For centuries Indian arts and crafts happen to be distinguished for their great aesthetic and functional value. In olden days, the shilpis conceptualized the intricate designs and patterns, that have been crafted painfully into the temples and also the objects associated with them. India has got the widest variety of crafts all over
the world. However diverse and intricate the plethora of craft forms produced by Indian craftsmen, the main of the creative process happens to be the artisan tradition. It presents both widest canvas of creative activity and also the broadest spectrum of development.
The earliest specimens of Indian painting are the ones on the walls of the Ajanta Caves dating back to 2nd century BC. The typical ‘figures in profile’ art of India came to be when the Jain manuscripts were being illustrated. The Mughals had a huge impact on Indian art and craft. Indian art and craft are have great theme of indian culture. The miniature, which had been only on palm leaves in the northeast, came into prominence. The influence of Persian art brought placid garden scenes, illustrations from myths, legends and history into Indian art. Later schools include the Bengal School of Tagore and the Company School of European influence. More recently the opulent paintings of Raja Ravi Varma, the paintings of M.F. Hussain, Jamini Roy and Ganesh Pyne among others rule the art scene.
Handicraft art is the great symbol of Indian culture. Handicraft items that were patronized through the Mughal royalty show a remarkable refinement of workmanship. During these crafts the designs were frequently influenced by the court paintings and miniature art produced from Persian or indigenous sources.Word craft, handicrafts, architecture and sculpture all bring about this rich and varied domain. Indian literature, in English and in the vernacular, is more popular then ever around the world. Handicrafts are as varied because the country itself. The Mughal and colonial structures and also the temple architecture across the length and breadth of the nation are testaments to the lands exciting past. Sculptures adorn temple walls, stupas, street junctions and ancient caves. The oldest schools would be the Gandhara and the Mathura.