Que. Some new crafts production were introduced by the Turks. Comment.
कुछ नई हस्तकलाओं के उत्पादन का सूत्रपात तुर्कों द्वारा किया गया। टिप्पणी कीजिए।
Structure of the Answer
(i) Introduction: Mention the introduction of new crafts by the “Turks” during the Sultanate period and their transformative impact on Indian art.
(ii) Main Body: Discuss the various “new crafts” introduced by the Turks, categorizing them under textiles, metal crafts, and architecture with examples.
(iii) Conclusion: Summarize the long-term influence of these crafts on Indian economy and culture, highlighting their enduring legacy.
Introduction
The arrival of the “Turks” in India brought new crafts like “textiles,” “metalwork,” and “architecture,” transforming India’s artistic landscape. These innovations were not merely aesthetic but also economically significant, promoting trade and craftsmanship throughout the medieval period.
Textile Innovations Introduced by the Turks
(i) Brocade and Zari Weaving: The “Turks” introduced brocade with “zari” (gold and silver threads), elevating Indian textiles. This craft boosted India’s silk and brocade industries, turning cities like Banaras into hubs of luxury fabric production and trade.
(ii) Carpet Weaving: “Carpet weaving” was introduced, bringing intricate designs and techniques from Persia and Turkey. It led to the creation of luxurious carpets, establishing India as a producer of high-quality hand-woven rugs, influencing Indian royal decor.
(iii) Silk Weaving Enhancement: The “Turks” enriched “silk weaving” techniques, making silk a prominent commodity in India. Sultanate-era silk fabrics became prized for their richness and craftsmanship, enhancing India’s textile exports and royal patronage.
(iv) Velvet Production: “Velvet” weaving, another Turkish introduction, added a layer of luxury to India’s textile industry. The use of velvet in royal attire and furnishings helped develop a high-demand market for this textile in medieval India.
(v) Embroidery (Kashida): Turkish “embroidery techniques” influenced Indian kashida work, combining intricate motifs with silk threads. This led to innovations in garments and tapestries, particularly in regions like Kashmir, expanding the range of Indian embroidered products.
Metal Crafts and Decorative Art Forms
(i) Bidriware: “Bidriware” was introduced from Turkey, characterized by its silver inlay on black metal. This unique form of metalwork became iconic in southern India, especially in Bidar, enhancing India’s global reputation for fine metal craftsmanship.
(ii) Arms and Armour: The Turks revolutionized “weaponry” production in India with advanced “arms and armor” techniques. Indian swords, shields, and armor became renowned for their strength and design, contributing to military and decorative metal craft.
(iii) Brass and Copperware: The introduction of intricate “brass” and “copper” crafting techniques expanded the production of utensils and decorative items. The Turks contributed new designs, making these items highly sought-after both domestically and internationally.
(iv) Coinage: Turkish influence on “coinage” introduced sophisticated minting techniques. Coins bore calligraphy and artistic designs, reflecting cultural influences and increasing India’s trade connections across West Asia and Central Asia.
(v) Jewelry Craftsmanship: Turkish innovations in “jewelry” production, particularly in gold and silver work, merged with local traditions. Indian jewelry designs became more elaborate and incorporated new techniques, enhancing their value in trade and royal patronage.
Architectural and Decorative Innovations
(i) Glazed Tiles: The introduction of “glazed tiles” transformed Islamic architecture in India. These tiles adorned mosques, palaces, and tombs with intricate, colorful patterns, significantly influencing Indian architectural aesthetics and craftsmanship.
(ii) Lattice Work (Jali): The “jali” or lattice work, with its intricate geometric designs, became a prominent feature of Sultanate architecture. It combined aesthetic elegance with functional design, allowing airflow and light control in structures like mosques and palaces.
(iii) Stucco Work: “Stucco” designs on building exteriors became popular under Turkish influence. This art form, involving plastering intricate patterns, was widely used in Islamic monuments, giving a distinct aesthetic appeal to Indian architecture.
(iv) Pottery and Ceramics: The Turks introduced new techniques in “pottery” and “ceramics” production, particularly glazed pottery. This innovation refined the production of decorative and functional ware, making Indian pottery renowned for its beauty and durability.
(v) Calligraphy: Islamic “calligraphy” became a prominent decorative craft in Indian architecture and manuscripts. The use of calligraphy in buildings, like mosques and mausoleums, added a spiritual and aesthetic dimension to public spaces.
Influence on Indian Economy and Society
(i) Trade Expansion: The new crafts introduced by the Turks, such as textiles and metalwork, significantly boosted “trade,” making Indian goods highly desirable in foreign markets and connecting India to global trade networks.
(ii) Urban Craft Guilds: Turkish crafts led to the rise of specialized “craft guilds” in cities like Delhi, Agra, and Lahore. These guilds regulated production, maintained quality, and contributed to the economic prosperity of medieval Indian cities.
(iii) Employment and Skill Development: The introduction of new crafts generated employment for artisans and craftsmen. Indian “craftsmen” gained new skills, merging indigenous techniques with Turkish innovations, leading to the creation of unique and valuable Indian products.
(iv) Royal Patronage: “Turkish crafts” flourished under royal patronage. The Delhi Sultanate and later Mughal rulers supported these crafts, creating demand and prestige for Indian-made products, particularly in textiles, metalwork, and architecture.
(v) Cultural Exchange: Turkish craft innovations fostered “cultural exchange” between India and Central Asia. Indian artisans adopted new techniques while preserving local traditions, resulting in a fusion of styles that defined medieval Indian art and culture.
Conclusion
The introduction of new crafts by the “Turks” revolutionized India’s “artistic” and “economic” landscape. These crafts not only added to the rich cultural heritage of India but also strengthened its trade networks and artisan economy, leaving a lasting legacy.
