Arts and Culture of India

Explore Indian dance, music, visual traditions, crafts and other living expressions of culture.

Explore Arts and Culture of India

34 published topics in this knowledge domain.

Showing 24 of 34 matching topic(s).

Concept

Ayurveda

Ayurveda is a classical Indian knowledge system concerned with health, lifestyle and wellbeing, preserved through texts, institutions and living traditions.

Art Form

Banarasi Silk Weaving

Banarasi silk weaving is associated with Varanasi and renowned for finely woven textiles, brocade, metallic thread and elaborate floral or architectural motifs.

Music Tradition

Baul Tradition

The Baul tradition of Bengal combines itinerant music, poetry and spiritual reflection expressed through distinctive songs and simple instruments.

Dance Form

Bhangra

Bhangra is an energetic Punjabi dance tradition with agricultural roots and a powerful modern presence in stage, popular music and diaspora culture.

Dance Form

Bharatanatyam

Bharatanatyam is a major Indian classical dance tradition associated especially with Tamil Nadu, combining expressive movement, rhythm, music and narrative.

Art Form

Bidriware

Bidriware is a metal-inlay craft associated with Bidar, distinguished by silver designs set against a darkened zinc-alloy surface.

Dance Form

Bihu Dance

Bihu dance is an Assamese folk tradition associated with seasonal celebration, youth participation, music and community life.

Music Tradition

Carnatic Music

Carnatic music is a major South Indian classical tradition distinguished by a rich compositional repertoire, raga and tala structures, improvisation and devotional expression.

Art Form

Channapatna Toys

Channapatna toys are a Karnataka woodcraft tradition recognised for turned forms, bright finishes and skilled hand production.

Dance Form

Chhau

Chhau is a family of eastern Indian dance traditions combining martial movement, stylised storytelling, music and, in some forms, elaborate masks.

Art Form

Chikankari

Chikankari is a refined embroidery tradition associated with Lucknow, using varied stitches to create delicate patterns on fabric.

Art Form

Dhokra Metal Craft

Dhokra is a family of lost-wax metal-casting traditions practised by artisan communities in several parts of India.

Music Tradition

Dhrupad

Dhrupad is an old North Indian classical vocal tradition known for austere melodic development, rhythmic discipline and compositions often accompanied by pakhawaj.

Dance Form

Garba

Garba is a Gujarati community dance tradition performed in circular formations, especially during Navratri.

Dance Form

Ghoomar

Ghoomar is a Rajasthani folk dance recognised for graceful circular movement, colourful dress and community performance.

Music Tradition

Hindustani Classical Music

Hindustani classical music is a major North Indian art-music tradition organised around raga, tala, improvisation and diverse vocal and instrumental lineages.

Art Form

Kalamkari

Kalamkari is a South Indian textile tradition using hand drawing or block printing with carefully prepared dyes to create narrative and decorative designs.

Dance Form

Kalbelia Dance

Kalbelia is a Rajasthani dance and music tradition associated with the Kalbelia community and noted for fluid movement, song and instrumental performance.

Art Form

Kanchipuram Silk Weaving

Kanchipuram silk weaving is a celebrated Tamil Nadu textile tradition known for durable silk, contrasting borders and richly structured motifs.

Dance Form

Kathak

Kathak is a North Indian classical dance tradition known for rhythmic footwork, spins, expressive storytelling and close dialogue with Hindustani music.

Dance Form

Kathakali

Kathakali is a renowned performance tradition of Kerala combining dance, drama, music, elaborate costume and a highly developed language of gesture.

Dance Form

Kuchipudi

Kuchipudi is a classical dance tradition associated with Andhra Pradesh, combining expressive dance, rhythmic technique and dramatic presentation.

Dance Form

Lavani

Lavani is a performance tradition of Maharashtra combining expressive song, dance, strong rhythm and theatrical presentation.

Art Form

Madhubani Painting

Madhubani painting is a visual tradition of the Mithila region recognised for bold line, patterned surfaces and themes drawn from nature, ritual and storytelling.