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Antique Collection India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history?Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! 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What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection?For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree?At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons:Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space.Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world.Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces.Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision.Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism.Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind.Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family.Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests.Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate.In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

<h1>Antique Collection</h1>
India, a country with rich history and traditions, which is evident not only in its buildings and books, but also in its architecture, culture, lifestyle, food and what not! But did you know that you can own a piece of its rich history? Yes! It is possible! Thanks to Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection that would not only be making you discover the treasures of India’s rich heritage, but also would make you experience the splendour of India’s rich antiquity. Handcrafted by the finest Indian artisans, our Antique Collection is the reminiscent of the rich past which has been kept alive by them. Right from the Dhokra Metal Handmade Owl to Indian National Flag, our Antique Collection bears witness to the historical phases India has underwent. Our Antique Collection makes you unearth the past in the pursuit of embracing beauty. So what are you waiting for? Explore Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection today! 
<h2>Historical Collections</h2>
Now Discover the Treasures of India’s with the Historical Collections of Peepul Tree. Our Historical Collections enable you to unveil the majesty of Indian Antiques. Handcrafted, eco-friendly and sustainable, our Historical Collections make the patron step into the Timeless World of Indian Antiques. Varying not only in their source materials and the products, our Historical Collections offer you a wide range of historical phases, that India underwent. Visit Peepul Tree to get the finest of its Historical Collections. 
<h2>Antique Pieces</h2>
Those were the rare days, when owning Antique Pieces were mostly far from reality. But did you know that you can now actually own Antique Pieces in just one Click? At Peepul Tree, you can now own Antique Pieces ranging from different regions of India, source materials, that belong to different historical eras too! Be it the Periplus Of The Erythraean Sea Map from the Ancient Era to the Preamble of the Indian Constituion of the Modern Era, Peepul Tree offers you the finest of the exquisite Antique Pieces that would make you own a piece of India’s rich history! 
<h2>Antique Collection Online</h2>
Now give a new dimension to your shopping of Antique pieces. Visit Peepul Tree and explore its Antique Collection Online. With our Antique Collection Online, you can journey through centuries, through which you not only embrace elegance of Indian Antiques, but also elevate your home decor too. The products offered by Peepul Tree’s Antique Collection Online enable you to discover the soul of India, making you embark on an antique adventure, also preserving History, and celebrating Culture. So what are you waiting for? Explore the best of Antique Collection Online only at Peepul Tree! F.A.Q.’s 1. What are the care instructions taken for Peepul Tree’s Antique collection? For metallic objects under Peepul Tree’s Antique collection , for maintaining the sheen, clean regularly with a soft dry cloth. Keep away from moisture and abrasive cleaning agents. These handcrafted products that may have sharp edges. For silver objects, rub with coconut oil if heavily tarnished. 2. Why Should I purchase Antique products from Peepul Tree? At Peepul Tree, one discovers the allure of owning antique products - a captivating journey through time and history awaits you. When considering the purchase of these cherished relics on our website, one is immediately drawn to the following compelling reasons: Timeless Beauty: Pur antique products boast an unparalleled beauty that transcends the ever-changing trends of modern times. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, these pieces exude a sense of elegance, sophistication, and charm, making them stand out as unique additions to any space. Rich Heritage: Each antique product carries a fascinating story, a window into the past that connects us to the generations that came before us. Owning such items allows us to become custodians of history, preserving and cherishing the cultural heritage that shaped our world. Unmatched Craftsmanship: In an age when mass production reigns supreme, antique products represent a tribute to the skilled craftsmanship of yesteryears. These items were meticulously handcrafted by skilled artisans who poured their hearts and souls into creating enduring masterpieces. Investment Value: Beyond their aesthetic appeal, Peepul Tree’s antique products are true valuable investments. As time passes, rare and sought-after pieces often appreciate in value, making them not only a source of joy but also a smart financial decision. Eco-Friendly Choice: Choosing antique products is an eco-conscious decision. By purchasing items that have stood the test of time, we reduce the demand for new manufacturing, thus minimizing the environmental impact of consumerism. Unique Character: Unlike mass-produced contemporary items, antique products possess a distinct character and soul. The slight imperfections and patina they acquire over time add to their allure, making each piece truly one-of-a-kind. Emotional Connection: Owning an antique product can evoke nostalgic feelings and create a sense of wonder. These items often carry sentimental value, having been passed down through generations or acquired during significant moments in history. Conversation Starters: Antique products are excellent conversation starters. Their history and provenance can spark engaging discussions, encouraging the sharing of stories and knowledge among friends and family. Curating a Personal Collection: Collecting antique products can become a fulfilling and passionate hobby. As you acquire pieces from Peepul Tree that resonate with you, you begin to curate a personal collection that reflects your taste, values, and interests. Support for Heritage Preservation: By purchasing antiques from Peepul Tree, you contribute to the preservation and conservation of historical artifacts. Supporting antique dealers, collectors, and museums helps ensure that these treasures remain accessible for future generations to appreciate. In conclusion, purchasing antique products from Peepul Tree is not merely a transaction; it is an enriching experience that connects us to our past, enriches our present, and leaves a lasting legacy for the future. Embrace the allure of antiquity and embark on a captivating journey through time with these treasured pieces.

