Art and Architecture | Uttarakhand State PSC (UKPSC): Preparation - UKPSC (Uttarakhand) PDF Download

 Page 1


Art and Architecture
Uttarakhand boasts its own distinctive art forms. These art forms comprise
painting, architecture, sculpture and other such aesthetic endeavours. Both
the Kumaon and the Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand have contributed
largely to the art tradition of the state.Art in Uttarakhand goes back to the
pre-historic times. Kumaon has a particular form of architecture usually
called the ‹Himadri› style of architecture. Numerous rock paintings from the
proto-historic period have been unearthed in Kumaon. Among them, Lakhu
Udhiyar and Lwethaap merit attention. Temples at Jageshwar, Almora and
Katarmal Thal, Baijnath, Someshwar, Dwarahat, Gangolihat, Patal
Bhuvaneshwar, Marsoli are classic specimens of the regional style,
corresponding to post Gupta architecture. Besides architecture, the art of
Kumaon also displays a characteristic style of sculpture.
The Pahari Kalam form of painting also developed in Kumaon, observed
in the Himalayan areas. The Mughal school of Miniature Painting
metamorphosed into the Garhwal School of Painting.The best examples of
Garhwal painting are found at the University Museum in Srinagar, Garhwal,
besides sculptures and archaeological finds.
Uttarkhand also has a great tradition of folk arts and crafts. While Aipens
and peeths are the major folk painting forms, the wall paintings also form a
distinct tradition within the art of Uttarakhand. Clay idols, woolen works,
metal works and wood carving all have their distinct places within the milieu
of Uttarakhand’s art scene.
Other traditional art forms of uttarakhand includes clay idols (dikaras) and
wooden casks. Uttarakhand art includes gold,silver,copper and brass
ornaments using ancient designs and patterns which are thousands of years
old.
Paintings
Paintings of Uttarakhand range from the folk arts of the women of Kumaon
to the most exquisite miniature arts of Garhwal. The natural beauty of the
state, considered in the ancient times as the abode of the gods, has inspired
throughout history. Uttarakhand’s paintings can be divided into two broad
Page 2


Art and Architecture
Uttarakhand boasts its own distinctive art forms. These art forms comprise
painting, architecture, sculpture and other such aesthetic endeavours. Both
the Kumaon and the Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand have contributed
largely to the art tradition of the state.Art in Uttarakhand goes back to the
pre-historic times. Kumaon has a particular form of architecture usually
called the ‹Himadri› style of architecture. Numerous rock paintings from the
proto-historic period have been unearthed in Kumaon. Among them, Lakhu
Udhiyar and Lwethaap merit attention. Temples at Jageshwar, Almora and
Katarmal Thal, Baijnath, Someshwar, Dwarahat, Gangolihat, Patal
Bhuvaneshwar, Marsoli are classic specimens of the regional style,
corresponding to post Gupta architecture. Besides architecture, the art of
Kumaon also displays a characteristic style of sculpture.
The Pahari Kalam form of painting also developed in Kumaon, observed
in the Himalayan areas. The Mughal school of Miniature Painting
metamorphosed into the Garhwal School of Painting.The best examples of
Garhwal painting are found at the University Museum in Srinagar, Garhwal,
besides sculptures and archaeological finds.
Uttarkhand also has a great tradition of folk arts and crafts. While Aipens
and peeths are the major folk painting forms, the wall paintings also form a
distinct tradition within the art of Uttarakhand. Clay idols, woolen works,
metal works and wood carving all have their distinct places within the milieu
of Uttarakhand’s art scene.
Other traditional art forms of uttarakhand includes clay idols (dikaras) and
wooden casks. Uttarakhand art includes gold,silver,copper and brass
ornaments using ancient designs and patterns which are thousands of years
old.
