Art Forms of Punjab

Punjab has a rich culture and heritage. It is famous for its art and craft. The women of Punjab are not only strong and well built, but they also have a simple heart and a creative imagination that enables them to make original and outstanding arts.
In the past, the women of Punjab were illiterate, but all of them were well trained in the household arts such as knitting, sewing, spinning and dying, weaving, cooking, and embroidering.
The elder members of the family influenced this training in a friendly environment. Phulkari is the famous textile art of Punjab which is primarily made by Punjabi women for their personal use.
This art of embroidery was given great importance in Punjab which is clear from what Guru Nanak Dev ji (1469-1538 A.D) the founder of the Sikh religion, said in the holy book Guru Granth Sahib.
The art refers to the theory and physical expression of creativity found in human societies and cultures from Ancient Time in India. Major constituents of the arts include

Literature – including poetry, novels and short stories, and epic poetry;
Performing arts – among them music, dance, and theatre; and
Visual arts – including drawing, painting, photography, ceramics, sculpting, and architecture – the art of designing and constructing buildings

Theatre a Performing Art

Origin of Theatre

Bharata’s Natya Shastra was the earliest and most elaborate treatise on dramaturgy written anywhere in the world.
India has a longest and richest tradition in theatre going back to at least 5000 years.
The origin of Indian theatre is closely related to ancient rituals and seasonal festivities of the country.
In Natya Shastra, Bharata Muni consolidated and codified various traditions in dance, mime and drama.
No book of ancient times in the world contains such an exhaustive study on dramaturgy as Natya Shastra.
It is addressed to the playwright, the director, and the actor because to Bharata Muni these three were inseparable in the creation of a drama.
Hindu theorists from the earliest days conceived of plays in terms of two types of production:

Lokadharmi (realistic), which involved the reproduction of human behaviour on the stage and the natural presentation of objects
Natyadharmi (conventional), which is the presentation of a play through the use of stylized gestures and symbolism and was considered more artistic than realistic

Theatre in India has encompassed all the other forms of literature and fine arts into its physical presentation: literature, mime, music, dance, movement, painting, sculpture and architecture – all mixed into one and being called ‘Natya’ or Theatre in English.

Language and Literature of Punjab

Language in a way is inherited from generations to generations and keeps on enriching itself with the changing cultural influences. The inner social conditions and outer influences encourage the development of vocabulary and grammar of a language. Today‘s Punjabi is an altered version of old Punjabi.
It has been accepted that Punjabi like all other Indian languages, comes out of Sanskrit. ―Dr Mohan Singh, a famous Punjabi writer has enlisted some five hundred Sanskrit origin words in Punjabi. Similarly Prof. Pritam Singh has done an excellent comparison of words used for the body. For instance nain (eye) in Punjabi and Nayan in Sanskrit, sir (head) in Punjabi for shir, dant (teeth) for dand, ungali (finger) for anguli.
No doubt Punjabi is greatly influenced by Sanskrit, it is influenced by many other languages also. As the history tells, Punjab had been the victim of great historical turmoil, the people of Punjab had been greatly affected by Arabic, Persian and English languages.
Persian and English remained as official languages also and influenced the Punjabi language. These languages have not only given so many of the new words to Punjabi but have also given many words for administration, religion and routine usages for which Punjabi already had its own vocabulary.
The Muslims invaded India and they converted many Hindus to Islam and thus the Muslim culture penetrated Punjabi villages also. Therefore as the Muslims were ruling at that time, the influence of their language on administrative usage was very strong and at the same time due to conversion of rural Hindus into Islam, the influence could be seen in rural India also.
The result was a deep impact of Arabic and Persian on Punjabi. The Britishers couldn‘t have much influence on religion and culture of Punjab, therefore the influence of English on Punjabi was limited only to the official and administrative communication. Persian remained the official language of Punjab even during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh also and continued to be so for a few years even after his death (1538 – 1552).
The geographical features of Punjab also played a part in developing different dialects within Punjab. According to geography, Punjab has three dialects ie in area of Majha (Amritsar, Gurdaspur and Tarn Taran) Majhi, in Doaba (Jalandhar, Nawashahar, Hoshiarpur, Kapurthala) Doabi and Malwai in the Malwa region of Punjab. After the partition a number of people migrated from west Punjab to East Punjab and brought with them another two dialects ie Multani‘ and Puthohari‘.
Other dialects of Punjabi like Kangri‘ and Chambialli‘ are spoken in hilly areas now in Kangra (H. Pradesh) and Dogri‘ in Jammu. Guru Angad Dev is believed to have developed the Gurmukhi script with the combination of the already prevalent scripts at that time in Northern India.
However a few scholors deny this and are of the opinion that Gurmukhi was already in use in Northern India and is developed from the Brahmi letters used at the time of Emperor Ashoka (3rd centry BC).
Even the coins excavated from Sanghol, which date back to 3rd century BC have Nandi written on it in Gurmukhi. However Punjabi developed very slowly and was restricted to bards, royal poets schools of versifiers and tellers of romantic tales of days gone by.
Due to the oral folk traditions, the contributions of Gorakh Nath, Charpat Nath, Khusro Khan and Tughlak were passed on to Sheikh Farid. He perfected the idiom of Punjabi.

