Five-Decade Book Traces Indian Classical Art as Self-Quest

Anita Bharat Shah spent about 50 years researching a book about Indian classical art.

The book explains how Indian art developed from ancient Vedic rituals into sculptures and paintings of divine figures.

Shah said the earliest traditions did not use images of gods.

Later, people began using forms and images to connect with the Divine.

She described art as a devotional practice rather than simply something to sell.

The speakers also discussed rasa, the deep feeling people can experience through art.

The launch took place in New Delhi, but only a small audience attended.

Shah hopes students and universities will study the book.