The forms of ancient Indian crafts have continuously evolved over thousands of years. From the time of the cosmos the existence of craft is appeared in each sector of life. Sometimes it served the purpose of exchanging thoughts, sometimes to give shape to the learnt artistry and sometimes to satisfy the utilitarian needs to keep their food. The people of ancient India realized that they could have leisure after their regular schedule and to utilise the time they opted for some creative artworks that include pottery, jewelry making, statue making etc. As time advanced, people considered this art of craft as a profession. Later on influences from different dynasties, religions and emperors had helped to flourish the ancient craft and Indian craft as a whole.
During ancient India various art forms developed at great pace. A very interesting aspect of ancient craft in India is that it is highly realistic. Though bit crude, the anatomical detailing in their sculptures is worth applauding for. Animal and human figures have been carefully carved and chiseled to get a refined effect and portray the physical details in a very fine way. The ancient Indian crafts are pretty much evident in their terracotta and bronze sculptures. The paintings and inscriptions of the ancient Indian craft basically reveal the mental patterns of the people. The ancient Indian crafts can be traced chronologically era wise.
The ancient Indian craft has appeared from the era of Indus Valley Civilization. The excavations in two cities of this civilization, Harappa and Mohenjodaro, are the evidences of the origins of this ancient craft. Thrived from 3300 to 1750 B.C, this civilization had many distinct styles in Indian craft. The skilled people of this epoch would create all sorts of tools, household objects and statues with copper and bronze, ornaments from gold and silver. They also would create jewellery made out of shells, terracotta, bone and beads made of amethyst, turquoise, lapis lazuli and other precious stones. The excavations depict that the people of that period were skilled in pottery, statuettes making, terracotta toys etc.
Another distinctive ancient craft by the people of Indus Valley was the craft on seals. Seals are one most important aspect of the Indus art and craft discovered by the archaeologists. These are engraved in a `pictographic script` often used as amulets. These seals are a piece of art portraying various animals and also at times humans. Among this the Pashupati seal is the most famous. Usage of models of animals as pin-heads and beads was the fascination among the people of ancient India. Terracotta toys with movable heads were also prevalent. One thing evident from the Indus art and craft in general is that both the women and men wore ornaments. Shell working, agate and steatite bead making and making of ornaments like bangles, necklaces of ceramics are some of the ancient Indian crafts that developed in that period.
Commenced in the age of 1500-600 BC, the Vedic period gives evidence of the use of gold, copper, bronze, tin, lead, silver and iron for the ancient Indian craft. In the post Vedic period, the influence of Buddhism had been observed and this had influenced the later dynasties viz. Mauryas, Sungas, Guptas, Kushans, Palas, and the Senas. During the post Vedic era, the time of the emperor of Ashoka (272-232 BC) was considered as the highest period of the development of ancient craft. The early Andhra period (72-25 BC), the colossal painted figures of Bodhisattvas by their beauty and finality represent the imagined anatomy of a God. The creations by the craftsmen were the examples of ancient Indian craft.
The Kushana period (50 AD to 300 AD) stands as another influence in the development of the ancient Indian craft. The excavations define that the people of that epoch were adept in creating ivory products, potteries, metal crafts made out of gold, copper, iron, and precious stone. The Kushana realm shows influence of ancient Mathura and Taxila art.
The Gupta period (4th - 6th Century A.D.) signalises the bright period of craft in India. Mathura and Sarnath images of Buddhism are some of the best specimens of ancient Indian craft. The smooth folds of the clear clothes adorning the Gupta figures were done in a gorgeous style. The richly decorated halo is another special feature of the craft of the Gupta figure. The delicate model of Buddha with meditative repose has rendered the Buddha and Bodhisattva figures of the Gupta period were most attractive. The Gupta artists showed an equal creativity in the carving of metal images also. The bronze Buddha image from Sultanganj and also one from Dhanesar Khera together with a number of specimens found in north-western part of India are some excellent specimens testify the dexterity and ability of the Gupta metal carvers.
With the progression of time, the form of craft had become fine-tuned and the artisans had developed the latest technology and incorporated them in their craftsmanship. The ancient Indian craft had traveled through a long period and gathered religious, cultural and traditional inspiration from different dynasties.