Fairs and Festivals of Punjab

Fairs are an exhibition of the living culture of a place. A fair showcases the folklore, folk arts, folk-dances, folk customs and folk tales. Legends can be witnessed in a fair. Culture may be defined as ―Shared learned behavior. It consists of commonly accepted and expected ideas, attitudes, values and habits of individuals which they learn in connection with their social living.
A fair signifies a common participation of masses belonging to different faiths and religions. So basically a fair provides a common ground for social interaction. The bubbly and busting Punjabis never leave any occasion without celebrations.
Life here is full of eating drinking, merrymaking and talking in contrast to hard working. So the toughness acquired by the people of Punjab over a period of centuries is perhaps the reason for the importance given by them to the fairs and festivals which are infact, the part and parcel of their life.
Almost every fort night, there is a fair being celebrated in one or the other part of the state. Fairs are occasions where men, women and children all gather from for away places in hundreds and enjoy numerous fascinating features of the fairs like singing, acrobatics, wrestling, bouts, shopping, toys, rides and of course the food.
A visit to a traditional fair is infect a very enriching experience and a portrayal of a typical punjabi culture. One can buy local handicrafts, rural toys, taste folk cuisine and enjoy the performance by the folk artists.
The folk artists can be seen playing traditional musical instruments like algoza, iktaara etc. Punjabis not only celebrate their fairs with great gusto but festivals are also awaited with the same zeal. The rituals followed for the celebration of almost all the festival are the same. People get up early in the morning, freshen up and dress up in their best attires and accessories.
Traditionally gifts are sent to the daughters of the family. Rather than being linked with business purposes, the fairs in Punjab are primarily related to the various aspects of life and culture and depict the punjabi lifestyle. Bedi Sohinder Singh (2002) has categorised them into the following types:-

Seasonal fairs
Mythical fairs
Fairs held in the honour of Saints
Fairs connected with festivals.

However another two catagories of fairs and festivals are added by Walia Harjinder Singh (2002) i.e. (1) Fairs held in the honour of celebrated personalities or historical events. (2) Specially arranged fairs like University Youth festivals & Kissan Mela of PAU, Harvallabh fair of Jalandhar, cattle fair of Dhuri etc. He further lays emphasis on the classification based on local fairs, regional fairs and fairs of national importance.

