Study trip to "Abhaneri", 14 October 2023

On October 14, 2023, The Department of Fine Arts in collaboration with the Centre of Indian Knowledge System organised a one-day educational trip to Abhaneri, a village in Rajasthan, to enhance its students' artistic vision. A total of 126 students along with Ms. Manika Sharma, Mrs. Ekta Sharma, Mr. Vinod Nagar and Dr. Vagish Sharma went on this enriching experience.

The trip revolved around exploring the historical and architectural significance of Abhaneri. Abhaneri offered abundant inspiration to the fine arts students. Its unique design, sculptures, and spiritual aura of the place served as a muse for everyone’s artistic creations. Whether interested in painting, sculpture, photography, or any other form of artistic expression, its architectural values provided a rich source of inspiration. At the renowned 'Chand Baori' stepwell, students dwelled into its rich history and admired the intricate mythological sculptures adorning the premises.Chand Baori's architecture offers a unique interplay of light and shadow. As a fine arts student, this dynamic aspect of architecture can be captivating for the work. The broken idols were still kept safe in the stepwell premises. These sculptures depicted scenes from Hindu mythology, religious deities, and various motifs on pillars were seen. The step well's role as a water source, its cultural importance as a gathering place, and its connection to ancient rituals can give a deeper appreciation to its architectural values. Also, opposite the step well, an east-facing Harshat Mata temple exists built in Mahameru style, with both its pavilion and sanctum sanctorum domed roofs. Statues of Gods, Goddesses, and Brahmins carved on its walls. Cement and lime have not been used anywhere in the sanctum sanctorum of the temple, which displayed an excellent example of Indian craftsmanship.

The students photographed different subjects i.e. Nature, Candid Portraits, Formal Portrait, Informal Portrait and Architecture and tried different techniques of photography which included Light Painting, High Key, Low Key. The participants also did live sketching in different mediums like pencils, charcoal, pens, pencil colours, water colours, brush pens etc.The students' passion and hard work received accolades from other visitors, adding to the overall appreciation of the students' creativity. The day concluded with engaging ice-breaking activities based on general knowledge of art history, artists, illustrations that fostered a sense of camaraderie among the participants, allowing them to bond over their shared love for art and creativity.

This visit to Abhaneri was a unique opportunity for fine arts students to immerse themselves in the beauty of architectural design, sculpture, and the interplay of light and shadow. It's a place where history, culture, and art converge, offering a wealth of inspiration and artistic exploration.

The whole experience was filled with moments of enthusiastic activities and exploration. The trip to Abhaneri not only offered a chance to witness the architectural marvels and sculptures but also served as a wellspring of inspiration for the students' future artistic endeavors. The amalgamation of historical significance, cultural richness, and architectural brilliance at Abhaneri left a lasting impression on the students, making the journey a memorable and cherished experience for all involved."