GSEB Solution Cultural Heritage of India Class 10 S.S. Ch. 2

Explain clay work of ancient Indian heritage.

Clay in Ancient Times

• Man had a strong connection with clay in ancient times.
• Clay was crucial because metal hadn’t been invented yet.
• Potters used a wheel to create various items from clay, like toys, pots, and lamps.
• Clay was also used for grain and milk storage, as well as kitchenware.

Historical Clay Use

• Clay and cow-dung mix for house walls and huts.
• Red clay utensils found in ancient sites like Lothal, Mohen-jodaro, and Harappa.
• Clay items like pots and garbas (pitchers with earthen lamps) used in Navratri.

Terracotta in Ancient India

• India known for making unbaked and baked clay utensils (terracotta).
• Evidence found in places like Nagaijuna Kaunda and Laghnaj.
• India’s clay work is ancient and still popular.

Leather work is a very old art of India. Explain.

• Animal skin used to make various products in ancient India.
• Processed into leather through traditional methods.
• Leather used for crafting useful items.
• Initially, leather used for making ‘masak’ and ‘kos’ (pouches or bags).
• Used for practical purposes.
• Diversification of Leather Products
• Over time, leather used in crafting musical instruments like drums, dholak, and tabla.
• Used for making footwear.
• Leather belts for tying animals and shields for wars.
• Items like ‘saaj,’ ‘palan,’ ‘lagaam,’ and whips for horses and camels made from leather.
• Leather held a significant place in ancient Indian art and craftsmanship.

Give introduction of Sangeet Ratnaka

Sangeet Ratnakar by Pandit Sarangdev

• Pandit Sarangdev wrote Sangeet Ratnakar from Daulatabad (Devgiri).
• He was Proficient in both South and North Indian music.
• Pandit Vishnu Narayan Bhatkhande highly regarded Sangeet Ratnakar.

Authenticity and Significance

• Pandit Bhatkhande considers Sangeet Ratnakar as the most authentic book on music.
• It is considered the finest text for comprehending music.

Give information about Kathakali dance

Kathakali Dance from Kerala

• Originated in Kerala and famous there.
• “Katha” (story) + “Kali” (play) in Malayalam language.
• Kathakali is a form of storytelling through dance.

Derivation of the Name

• Derived from ancient Sanskrit and Malayalam epics like Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Males are the performers.
• Wear intricate attire and crowns.

Expression in Kathakali

• Dancers display various facial expressions.
• Audience understands the characters portrayed.
• The stage is lit with an earthen lamp, creating an intimate setting.

Notable Person in Kathakali

• Poet Shri Vallathod, founder of Kalamandal Kathakali.
• Dancers like Krishnprasad and Shivaraman achieved national and international fame in Kathakali.

Explain the progress of Dancing art of India?

1. Bharatnatyam:

• Source: ‘Natyashastra’ by Bharatmuni and ‘Abhinav Darpan’ by Nadikeshwar.
• Oldest classical dance form.
• Known for its graceful movements and expressions.

2. Kuchipudi:

• Originated in the 15th century.
• Famous in Andhra Pradesh.
• Focuses on describing women’s beauty.
• Dancers like Guru Prahlad Sharma and Raja Reddy have preserved this art.

3. Kathakali:

• Originated in Kerala.
• “Katha” (story) + “Kali” (play) in Malayalam.
• Depicts stories from Ramayana and Mahabharata.
• Male performers, elaborate attire, and facial expressions.
• Illuminated by an earthen lamp for intimate performances.
• Notable figures: Poet Shri Vallathod, Kalamandalam, Krishnprasad, and Shivaraman.

4. Kathak:

• Originated in northern India.
• Developed by Vaishnav community through ‘Shrungar Bhakti.’
• Pandit Shrit Biiju Maharaj and Sitara Devi are influential artists.

5. Manipuri Dance:

• Originated in Manipur, East India.
• Based on Ras Leela and Bal Leela of Lord Krishna.
• Divided into Lasya and Tandav styles.
• Renowned artists include Guru Amobisingh and Nirmal Mehta.