Folk Songs of Punjab

The Punjab is a multi-layered Cultural Region and its music tradition stretches back for thousands of year to the Vedic Period. Due to an exposure to a number of cultures, Punjab has developed its own unique musical mode. Just as the hardships have made the people lively, the same impact can be seen on the folk music of Punjab which is very lively and vibrant.
The importance of music in the region can also be estimated due to the fact that all the Gods and Goddesses of the region are associated with one or the other musical instrument like God Shiva is the bearer of damroo, Vishnu is recognised with a Shankh(Coonch shell), Krishna as Murlidhar(flute), Saraswati, the Goddess of Learning is never seen without Veena.
Talking Specifically of Punjab, the Harappan figure of a dancing girl and the excavations at Sanghol, carved female musicians on stupa railings depict the importance of music in a Punjabi‘s life since centuries. As the religions, Sikhism, Hinduism and Islam are dominant in Punjab they have their own musical forms.
The four divisions of Punjab‘s musical repertoire are Sufiana Qalam, Qawwali, Gurmat Sangeet and Bhakti Sangeet are rooted in religious experience.
The Hindu Kirtan, Muslim Milad, Majlis and Qawwali and the Sikh Vaar and Shabad Kirtan are usually performed by trained musicians. However at the same time, strong secularism can be seen in the folk music of Punjab.
In 1955, the International Folk Music Council met and worked out this four point characterization of Folk Music i.e first, it can be easily distinguished from cultivated art music, secondly it is transferred from generation to generation through the oral tradition, thirdly it is conceived and cultivated by the community within itself rather than spreading in it; fourthly, it is the expression of the whole community rather than an expression of the individual. Punjab has a strong Sufi tradition.It came to India from Arabia and Iran.
The two religious philosophies ie the Guru and the music of sufi saints complemented each other. Qalam‘ means Pen‘ and Sufiana Qalam means the writings of Sufis the lyrical verses of Sufis are known as Kafi‘. In Kafis‘ the descriptions are mainly of the experiences of travelers, lovers, songs of rivers flowing to the sea and the spinning wheel and loom

Handicrafts of Punjab

Handicrafts have always been a very basic activity of human society, for crafts are an integral part of our life. Infact the crafts are Marvelous expressions of human behavior.
Through the handicrafts the expressions even cross the barriers that may be created by the language. The craft is such an expression of human spirit in material form which gives delight to mankind as many of them are termed fine arts. In the craft world there is no difference between serviceability and aesthetics.
One may say that in a good craftsmanship both are identical. Colour combinations used in handicrafts are very attractive. The craftsmen have an indulgent understanding on how to use various art elements involved in the operation of creating an object.
Every object of art is not just an object, it is infact the embodiment of inner feelings of the artists. By using basically organic or geometrical shapes, the artists work out definite designs.
The growth of handicrafts in a society shows the cultivation of sensitivity and elegance among human beings. The handicraft tradition concedes the beautiful surroundings and its impact on human mind. Infact a man‘s elevation from the gross animal existence is marked by his craving for something beyond the satisfaction of a mere creature and comforts and needs which found natural expression in crafts.
Man‘s passion for beautiful surroundings is evident from artistically crafted utility items as well as other items found from the excavations of Harappan sites.
The history tells that even the objects like bows and arrows were beautified. Handicraft is not preoccupied with subjective feeling and thought but objectivity.
It can be asserted that the distinguished attribute of handicraft is beauty not merely in physical appearance but also in concept‘ Chatopadhyaya Devi Kamla (1985).
Punjab is famous for many kinds of handicrafts like phulkari, Punjabi jutti, pidhi work etc. On this land of peers and paigambers the people have given beautiful forms to creativity.
The joyous and the vibrant nature of the Punjab is clearly visible from the wonderful art pieces made by the artists.