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Discover the timeless allure of Ajanta through exquisite Art & Painting Murals. Explore the essence of Ajanta's artistic legacy.

Ajanta - Culture & Art of India | History of India

Ajanta Caves

The Ajanta :A Muse For Indian Art

 The once-glorious city of Anuradhapura was Sri Lanka’s first capital and is inextricably linked to India’s past. Ancient Buddhist texts found here have revealed much about India’s early dynasties, the Brahmi script and so much more. Catch the story of one of history’s greatest cities and why it flourished for 1,500 years

Anuradhapura: Sri Lanka’s India Connection

Buddhist texts found here have revealed much about India’s early dynasties, the Brahmi script and so much more

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Clock companies, apartment buildings, beer bars, inns and lodges, toothbrushes and the Indian art world all pay homage to it because the word ‘Ajanta’ is emblematic of Indian art and beauty. It is so steeped in modern Indian consciousness that ‘Ajanta’ keeps appearing in books, novels, songs, movies and every other form of popular culture.

But we owe the popularity of the Ajanta cave paintings to the work done by one of the country’s premier art schools – Mumbai’s Sir J J School of Art – whose extensive documentation of the murals helped give Indian art an identity and went on to revolutionise it. It also changed the parameters by which the world began to look at Indian art.

This documentation exercise started a couple of decades after the murals at Ajanta were rediscovered in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad district. Dated to between the 2nd century BCE and the 5th century CE, and regarded as one of the finest picture galleries from the ancient world, the murals were rediscovered by a British officer in 

. Soon after, Ajanta became a hotbed of exploration and writing by British officers, and it drew scholars, travelers and researchers to the caves.

But the actual study of these astonishing murals, of Buddhist religious art, started with the spread of facsimiles of these paintings and is a fascinating story. Copies of Ajanta’s murals were used as teaching material in art schools, and went on to influence everything, from painting to sculpture and even pottery produced by students in art schools in Bombay, Calcutta and Madras.

There were three premier art schools in India at the time, the first to be established being the Government College of Fine Arts in Madras, in 1850. Then there was the Government College of Art in Calcutta, set up in the 1850s, and later Kala Bhavan in 

 in the 1920s. Both these institutions were at the forefront of the art movement in Bengal and popularly came to be known as the ‘Bengal School’.

In Bombay, Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy, a Parsi industrialist and philanthropist, felt that Indians could achieve exceptional heights in painting and sculpture if they received proper training. Towards this end, he donated funds to the British government to establish an art school in Bombay. Renamed the 

 after his passing, the institute was at the forefront of the art movement in the country for much of the 19th and 20 centuries.

The rediscovery of Ajanta and artefacts like the 

 in Patna in the early 20th century completely changed the way Indian art was perceived. Until then, it was considered inferior and unsophisticated compared to the Western canon.

, which exhibited a very sophisticated and highly refined degree of artistic and aesthetic merit, gave Indian art an indigenous style. Most importantly, they were considered at par with art works in the Western world. The forms, figures and palettes were, in fact, considered no less sophisticated than the Renaissance art of Europe and the fact that these Indian works preceded them by a thousand years only heightened their excellence.

In time, Ajanta’s murals grew increasingly famous, and many artists and photographers started reproducing them.

The very first reproduction of the paintings was commissioned by the Royal Asiatic Society in London and executed by Major Robert Gill, who was also an antiquarian and painter and who stationed himself in Ajanta between 1844 and 1863.

He executed 30 large-scale canvases of the paintings, which were displayed at the Sydenham Court of the Crystal Palace. Sadly, most of them perished in a fire in 1866. Only four of them survived and are in the possession of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Shortly thereafter, one of the longest and most productive associations between Ajanta and the art world started, with the Sir JJ School of Art. The relationship between the two wasn’t limited to just the documentation of the paintings by the students. A large number of students from this school have been influenced by the paintings and have paid homage to them, directly or indirectly.

The first contact between the Sir JJ School of Art and Ajanta was made in 1872, when the British government asked the school to document the paintings at the caves. John Griffiths, who was the principal of the school and also a muralist, was in charge of the mission. He selected seven students led by Pestonji Bomanji, who would go on to become a prominent artist.

The students returned to Ajanta every winter, from 1872 to 1884, and faithfully documented the murals there.

This exhaustive exercise produced 300 works and most of them were shipped to the then newly opened Victoria and Albert Museum in London. The project was completed at a cost of 30,000 pounds.