Paintings
Paintings of Uttarakhand range from the folk arts of the women of Kumaon
to the most exquisite miniature arts of Garhwal. The natural beauty of the
state, considered in the ancient times as the abode of the gods, has inspired
throughout history. Uttarakhand’s paintings can be divided into two broad
parts, the folk arts of wall paintings and ritualistic paintings and the refined
art of the miniaturists. The wonderful wall paintings of the Gurdwara Guru
Ram Rai and the royal houses of Karnal and Saharanpur stand as independent
memorials of excellence in the tradition of painting in Uttarakhand.
Miniature painting-Miniature painting of Uttarakhand is one of the major
schools of miniature painting in India. Although derived from the style of
Mughal miniature paintings, Uttarakhand’s miniature paintings developed its
individual styles in the subsequent years. Given the wonderful natural beauty
of the land, it was natural that artists and poets would be attracted to the state.
It was also often a haven for runaways because of its location, hidden from
the world in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The Mughal prince Sulaiman
Sukoh came here in exile and brought with him painters and the school of the
Mughal miniature painting.
Wall Paintings- Wall paintings of Uttarakhand has emerged from years of
anonymity and has become widely appreciated because of its aesthetic value
an decorative splendor. These wall paintings are widely practiced in the
Garwhal and Kumaun regions of the state. Wall paintings in Uttarakhand has
a rich tradition behind them and were not known to the world. It was only
recently that the art connoisseurs of the world took note of the exquisite
finesse of these wonderful paintings. Uttarakhand’s wall paintings mainly
served decorative and ritualistic purposes but their aesthetic values are also
high.
Mughal Painting- Mughal paintings of Uttarakhand is one of the most
influential schools of Mughal miniature painting, alongside the Punjab and
the Kangra schools. The Mughal paintings in Uttarakhand exhibit a
combination of various influences. At the same time, it manages to hold its
own as a separate and ingeniousness art form. Mughal miniature painting is
one of the most illustrious traditions of miniature paintings in the world. It
has its origin in the exile of Humayun, who brought back wonderful artists
from Hirat and Persia to illustrate the splendor of the Mughal courts. By the
time of Akbar, who was great patron of arts, the greatness of the Mughal
miniature was well established. Mughal paintings at Uttarakhand is a
comparatively late development.
Crafts- Crafts in Uttarakhand remain centered around the religious beliefs
and practices of the state. At the time of Harela, there is a tradition of making
clay idols, known as ‘Dikaras’, in Uttarakhand. Moreover, the crafts of
Page 3


Art and Architecture
Uttarakhand boasts its own distinctive art forms. These art forms comprise
painting, architecture, sculpture and other such aesthetic endeavours. Both
the Kumaon and the Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand have contributed
largely to the art tradition of the state.Art in Uttarakhand goes back to the
pre-historic times. Kumaon has a particular form of architecture usually
called the ‹Himadri› style of architecture. Numerous rock paintings from the
proto-historic period have been unearthed in Kumaon. Among them, Lakhu
Udhiyar and Lwethaap merit attention. Temples at Jageshwar, Almora and
Katarmal Thal, Baijnath, Someshwar, Dwarahat, Gangolihat, Patal
Bhuvaneshwar, Marsoli are classic specimens of the regional style,
corresponding to post Gupta architecture. Besides architecture, the art of
Kumaon also displays a characteristic style of sculpture.
The Pahari Kalam form of painting also developed in Kumaon, observed
in the Himalayan areas. The Mughal school of Miniature Painting
metamorphosed into the Garhwal School of Painting.The best examples of
Garhwal painting are found at the University Museum in Srinagar, Garhwal,
besides sculptures and archaeological finds.
Uttarkhand also has a great tradition of folk arts and crafts. While Aipens
and peeths are the major folk painting forms, the wall paintings also form a
distinct tradition within the art of Uttarakhand. Clay idols, woolen works,
metal works and wood carving all have their distinct places within the milieu
of Uttarakhand’s art scene.
Other traditional art forms of uttarakhand includes clay idols (dikaras) and
wooden casks. Uttarakhand art includes gold,silver,copper and brass
ornaments using ancient designs and patterns which are thousands of years
old.
