In the Indian tradition of architecture and sculpture, there are seven main types of sculpture that are used to portray different concepts. These include Indian temple sculpture, Indian wooden sculpture, cylinder sculptures, tile sculptures, stupas and pottery sculptures. Each of these sculpture types has a unique story to tell and depict an ideal of beauty that can only be understood by the artisans who create them. Let’s have a look at all seven Indian sculpture types and look at how each one of them relates to the culture of India and its heritage.
When you think about temple sculpture, you have to picture the majestic temple structure rising up in the sky above the earth with its many doors that look like portals into another world where deities are sitting on the daisies and lilies outside the gates. Within the portals are the devotees who are waiting for their blessings and prayers to be answered. This is a common theme that you’ll find in almost all Indian temple sculptures and the designs range from simple floral motifs to intricate scenes of temple rituals performed by saints and holy persons.
If we look at wooden carving, then you’ll come across the beautifully carved wooden idols of Hindu gods such as Lord Ganesh and Lord Shiva. There are also sculptures of other Hindu deities like Lord Vishnu Krishna and Lakshmi. Some of the most beautiful pieces of this kind of carving are found in the Ajanta and Ellora caves of Maharashtra state. The Ajanta Caves are believed to have been built during 200 BC and are thought to have been used as a place for worship. There are also stones carving done by villagers and the carving done by expert carvers who are highly trained in the ancient art of stone carving.