The paintings were displayed at the Imperial Institute in London, now the site of the Imperial College. However, a fire broke out in one of the stores of the institute, destroying over 100 of these canvases. Interestingly, the Victoria and Albert Museum still has 166 of these paintings in its possession, but they were last displayed in 1955 and the entire set has been in storage since then.

Twenty-one of these works stayed with the Sir JJ School of Art and include works by some prominent artists. They are also displayed by the school only occasionally. Griffiths would also go on to publish the two-volume The Paintings in the Buddhist Cave-Temples of Ajanta in 1896.

But this was just the beginning of the relationship between the Sir JJ School of Art and Ajanta.

In 1895, Griffiths returned to Ajanta with a new batch of students. They included the noted painter M V Dhurandhar and many others who went on to become huge names in the Indian art world, like Pithawala, Satavalekar, Taskar, Agaskar and Sokarji. Dhurandhar, in fact, painted a panoramic scene of the caves in a sepia tone.

The influence of Ajanta can be seen in the works of all these artists in various ways, from their representation of the human form to the drapery of the clothing in the works, to even the architectural elements seen in their paintings. Shortly after the expedition to document the caves, students from the school came up with a pottery range inspired by the colours and designs at Ajanta. One can still see some of them at the Bhau Daji Lad Museum in Mumbai.

One of the most interesting ways in which Ajanta has served as an inspiration is in the works of 

, who used the exterior architectural elements of Ajanta as quasi-Achaemenid structures in his illustrations of Legends of Persia. However, this was at a much later date, in the 1920s, after yet another documentation exercise by the school.

Besides the Sir JJ School of Art, the Bengal School too has an important relationship with the Ajanta Caves. The third major documentation of the caves was in 1909-1911 and was led by 

 in association with Lady Christiana Herringham, a British suffragette and art patron, who felt that the previous documentation exercises weren’t sufficiently faithful to the original paintings.

Abanindranath Tagore, in fact, called his Ajanta mission a ‘pilgrimage’ rather than a study tour.

His team included Nandalal Bose, who would later become a navaratna of Indian art, and Asit Kumar Haldar, who would go on to become a seminal artist of the early 20th century.

Haldar, in fact, contrasted the spiritual context of the Ajanta paintings with the more regal and courtly arts prevalent during the Mughal period. Although Nandalal Bose did not elevate the ideas of Ajanta to such an extent, one can see the impact of the same in his own works, like the figures he drew or his brushwork. One can see a hint of Ajanta in his grand project of creating murals on the walls of Shantiniketan along with his students.

The next significant attempt to reproduce the murals at Ajanta was made by Japanese artist Arai Kampo, who had been invited to India by 

. Kampo made tracings of the paintings on fine Japanese paper from 1916-1918. Many of these paintings were sent to the Tokyo Imperial University but perished in fires in the 1920s. This influenced many other renowned Japanese artists to visit the caves and sketch and paint there.

 along with the Oxford University Press carried out a monumental project to photograph the caves in colour along with drawings and outlines of the paintings. The photography was carried out by E L Vassey and a four-volume book was published under the guidance of Dr Ghulam Yazdani, archaeologist and art historian who was the Director of Archaeology of the Hyderabad government in the 1920s.

The most recent of these academic documentation exercises was conducted in December 2019, when the current batch of students at the Sir JJ School of Art continued the tradition started by Griffiths by visiting Ajanta and sketching and painting at the site. We spoke to Prof VD Sabale, the Dean of the Sir JJ School of Art, who told us that the exercise was an exceptional learning opportunity for the students.

Interestingly, no artist who has visited Ajanta has returned uninfluenced by the ancient murals. In the 1930s and ’40s, the influence of Ajanta can be seen in the works of Amrita Sher-gil, one of the most prominent Indian artists of the 20th century. Some of her most loved works, like ‘Brides Toilet’ or ‘Veena Players’ were created shortly after she had visited South India as well as Ajanta. The Ajanta influence can be seen in her line work as well as her earthy palette.

The paintings at Ajanta are such a huge part of our popular culture and the Indian psyche that one doesn’t need to be a connoisseur to recognise or appreciate them. The images on the walls of these cave temples have permeated our consciousness like no other work of art has. This is what makes Ajanta stand out. It is one of those few works of art that blur the distinction between the connoisseur and the common man. Amazingly, this sheer aesthetic brilliance is open and accessible to all.

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|Meet the artists who painstakingly documented the Ajanta murals and their priceless legacy and in turn took it ahead

The jaw-dropping cave paintings at Ajanta were rediscovered in the early 19th century but it was the work of one institute that put these artworks – and Indian art – at par with that of the West. Meet the artists who painstakingly documented these murals and their priceless legacy   

Ajanta: A Muse for Indian Art

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