Relief sculpture in indian art: historical evolution, artistic techniques, and contemporary perspectives

Relief sculpture has been a fundamental element of Indian art, deeply intertwined with its cultural and historical traditions. This research examines the evolution of relief sculpture from ancient temple architecture and monuments to its contemporary applications in institutional and public spaces. Traditional Indian relief art, seen in the Indus Valley Civilization, Mauryan, Gupta, Chola, and Vijayanagar periods, primarily utilized stone, metal, and wood. However, modern relief sculpture has expanded to include materials such as Plaster of Paris (POP), fiberglass, and digital fabrication, making it more accessible and versatile.A case study on the creation of durable and affordable relief sculptures for an educational institution illustrates the application of modern materials and techniques in contemporary settings. Five large-scale relief sculptures were designed and installed, integrating artistic, structural, and thematic considerations. The study highlights the selection of POP for its affordability, ease of use, and adaptability to indoor environments. The integration of iron rods and wire armatures ensured structural stability and longevity.By bridging traditional artistic methods with contemporary innovations, this research demonstrates how relief sculpture continues to be a powerful medium for storytelling, cultural expression, and artistic exploration in modern spaces.