"The Sculpture of India" is the most comprehensive documentary series ever produced on Indian sculpture, offering an unparalleled exploration of this rich art form. This series has been instrumental in my journey of understanding the vast tapestry of Indian sculpture.
Filmed both in India and globally, the series is the brainchild of acclaimed conservationist Benoy Behl, who etched his name in the record books by traveling 80,000 kilometers across India and to museums worldwide to capture the essence of Indian sculpture. This monumental 26-episode series, broadcasted by Doordarshan (DD), India's national broadcaster akin to PBS in the United States, serves as an exceptional foundation for those wishing to delve deeper into this fascinating subject.
In our weekly blog series, we will be exploring each episode of "The Sculpture of India" in depth, providing illustrative examples and insights to enhance your understanding and appreciation of this ancient art form.
Episode Synopses
Each week, we will offer a written synopsis of one episode, summarizing its key points and highlighting notable sculptures and their historical contexts. Here is a brief overview of what each episode covers:
Roots of an Ancient Art: Discover the origins of Indian sculpture, tracing its development from ancient times.
Divinity of Life: Explore how sculpture reflects the divine aspects of life in Indian culture.
Heart of the Mountain: Delve into the profound connection between mountains and the spiritual heart of Indian sculpture.
The Form of the Divine: Examine the various forms in which divinity is expressed through Indian sculpture.
Profusion of Life: Witness the exuberant expression of life in the intricate details of Indian sculptures.
Sublime Grace - Art of the Gupta Period: Appreciate the refined elegance of Gupta period sculptures.
Masterpieces of the Deccan: Discover the unique styles and masterpieces from the Deccan region.
Art of the Chalukyas: Explore the distinctive contributions of the Chalukya dynasty to Indian sculpture.
Glory of Mamallapuram: Marvel at the grandeur of Mamallapuram's sculptural treasures.
Imperial Vision: Art of the Pallavas: Uncover the imperial artistic vision of the Pallava dynasty.
The Temple Cosmos - Sculpture of Central India: Journey through the temple sculptures of Central India.
Ellora - A Vision of Grandeur: Behold the majestic sculptures of Ellora.
Celebration of the Divine: Orissa & Shravanabelagola: Celebrate the divine artistry of Orissa and Shravanabelagola.
Grandeur of the Lord: Witness the splendor of divine representations in Indian sculpture.
Konarak - The Sun God's Chariot: Experience the awe-inspiring Sun Temple of Konarak.
Darshan of the Divine: Engage with the concept of 'Darshan' in Indian sculpture.
Art of the Verdant Himalayas: Explore the serene and verdant Himalayan art.
The Grace of Eastern: Appreciate the graceful art of Eastern India.
The Roof of the World: Discover the art from the Himalayan region.
Filigree in Stone: The Hoysala Temples: Marvel at the intricate filigree work of Hoysala temples.
Vijayanagara - A Cosmopolitan Culture: Explore the cosmopolitan culture of Vijayanagara through its sculptures.
Temple Towns of Tamil Nadu: Journey through the sculptural wealth of Tamil Nadu's temple towns.
Gujarat and Rajasthan: Discover the artistic contributions of Gujarat and Rajasthan.
5,000 Years of Sculpture (Part 1): Trace the evolution of Indian sculpture over millennia.
5,000 Years of Sculpture (Part 2): Continue the exploration of Indian sculpture's rich history.
We encourage our readers to watch the original series that these synopses are based on to fully grasp the visual and cultural richness that Benoy Behl has meticulously documented. Join us on this journey to uncover the intricate beauty and historical significance of Indian sculpture, one episode at a time.