Paintings
Paintings of Uttarakhand range from the folk arts of the women of Kumaon
to the most exquisite miniature arts of Garhwal. The natural beauty of the
state, considered in the ancient times as the abode of the gods, has inspired
throughout history. Uttarakhand’s paintings can be divided into two broad
parts, the folk arts of wall paintings and ritualistic paintings and the refined
art of the miniaturists. The wonderful wall paintings of the Gurdwara Guru
Ram Rai and the royal houses of Karnal and Saharanpur stand as independent
memorials of excellence in the tradition of painting in Uttarakhand.
Miniature painting-Miniature painting of Uttarakhand is one of the major
schools of miniature painting in India. Although derived from the style of
Mughal miniature paintings, Uttarakhand’s miniature paintings developed its
individual styles in the subsequent years. Given the wonderful natural beauty
of the land, it was natural that artists and poets would be attracted to the state.
It was also often a haven for runaways because of its location, hidden from
the world in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The Mughal prince Sulaiman
Sukoh came here in exile and brought with him painters and the school of the
Mughal miniature painting.
Wall Paintings- Wall paintings of Uttarakhand has emerged from years of
anonymity and has become widely appreciated because of its aesthetic value
an decorative splendor. These wall paintings are widely practiced in the
Garwhal and Kumaun regions of the state. Wall paintings in Uttarakhand has
a rich tradition behind them and were not known to the world. It was only
recently that the art connoisseurs of the world took note of the exquisite
finesse of these wonderful paintings. Uttarakhand’s wall paintings mainly
served decorative and ritualistic purposes but their aesthetic values are also
high.
Mughal Painting- Mughal paintings of Uttarakhand is one of the most
influential schools of Mughal miniature painting, alongside the Punjab and
the Kangra schools. The Mughal paintings in Uttarakhand exhibit a
combination of various influences. At the same time, it manages to hold its
own as a separate and ingeniousness art form. Mughal miniature painting is
one of the most illustrious traditions of miniature paintings in the world. It
has its origin in the exile of Humayun, who brought back wonderful artists
from Hirat and Persia to illustrate the splendor of the Mughal courts. By the
time of Akbar, who was great patron of arts, the greatness of the Mughal
miniature was well established. Mughal paintings at Uttarakhand is a
comparatively late development.
Crafts- Crafts in Uttarakhand remain centered around the religious beliefs
and practices of the state. At the time of Harela, there is a tradition of making
clay idols, known as ‘Dikaras’, in Uttarakhand. Moreover, the crafts of
Uttarakhand include woodcrafts, stone carvings, jewelry, and inlaying. These
crafts of Uttarakhand largely reflect the customs and traditions of
Uttarakhand. Moreover, in Uttarakhand crafts, we can find the influences of
the Kumaoni and Tibetan styles.
Peeth- It is not a completely independent art form and can be better
categorized as a sub-genre of Uttarakhand’s Aipen, which is a form of
decorative and ritualistic arts in the state. The womenfolk of Kumaon and
Garwhal are the main artists of Peeth. The techniques and the ingredients
used in drawing the Peeth in Uttarakhand are extremely traditional, as are the
motifs used in the drawings. It is a part of the widely popular tradition of
drawing ‘Alpana’ at various parts of India to celebrate religious and
important social occasions. .
Aipen- Aipen in Uttarakhand is an extremely popular folk art practiced by
the women of Kumaon in Uttarakhand. Mainly of a ritualistic nature, Aipen
involves patterns and motifs of extremely traditional kinds. The name itself is
believed to be a local variant of the word ‘Arpan’. Aipen are decorative
patterns drawn on floors, doors and walls to grace an auspicious event.
Practiced largely by women, Aipen of Uttarakhand uses themes and
techniques that have come down for ages.
It typically involves patterns and motifs which include repetitive geometric
patterns. There is no strict rule of composition and the artists largely follow
their instincts in freely creating and blending the different styles. Use of
figures and motifs that have come down through the ages are also popular.
