Creativity in arts and craft can be seen in abundance all over our country. Whether it is a building or its decoration by way of ornamental carving, inlay work, stucco work or creation of sculptures in stone, metal, wood or terracotta. High level of attainment can be seen from ancient times to the modern day.

1. The first and the most creative period of the art of painting extends from the first to the seventh centuries of the Christian era. The richest heritage is that of the Ajanta caves which have been deteriorated due to neglect and the ravages of time.

2. The paintings of Ajanta depict various themes. Some paintings depict the pomp and splendour of the royal courts and the romance of love and the joy of feasting, singing, and dancing and the man-made world with luxurious products, buildings, textiles and jewellery. Some depict the world of nature—vegetation and flowers, animals and birds. Many themes depicted are from the Buddha’s life and Jataka stories. All the scenes depicted are full of vitality.

3. Paintings of different schools Pahari, Mughal, Rajput or of the Cholas are superb in style and execution. Folk paintings are found in different parts of the country. The Madhubani paintings of Bihar, Pata paintings of Orissa and Warli paintings of Maharashtra are some examples of this type of folk paintings.

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4. The two schools of Rajput painting are Rajasthani and Pahari Schools. Rajasthani School of art flourished in Mewar, Bundi, Bikaner, Jodhpur, Jaisalmer and Jaipur. The Pahari School of painting flourished m Kangra, Guler, Chamba and Gujhwal.

5. The artists used techniques similar to those used in the Ajanta caves. Rajput painting is applicable to the work of the artists, attached to the princely courts of Rajasthan, Central India and the Himalayan foot-hills of Punjab from 16th to 19th century. Even our folk paintings like Madhubani paintings of Bihar, Warli paintings of Maharashtra, Pata painting of Orissa and painting on house walls in different areas of our country are our valuable treasures.

6. It is not only walls, even floors were decorated called Rangoli in Maharashtra, Rangawalli in Karnataka, Kollam in Tamil Nadu, Mandana in Madhya Pradesh, Alpana in West Bengal and Aipana in Uttaranchal, These serve as good examples of decoration and ritual art.