The vast scope of the art of India intertwines with the cultural history, religions and philosophies which place art production and patronage in social and cultural contexts.Indian art can be classified into specific periods each reflecting particular religious, political and cultural developments.Hinduism and Buddhism of the ancient period (3500 BCE-present)Islamic ascendancy (712-1757 CE)The Colonial period (1757-1947)Independence and the postcolonial period (Post-1947)ModernismPostmodernismEach period is unique in its art, literature and architecture. Indian art is constantly challenged as it rises to the peak of achieving the ideals of one philosophy in a visual form, then begins anew for another. This challenge and revolution in thought ovides, Indian artists with reasons for innovation and creation, and the process of visualizing abstract ideas and the culture of the land.Each religion and philosophical system provided its own nuances, vast metaphors and similes, rich associations, wild imaginations, humanization of gods and celestial beings, characterization of people, the single purpose and ideal of life to be interpreted in art.