Uttarakhand’s Aipen motifs can be of different kinds. Bindu Aipen, Jyonti
Pattas and the Dikara are some of the most popular patterns of Aipen of
Uttarakhand. The materials employed in the creation of Aipen are extremely
traditional in nature. Finely ground rice liquefied with water and using natural
paste form the main ingredient for the drawings. The patterns are then laid
out, typically against a dark background using bare fingers.
Thapa- Paintings of godess Durga are drawn using paste of rice, mixed
with different colours called Thapa. These colourfull drawings are prepared
during Deepawali, Dushera, Navgrah Puja and Durga Puja.
Naat- These are the figures of Laxmi Narayan, Chaitua and Bikhauti drawn
on the walls of Kitchen using Gerua and Biswar. By drawing these figures,
people wish prosperity in family. These are also called Tupuk.
Jyunti- Drawings of Mahalaxmi, Mahakai, Ganesh, Mahasaraswati, and
Page 4


Art and Architecture
Uttarakhand boasts its own distinctive art forms. These art forms comprise
painting, architecture, sculpture and other such aesthetic endeavours. Both
the Kumaon and the Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand have contributed
largely to the art tradition of the state.Art in Uttarakhand goes back to the
pre-historic times. Kumaon has a particular form of architecture usually
called the ‹Himadri› style of architecture. Numerous rock paintings from the
proto-historic period have been unearthed in Kumaon. Among them, Lakhu
Udhiyar and Lwethaap merit attention. Temples at Jageshwar, Almora and
Katarmal Thal, Baijnath, Someshwar, Dwarahat, Gangolihat, Patal
Bhuvaneshwar, Marsoli are classic specimens of the regional style,
corresponding to post Gupta architecture. Besides architecture, the art of
Kumaon also displays a characteristic style of sculpture.
The Pahari Kalam form of painting also developed in Kumaon, observed
in the Himalayan areas. The Mughal school of Miniature Painting
metamorphosed into the Garhwal School of Painting.The best examples of
Garhwal painting are found at the University Museum in Srinagar, Garhwal,
besides sculptures and archaeological finds.
Uttarkhand also has a great tradition of folk arts and crafts. While Aipens
and peeths are the major folk painting forms, the wall paintings also form a
distinct tradition within the art of Uttarakhand. Clay idols, woolen works,
metal works and wood carving all have their distinct places within the milieu
of Uttarakhand’s art scene.
Other traditional art forms of uttarakhand includes clay idols (dikaras) and
wooden casks. Uttarakhand art includes gold,silver,copper and brass
ornaments using ancient designs and patterns which are thousands of years
old.
Paintings
Paintings of Uttarakhand range from the folk arts of the women of Kumaon
to the most exquisite miniature arts of Garhwal. The natural beauty of the
state, considered in the ancient times as the abode of the gods, has inspired
throughout history. Uttarakhand’s paintings can be divided into two broad
parts, the folk arts of wall paintings and ritualistic paintings and the refined
art of the miniaturists. The wonderful wall paintings of the Gurdwara Guru
Ram Rai and the royal houses of Karnal and Saharanpur stand as independent
memorials of excellence in the tradition of painting in Uttarakhand.
Miniature painting-Miniature painting of Uttarakhand is one of the major
schools of miniature painting in India. Although derived from the style of
Mughal miniature paintings, Uttarakhand’s miniature paintings developed its
individual styles in the subsequent years. Given the wonderful natural beauty
of the land, it was natural that artists and poets would be attracted to the state.
It was also often a haven for runaways because of its location, hidden from
the world in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The Mughal prince Sulaiman
Sukoh came here in exile and brought with him painters and the school of the
Mughal miniature painting.
Wall Paintings- Wall paintings of Uttarakhand has emerged from years of
anonymity and has become widely appreciated because of its aesthetic value
an decorative splendor. These wall paintings are widely practiced in the
Garwhal and Kumaun regions of the state. Wall paintings in Uttarakhand has
a rich tradition behind them and were not known to the world. It was only
recently that the art connoisseurs of the world took note of the exquisite
finesse of these wonderful paintings. Uttarakhand’s wall paintings mainly
served decorative and ritualistic purposes but their aesthetic values are also
high.
