Introduction

Design Course

Lucknow Calligraphy

The decorative art of writing

Prof. Bibhudutta Baral, Antony William and Anushree Kumar

Introduction

Calligraphy is one of the most ancient arts in the world. It is the art of writing words or phrases in a captivating form and style. Quitabat is a highly eminent form of artistic expression in the Muslim culture. It is important because it is derived from the holy book of Quran. Calligraphy became an instrument for expressing God's words which were recorded in Arabic script. Since the craft is inclined towards Muslim culture and tradition, therefore, it is practiced mainly by Muslim communities and mainly by men. A number of Muslim artists, such as calligraphers, paper makers, illustrators and binders are involved in this art. Islam was introduced as a religion in the country after the coming of the Mughal Empire. They used various ways and mediums to decorate their buildings, manuscripts, paintings, textiles, metal and ceramic ware, carpets etc.

In Lucknow, the art form flourished during the period of the Nawabs. Different verses from Qurans were written on either paper or precious/ semi-precious stones in artistic form and decorated in palaces, homes etc. It is believed that a person wearing such kind of stone having verses written on it in calligraphy will face no misfortune in life. He will gain the ultimate position in the society. Presently the craft is practiced by a few people settled in different places in and around Lucknow. Artisans are creating artistic pieces in Quitabat in Jarnailganj, Lucknow.

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Lucknow Calligraphy