|
|
ARTS
& CRAFTS OF INDIA
|
Archaeological
and literary evidences point towards the existence of glass in
India from ancient times. There is mention of glass in the epic Mahabharata.
The Mughals perceived the aesthetic potential of glass. Glass
articles like bowls, tumblers and bottles for precious stuff like
Indian scents (attars) were popular during that time. New
designs and exquisite shapes in a variety of rich colours kept
blossoming. The Mughals have left beautiful specimens of engraved
glass with delicate foliated decorations.
Glass
bangles constitute a world of their own, with infinite varieties,
colours and styles. Hyderabad is renowned for the sonabai bangles
and the churi ka jodas studded with sparkling semi-precious
and artificial gemstones. Glass items such as phials,
bottles, jars, lamp chimneys are attractively made and the shapes
have a wide range. Glass animals are also becoming popular.
Varanasi specializes in glass beads and a type of very thin
glass called tikuli. Patna uses the tikuli technique
for decorations. The oriental shapes, designs and the typical
Indian colours in glass make Indian glassware distinct.
Ferozabad in Uttar Pradesh is another important centre for
glassware. Saharanpur
makes beautiful toys filled with coloured liquid called panchkora.
|
|
|