Mughal Painting- Mughal paintings of Uttarakhand is one of the most
influential schools of Mughal miniature painting, alongside the Punjab and
the Kangra schools. The Mughal paintings in Uttarakhand exhibit a
combination of various influences. At the same time, it manages to hold its
own as a separate and ingeniousness art form. Mughal miniature painting is
one of the most illustrious traditions of miniature paintings in the world. It
has its origin in the exile of Humayun, who brought back wonderful artists
from Hirat and Persia to illustrate the splendor of the Mughal courts. By the
time of Akbar, who was great patron of arts, the greatness of the Mughal
miniature was well established. Mughal paintings at Uttarakhand is a
comparatively late development.
Crafts- Crafts in Uttarakhand remain centered around the religious beliefs
and practices of the state. At the time of Harela, there is a tradition of making
clay idols, known as ‘Dikaras’, in Uttarakhand. Moreover, the crafts of
Uttarakhand include woodcrafts, stone carvings, jewelry, and inlaying. These
crafts of Uttarakhand largely reflect the customs and traditions of
Uttarakhand. Moreover, in Uttarakhand crafts, we can find the influences of
the Kumaoni and Tibetan styles.
Peeth- It is not a completely independent art form and can be better
categorized as a sub-genre of Uttarakhand’s Aipen, which is a form of
decorative and ritualistic arts in the state. The womenfolk of Kumaon and
Garwhal are the main artists of Peeth. The techniques and the ingredients
used in drawing the Peeth in Uttarakhand are extremely traditional, as are the
motifs used in the drawings. It is a part of the widely popular tradition of
drawing ‘Alpana’ at various parts of India to celebrate religious and
important social occasions. .
Aipen- Aipen in Uttarakhand is an extremely popular folk art practiced by
the women of Kumaon in Uttarakhand. Mainly of a ritualistic nature, Aipen
involves patterns and motifs of extremely traditional kinds. The name itself is
believed to be a local variant of the word ‘Arpan’. Aipen are decorative
patterns drawn on floors, doors and walls to grace an auspicious event.
Practiced largely by women, Aipen of Uttarakhand uses themes and
techniques that have come down for ages.
It typically involves patterns and motifs which include repetitive geometric
patterns. There is no strict rule of composition and the artists largely follow
their instincts in freely creating and blending the different styles. Use of
figures and motifs that have come down through the ages are also popular.
Uttarakhand’s Aipen motifs can be of different kinds. Bindu Aipen, Jyonti
Pattas and the Dikara are some of the most popular patterns of Aipen of
Uttarakhand. The materials employed in the creation of Aipen are extremely
traditional in nature. Finely ground rice liquefied with water and using natural
paste form the main ingredient for the drawings. The patterns are then laid
out, typically against a dark background using bare fingers.
Thapa- Paintings of godess Durga are drawn using paste of rice, mixed
with different colours called Thapa. These colourfull drawings are prepared
during Deepawali, Dushera, Navgrah Puja and Durga Puja.
Naat- These are the figures of Laxmi Narayan, Chaitua and Bikhauti drawn
on the walls of Kitchen using Gerua and Biswar. By drawing these figures,
people wish prosperity in family. These are also called Tupuk.
Jyunti- Drawings of Mahalaxmi, Mahakai, Ganesh, Mahasaraswati, and
Durga on a board are called Jyunti or Jyunti Patt. These drwings are
popularly drawn during ceremonies like marriages, Yagyopaveet etc. along
with main figures of gods and goddesses, drwings of animals, birds, trees etc
are also drawn.
Woodcrafts- Woodcrafts are one of the most wanted shopping item in
Uttarakhand.Woodcrafts of Uttarakhand are designed by the local artistes.
They design various articles from wood. The most in demand woodcrafts at
Uttarakhand are wood carvings which need lots of hard work. They carve out
drawings on the piece of wood which can be kept as wall hangings. Apart
from the paintings and small show pieces, the most in demand woodcrafts at
Uttarakhand shopping centers are large statues carved out of wood. These
woodcrafts of Uttarakhand are desired by tourists from all across the globe.
