Social Science | Cultural Heritage of India and North East Region | Part-4 | Class-10 | Chapter-5

Art and Paintings of Assam

Overview of Assamese Art History

• The discussion focuses on the types of art and paintings in Assam from ancient to modern times, particularly highlighting developments from the 17th century onward.

• Early paintings were often improperly sized and shaped, lacking precise measurements. Proper painting techniques began to emerge in Assam during the 17th century.

Pictorial Books of the Time

• Notable pictorial books included "Hasti Vidya," "Anand Lahiri," "Chitra Bhagavat," and others that featured a high demand for illustrations.

• These pictorial books were written on Sanchi leaves, which served as a medium for both writing and drawing.

Artistic Techniques and Color Usage

• Artists initially painted using a single color before adding details based on subject matter such as kings, palaces, deities, and animals.

• Common colors used in these artworks included red, green, yellow, and black; knowledge of this is essential for potential quiz questions.

Notable Works: Hasti Vidya

• "Hasti Vidya" was authored by Sukumar Barua and contained numerous illustrations of elephants in various sizes and colors.

• The book's illustrations were created by two artists named Dilbar and Dosai.

Sculptures of Assam

Definition and Characteristics

• Sculptures can be two-dimensional or three-dimensional objects created through artistic processes.

• Most sculptures found in Assam are located within temples; they include both wall statues (two-dimensional figures) and complete three-dimensional sculptures.

Themes in Sculpture

• Common themes depicted include deities like Shiva, Vishnu, Ganesha, and Surya.

Examples of Notable Sculptures

• Beautiful examples can be seen at locations such as Parvati in Tinsukia, Bamun Pahar, Madan Kamdev, among others.

Architecture of Assam

Important Architectural Styles

• Key architectural styles from that era included Rang Ghar, Kareng Ghar, Talatal Ghar; these structures reflect significant historical importance.

Temples Constructed by Ahom Kings

• Famous temples built during this period include Kamakhya Temple, Ugratara Temple, Umannad Temple among others.

Architectural Features

• The temples predominantly followed Nagara or Vesara styles made with stone and brick materials.

Construction of the Multi-Storied Talat House

Historical Background

• The construction of the multi-storied Talat House was initiated by Ahom King Rudra Singh. It was later completed by Rajeshwar Singh, with contributions from other kings during their reigns.

Architectural Features

• The Rang Ghar, a two-story structure, was built to facilitate the celebration of the Bihu festival in its courtyard. This design allowed for better viewing of festivities.

• The roof of Rang Ghar was inspired by traditional playboat designs, showcasing unique architectural influences from local culture.

Engineering Innovations

• Numerous stone bridges were constructed during the Ahom period, including notable ones at Namdang Dharka and Dhanjoy, which are still in use today. These bridges exemplify advanced engineering techniques of that era.

• A unique type of concrete was developed using a mixture of eggs, rice, and catfish due to resource limitations at that time. This innovative approach highlights the ingenuity in construction methods used by engineers then.

Folk Culture and Festivals in Assam

Understanding Folk Culture

• Folk culture refers to the rituals, traditional songs, and customs specific to particular communities within Assam. It plays a significant role in preserving cultural identity among these groups.

Bihu Festival Overview

• Assam celebrates three types of Bihu festivals: Bohag or Rongali Bihu (April), Kati or Kangali Bihu (October), and Magh or Bhogali Bihu (January). Each festival corresponds with specific agricultural cycles and is observed during designated months known as 'Assamese months.'

Celebration Details

• Bohag Bihu begins on the last day of Soth month and continues for six days into Bohag month; it marks a significant agricultural transition celebrated with various rituals like Goru Bihu on Sankranti day for cattle blessings.

• On the first day of Bohag month, known as Manu Bihu, people wear new clothes and seek blessings from elders as part of their celebrations reflecting respect for tradition and community bonds.

Diverse Community Practices During Festivals

Unique Customs Among Communities

• Different communities such as Bodo, Rabha, Karbi, Mising have distinct dresses and customs while celebrating Bihu; this diversity enriches Assamese culture through colorful expressions during festivals.

Greeting Traditions

• During celebrations like Bihu, people greet each other with gifts called 'Bihuwan,' often made from traditional cloth materials symbolizing goodwill among community members.

Historical Significance of Public Celebrations

First Organized Public Celebration

• Ahom King Rudra Singh is credited with organizing one of the first public celebrations of Bihu in Rang Ghar's courtyard; this marked an important moment in integrating cultural festivities into public life within Assam's history.

Musical Accompaniment

• The accompanying music for Bihu dances includes instruments like dhol (drum), horn pipes, flutes (gogona), which vary across different communities enhancing the festive atmosphere through diverse musical traditions associated with dance performances during these events.

Observance Patterns Across Seasons

Kati and Magh Festivals

• Kati Bihu is celebrated on the last day of Soth month where sky lamps are lit in paddy fields symbolizing hope for good harvest; it reflects deep-rooted agricultural practices intertwined with cultural observances across seasons.

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Cultural Significance of Festivals and Folk Songs in Assam

Importance of the Festival "Bhoga"

• The festival involves gathering many people to enjoy food, particularly during the nights of Uruka, which is a significant celebration.

• The term "Bhoga" refers to the heavy enjoyment of food that people partake in during this festival, highlighting its cultural importance.

Folk Songs of Assam

• Assam has a rich tradition of folk songs celebrated by various communities, showcasing their unique cultural expressions.

• Popular folk songs include marriage songs like "Biyana," as well as regional variations such as "Nishu Koni Geet," "Kamrupi," and "Golporia" folk songs.

Notable Folk Artists

• Prominent artists from Assam who have contributed to folk music include Khagen Mohanta, Rameshwar Pathak, and Pratima Pandey Barua. They have been honored with the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for their contributions.

• Pratima Pandey Barua is also recognized with the Padma Shri award by the Government of India for her work in Golporia folk singing.

Traditional Dances in Assam

• Assam boasts a rich tradition of dances, including two styles known as Oja Pali: Basha Oja and Sukna Ni Oja. These dances are popular in specific districts such as Kamrup, Nalbari, Barpeta, and Darrang.

Recognition of Dance Performers

• Notable performers Lalit Nath and Kinaram Nath have received the Sangeet Natak Akademi Award for their excellence in Oja Pali dance. Their recognition underscores the significance of traditional arts in Assamese culture.