Folk Dances of Punjab

Folk dance is a physical expression of the inner feelings of human beings. The inner happiness of human beings make them dance.
Dance is the performing art of a particular cultural area. Folk dance gives expression to the artistic instincts of the masses. While performing folk dances, the performers get emotional, mental, physical and spiritual satisfaction.
The folk dances also reflect the creative intellect of the related folk masses. The research says that the expression of feelings of joy, happiness, ecstasy, dreams etc are not possible through any other medium of cultural manifestation.
The enthusiasm and the vigour of Punjabi people is evident from the zestful performance of their folk dances. Punjab‘s folk dances are embedded with foreign influences. It is only in Punjab where there are separate folk dances for men and women.
Folk Dance of Punjab

Bhangra
Jhumer
Luddi
Julli
Dankara
Dhumal
Sammi
Gidha
Jago
Kikli

Other art culture of Punjab

Punjabi art and culture is not complete without its traditional cuisines comprising of immense ranges of dishes. Today, Punjabi cuisines are now making its name in the food industry throughout the world.
Punjabi poetry is renowned for its tremendously hopeful, exciting, beautiful, and deep meaning use of words. It is one of the deepest insights of Punjabi art and culture. Huge quantity of Punjabi poetry masterpieces have been translated in various languages.
Also part of the art and culture in Punjab State is the wedding traditions.
Punjabi wedding traditions as well as ceremonies are conducted in many traditional ways. It is also done with strong reflections on Punjabi culture.
The marriage ceremonies are conducted by Kazis for Muslims in Arabic, by Pandits for Jains and Hindus in Sanskrit, and by Granthi for Sikhs. The occasional commonalities in the ceremonies include dress, food, dance, songs, and rituals. Apparently, over the years, the ceremonies and rituals have evolved since the traditional times.
Part of the art and culture, Punjabi people entertains themselves in various ways. The lower classes have various professional performers that include the domains or the female singer-actresses, nagalias or the mummers, and the mirasis or professional wits.
These people exploit all kinds of tricks that include lewd references, comic gags, malapropism, absurdity, and exaggeration. For young Punjabi girls, they have the popular organized forms of entertainment and work called the Tirinjen where the girls can sing and dance.

Paintings of Punjab

Paintings in Amritsar

Most enchanting sights of Punajbi paintings can be seen in Harmandir Sahib, Akhara Bala Nand, Tower of Baba Atal Rai and Ranjit Singh Musuem, in Amritsar.
The sanctum of Harmandir Sahib has 300 stunning designs of paintings engraved in stone-inlay and mirror work, belonging to the typical Punjabi-genre.
At Maharaja Ranjit Singh Musuem, the most remarkable feature is the set of ivory miniature paintings of the chiefs.
Baba Atal Rai Tower has a gallery of wall paintings, stone-inlay and metalwork.
A room in Akhara Bala Nand, near the Golden temple, has its walls engraved with the frescoes of religious themes.

Paintings in Patiala

Qila Mubarik Androon in Patiala is well known for its rich collection of paintings.
These paintings have been designed by the great artists of Kangra and Rajasthan.
They depict the themes of Ramayana, Mahabharta, Shrimad Bhagwat, Geet Govinda, Baramas and Ragas and Ragnis.
The legends of Laila Majnu, Sassi Punnu and Sohni Mahiwal are also painted in one of the bedchambers
The paintings are a translation of the poetry of Keshav Dass, Bihari Lal and Surdas. Themes from mythology, legends, Ramayana, Nayak-Nayika and Baramasa are also depicted.
There is a painting of the Guru Nanak Dev sitting under the tree, flanked by Bhai Bala and Bhai Mardana.
There are also representations of the Sikh royalty and aristocracy like Maharaja Ranjit Singh, Mharaja Dalip Singh and Dhian Singh Dogra.

Other Paintings

The famous Raghunath Temple in Gurdaspur, built by Maharaja Ranjit Singh, contains some of the rich fresco paintings belonging to 19th century.
Thakar Dwara of Bairagas, in Hoshiarpur, is full of mural and fresco paintings depicting socio-religious themes.
Themes ranging from simple daily life activities, like a lady feeding a parrot, to the religious themes are presented here candidly.
Shekuhpua temple in Kapurthala, constructed by Diwan Saudagar Mal, has a small sanctum encircled by broad path that contains variety of mural paintings.
Gurudwara Baba Mati Sahib in Jalandhar and Gurudwara Harshai in Faridkot consist of some of the best mural paintings.

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