Architecture
Uttarakhand is studded with numerous pilgrimage sites centered around
temples featuring distinctive patterns of architecture. The temples of
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Tungnath, Madmaheshwar are some of the better
known temples of Uttarakhand with specific traits marking their architecture.
Kedarnath Temple- The temple is imposing in its style and architecture. It
is constructed on a ridge, jutting out perpendicularly from the snowy hills.
The current temple, built in 8
th
 century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands near
the site of an older temple built by the Pandavas. The inner precincts of the
assembly hall are adorned with idols of diverse deities and mythological
scenes. Beyond the temple door looms an impressive statue of the Nandi Bull
which seems to keep guard. Built of large, heavy and evenly cut gray rock
slabs, it arouses wonder regarding the manner in which these heavy slabs
might have been handled formerly. The temple contains a Garbha Griha for
the deity and a Mandap to contain gatherings of pilgrims and visitors. A
conical rock formation inside the temple is shown obeisance as Lord Shiva in
his Sadashiva avatar.
Tungnath Temple- The temple boasts a grand architectural design. It is
also built on a ridge projecting from the mountains. The dome distinguishing
this temple includes 16 doors containing an idol of Adi Guru Shankaracharya
besides the lingam.
Madmaheshwar Temple- Shiva is shown devotion here in the shape of a
navel-shaped lingam. Situated at the foothills of Chaukhamba peak at a
Page 5


Art and Architecture
Uttarakhand boasts its own distinctive art forms. These art forms comprise
painting, architecture, sculpture and other such aesthetic endeavours. Both
the Kumaon and the Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand have contributed
largely to the art tradition of the state.Art in Uttarakhand goes back to the
pre-historic times. Kumaon has a particular form of architecture usually
called the ‹Himadri› style of architecture. Numerous rock paintings from the
proto-historic period have been unearthed in Kumaon. Among them, Lakhu
Udhiyar and Lwethaap merit attention. Temples at Jageshwar, Almora and
Katarmal Thal, Baijnath, Someshwar, Dwarahat, Gangolihat, Patal
Bhuvaneshwar, Marsoli are classic specimens of the regional style,
corresponding to post Gupta architecture. Besides architecture, the art of
Kumaon also displays a characteristic style of sculpture.
The Pahari Kalam form of painting also developed in Kumaon, observed
in the Himalayan areas. The Mughal school of Miniature Painting
metamorphosed into the Garhwal School of Painting.The best examples of
Garhwal painting are found at the University Museum in Srinagar, Garhwal,
besides sculptures and archaeological finds.
Uttarkhand also has a great tradition of folk arts and crafts. While Aipens
and peeths are the major folk painting forms, the wall paintings also form a
distinct tradition within the art of Uttarakhand. Clay idols, woolen works,
metal works and wood carving all have their distinct places within the milieu
of Uttarakhand’s art scene.
Other traditional art forms of uttarakhand includes clay idols (dikaras) and
wooden casks. Uttarakhand art includes gold,silver,copper and brass
ornaments using ancient designs and patterns which are thousands of years
old.
Paintings
Paintings of Uttarakhand range from the folk arts of the women of Kumaon
to the most exquisite miniature arts of Garhwal. The natural beauty of the
state, considered in the ancient times as the abode of the gods, has inspired
throughout history. Uttarakhand’s paintings can be divided into two broad
parts, the folk arts of wall paintings and ritualistic paintings and the refined
art of the miniaturists. The wonderful wall paintings of the Gurdwara Guru
Ram Rai and the royal houses of Karnal and Saharanpur stand as independent
memorials of excellence in the tradition of painting in Uttarakhand.
Miniature painting-Miniature painting of Uttarakhand is one of the major
schools of miniature painting in India. Although derived from the style of
Mughal miniature paintings, Uttarakhand’s miniature paintings developed its
individual styles in the subsequent years. Given the wonderful natural beauty
of the land, it was natural that artists and poets would be attracted to the state.
