|
|
The geographical entity Punjab in
India is a land of five rivers and is an integral part of Indian
culture.
The arts and crafts form a significant
part of their artistic tradition and are rich and significant.
The culture of Punjab before 1947 was
a combination of Kangra hills, Multan to Lahore and Peshawar to Lahore.
Especially, Lahore was dominated by
Muslims and naturally this religion left its impress in the Punjab
culture in the form or arts and crafts, especially in the glazed
pottery and wood carvings.
The culture of Punjab presents a sharp
contrast as Hindus and Muslims dress in similar manner.The Punjabis
wear Salwar and loose turban, a long kurta, a loose lungi.
|
The turban is wrapped in a sophisticated
style, but the Patiala and Dogra styles of turban are also common. The
Amritsar, Hoshiarpur, etc have a distinct culture owing to the
influence of the Kangra hills.
The culture of Punjab is opulent and is
apparent in their metal work, embroidery, wall paintings, jewellery,
mudwall paintings, folk songs, wood carving and musical instruments
Lahore though is a capital, does not develop distinct culture as people
from various places reside here. Owing to this the Punjab culture here
is a hybrid culture with a conglomeration of elements.
|
The cultural diversity though are
many, there are common points that unite the Punjab culture and this is
apparent from the ordinary houses architecture, folk songs, Punjabi
poetry, jokes, idiomatic expressions, etc.
The culture of Punjab thrives in
rural and urban areas. Their culture is evident in the historical
examples such as Buddhist relics, sculptures, etc that flourished in
the urban areas and exist even today in the museums of Lahore and
Taxile.
There are numerous magnificent stupas
and sculptures that are unearthed from Taxila and Gandhara.
The temples are excellent
illustrations of classical arts of Punjab that have stylistic
affinities and this is clearly obvious in the trefoil as well as
triangular arches.
|
|
The earliest temples dating back to 7th
century namely the Lakshna Devi temple, the Shakti Devi temple, the
Markula Devi temple and the Monolithic temple is some of the popular
temples reflecting the heritage of India. You can find the culture of
Punjab in various places revealing its dignity and elegance.
The figurative tile work or mud wall
painting, everything shows its perfection. The Punjab culture is a very
happy go lucky type. They take everything in good and high spirits.
They embellish everything and have great pride in being unique.
|
