Significance of Sixty four Kalas
Sixty-four Kalas refers to a comprehensive classification of various arts and crafts in Indian culture, encompassing mechanical and fine arts, with architecture being a key component. This concept appears across multiple texts, such as the Kamasutra, which highlights skills a cultured woman should master, and Shilpashastra, which delves into the specifics of these arts. The enumeration of Sixty-four Kalas illustrates the cultural and economic conditions of ancient India, reflecting their importance in social life and education.
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Hindu concept of 'Sixty four Kalas'
Sixty-four Kalas in Hinduism encompasses a range of diverse arts and skills significant to poets, cultural practices, and social life, as well as being mentioned as essential knowledge for cultured women, illustrating both artistic and economic dimensions of ancient India.
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The various arts of learning and skills that Bhagavan is specially versed in.[1] (2) Divine forces or Sub-Shaktis residing within the tenth enclosure, adorned with weapons and ornaments, each having their own Loka.[2]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) The specific list of sixty-four arts and crafts as detailed in spiritual and cultural treatments, highlighting their significance in social life of ancient India.[3]
From: Kavyamimamsa of Rajasekhara (Study)
(1) The diverse arts included by Rajashekhara, reflecting the skills relevant to poetics and performance in ancient India.[4] (2) The diverse arts and skills that poets should be familiar with, as described in the context of comprehensive education for kavis.[5]
From: Shukra Niti by Shukracharya
(1) A comprehensive enumeration of arts and crafts that illustrates the economic conditions of the time.[6]
From: Vastu-shastra (Introduction to Indian architecture)
(1) Sixty-four kalas are various arts and crafts detailed in Indian culture that include mechanical and fine arts, of which architecture is a significant part.[7]
From: Malatimadhava (study)
(1) In the Kamasutra, Vatsayana has mentioned sixty four Kalas or arts, which a cultured lady was expected to master.[8]
From: Vishnudharmottara Purana (Art and Architecture)
(1) A classification mentioned in Vatsyayana's Kamasutra, referring to various forms of art and skills, of which Painting is one.[9]
The concept of Sixty four Kalas in local and regional sources
Sixty four Kalas represents a framework of 64 distinct arts, acknowledging that while this number reflects a structured approach, the actual expressions of art are boundless and continually evolving beyond this limitation.
From: Triveni Journal
(1) A numeralistic list of arts, though it is suggested that the varieties of art are infinite.[10]