It was also often a haven for runaways because of its location, hidden from
the world in the lap of the mighty Himalayas. The Mughal prince Sulaiman
Sukoh came here in exile and brought with him painters and the school of the
Mughal miniature painting.
Wall Paintings- Wall paintings of Uttarakhand has emerged from years of
anonymity and has become widely appreciated because of its aesthetic value
an decorative splendor. These wall paintings are widely practiced in the
Garwhal and Kumaun regions of the state. Wall paintings in Uttarakhand has
a rich tradition behind them and were not known to the world. It was only
recently that the art connoisseurs of the world took note of the exquisite
finesse of these wonderful paintings. Uttarakhand’s wall paintings mainly
served decorative and ritualistic purposes but their aesthetic values are also
high.
Mughal Painting- Mughal paintings of Uttarakhand is one of the most
influential schools of Mughal miniature painting, alongside the Punjab and
the Kangra schools. The Mughal paintings in Uttarakhand exhibit a
combination of various influences. At the same time, it manages to hold its
own as a separate and ingeniousness art form. Mughal miniature painting is
one of the most illustrious traditions of miniature paintings in the world. It
has its origin in the exile of Humayun, who brought back wonderful artists
from Hirat and Persia to illustrate the splendor of the Mughal courts. By the
time of Akbar, who was great patron of arts, the greatness of the Mughal
miniature was well established. Mughal paintings at Uttarakhand is a
comparatively late development.
Crafts- Crafts in Uttarakhand remain centered around the religious beliefs
and practices of the state. At the time of Harela, there is a tradition of making
clay idols, known as ‘Dikaras’, in Uttarakhand. Moreover, the crafts of
Uttarakhand include woodcrafts, stone carvings, jewelry, and inlaying. These
crafts of Uttarakhand largely reflect the customs and traditions of
Uttarakhand. Moreover, in Uttarakhand crafts, we can find the influences of
the Kumaoni and Tibetan styles.
Peeth- It is not a completely independent art form and can be better
categorized as a sub-genre of Uttarakhand’s Aipen, which is a form of
decorative and ritualistic arts in the state. The womenfolk of Kumaon and
Garwhal are the main artists of Peeth. The techniques and the ingredients
used in drawing the Peeth in Uttarakhand are extremely traditional, as are the
motifs used in the drawings. It is a part of the widely popular tradition of
drawing ‘Alpana’ at various parts of India to celebrate religious and
important social occasions. .
Aipen- Aipen in Uttarakhand is an extremely popular folk art practiced by
the women of Kumaon in Uttarakhand. Mainly of a ritualistic nature, Aipen
involves patterns and motifs of extremely traditional kinds. The name itself is
believed to be a local variant of the word ‘Arpan’. Aipen are decorative
patterns drawn on floors, doors and walls to grace an auspicious event.
Practiced largely by women, Aipen of Uttarakhand uses themes and
techniques that have come down for ages.
It typically involves patterns and motifs which include repetitive geometric
patterns. There is no strict rule of composition and the artists largely follow
their instincts in freely creating and blending the different styles. Use of
figures and motifs that have come down through the ages are also popular.
Uttarakhand’s Aipen motifs can be of different kinds. Bindu Aipen, Jyonti
Pattas and the Dikara are some of the most popular patterns of Aipen of
Uttarakhand. The materials employed in the creation of Aipen are extremely
traditional in nature. Finely ground rice liquefied with water and using natural
paste form the main ingredient for the drawings. The patterns are then laid
out, typically against a dark background using bare fingers.
Thapa- Paintings of godess Durga are drawn using paste of rice, mixed
with different colours called Thapa. These colourfull drawings are prepared
during Deepawali, Dushera, Navgrah Puja and Durga Puja.
Naat- These are the figures of Laxmi Narayan, Chaitua and Bikhauti drawn
on the walls of Kitchen using Gerua and Biswar. By drawing these figures,
people wish prosperity in family. These are also called Tupuk.
