and sal are used in which famous craft?
ANSWER: Wood craft

Question 24: Bharat Kala Bhawan was established in which year?
ANSWER: 1950

Question 25: In Uttar Pradesh, the Academy of Fine Arts is located in which city?
ANSWER: Lucknow

Question 26: The architecture of Uttar Pradesh is influenced by which cultures?
ANSWER: Indo-Islamic, Buddhist, and Indo-European

Question 27: Assertion: Miniature paintings were brought to India by the Mughals who were assisted by Persians. Reason: These paintings depict the events and lifestyles of the Mughals and their places. Are both statements true, and is the reason correct?
ANSWER: Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A

Question 28: Match the following: Carpet – Bhadohi, Glassware – Firozabad, Jewellery – Lucknow, Metalware – Moradabad.
ANSWER: Carpet – Bhadohi, Glassware – Firozabad, Jewellery – Lucknow, Metalware – Moradabad

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