Jyunti- Drawings of Mahalaxmi, Mahakai, Ganesh, Mahasaraswati, and
Durga on a board are called Jyunti or Jyunti Patt. These drwings are
popularly drawn during ceremonies like marriages, Yagyopaveet etc. along
with main figures of gods and goddesses, drwings of animals, birds, trees etc
are also drawn.
Woodcrafts- Woodcrafts are one of the most wanted shopping item in
Uttarakhand.Woodcrafts of Uttarakhand are designed by the local artistes.
They design various articles from wood. The most in demand woodcrafts at
Uttarakhand are wood carvings which need lots of hard work. They carve out
drawings on the piece of wood which can be kept as wall hangings. Apart
from the paintings and small show pieces, the most in demand woodcrafts at
Uttarakhand shopping centers are large statues carved out of wood. These
woodcrafts of Uttarakhand are desired by tourists from all across the globe.
Architecture
Uttarakhand is studded with numerous pilgrimage sites centered around
temples featuring distinctive patterns of architecture. The temples of
Kedarnath, Badrinath, Tungnath, Madmaheshwar are some of the better
known temples of Uttarakhand with specific traits marking their architecture.
Kedarnath Temple- The temple is imposing in its style and architecture. It
is constructed on a ridge, jutting out perpendicularly from the snowy hills.
The current temple, built in 8
th
 century by Adi Shankaracharya, stands near
the site of an older temple built by the Pandavas. The inner precincts of the
assembly hall are adorned with idols of diverse deities and mythological
scenes. Beyond the temple door looms an impressive statue of the Nandi Bull
which seems to keep guard. Built of large, heavy and evenly cut gray rock
slabs, it arouses wonder regarding the manner in which these heavy slabs
might have been handled formerly. The temple contains a Garbha Griha for
the deity and a Mandap to contain gatherings of pilgrims and visitors. A
conical rock formation inside the temple is shown obeisance as Lord Shiva in
his Sadashiva avatar.
Tungnath Temple- The temple boasts a grand architectural design. It is
also built on a ridge projecting from the mountains. The dome distinguishing
this temple includes 16 doors containing an idol of Adi Guru Shankaracharya
besides the lingam.
Madmaheshwar Temple- Shiva is shown devotion here in the shape of a
navel-shaped lingam. Situated at the foothills of Chaukhamba peak at a
height of 3289 meters, the classic temple architecture conforms to the North-
Indian tradition.
Badrinath Temple- Consecrated to Lord Vishnu, the temple of Shri
Badrinathji is 15 meters in height. It is conical in structure having a small
cupola of a filt bull and spire. Legend locates the temple historically older
than the Vedic Period.
Each temple of Uttarakhnad flaunts its own characteristic attributes in
terms of architecture.
Stone Carvings- Temple architecture of Uttarakhand is the main site of its
stone carvings. Most of these temples have big and heavy stone carvings. The
powerful and rich kings of Katuyaris, Paun, Chanda and Pawars dynasties of
this region patronized the Uttarakhand stone carvings. The stones in the
temples exhibit very ornamental and intricate carvings. Baleshwar,
Kedarnath, Jageshwar, Bageshwar, Panch Kedar, and Almora showcase some
extraordinary stone carvings of Uttarakhand.
Baleshwar Temple- follows the South Indian school of sculpture and
architecture. The temple was built by the first Chand Dynasty king, Raja
Somchand. In early 17
th
 century, the Mughals captured Champawat and
destroyed the Baleshwar temple. The temple facade is carved out of stone and
has arched windows. The architecture is similar to that of Buddhist temple or
vihara. The painted facade is typical of the Buddhist temples. The shrine area
has an idol of Lord Badrinarayan, carved out of black stone. This idol shows
Lord Badrinarayan sitting under a Badri Tree, guarded by a gold canopy.
Jagaria and Dangaria
Jagaria and Dangaria are two important persons in performance of Jagar.
Jagaria is one who sings and plays the instrument called Hudka. Dangaria
is one who dances on the tune. Jagaria sings local folk songs which are
dedicated to local gods and believed to be the valour stories of earlstwhile
kings, rajkumars or chieftants of Chand, Katyur, Gorkha or other
dynesties.