The Science of Architecture and Civil Construction was known in Ancient India as Sthapatya-Shastra. The technique of architecture was both a science and an art…

Architecture found in Ancient Indian Temples showcases the country's old, rich and splendid culture. These temples (some dating to more than 1700 years old) display intricate carving and sculptures, which bear testimony to the craftsmanship and creativity of the artisans, sculptors and artists of Ancient India.

Chalukyan Dynasty from 450 to 650 A.D, made a great contribution to the enrichment of Karnataka in the form of development of architectural wonders, notable amongst them being the temples at Aihole, Pattadakal, and Badami. Influence of Jainism of the Jain temples built in Karnataka can be seen at Badami. The contribution of the Hoysala dynasty, four centuries later, in the field of Art and Architecture is no less. Vijaynagar king's contribution to the advancement of Hinduism and distinct from of temple architecture seen mostly in their capital Hampi was no less. The Muslim influence on Karnataka's art and architecture is no less.

Open-air folk theatre or "Bayalata" of Karnataka is a famous dance form. This dance is performed at religious festivals and family celebrations. The theme in these is usually mythological but sometimes-real life incidents are also highlighted.

Some of Karnataka's folk arts and age-old rituals have given rise to many traditional handicrafts. The art of puppetry has encouraged many wood carvers and painters to produce a variety of puppets. In addition to puppets made of wood, Karnataka also makes leather puppets though the latter are more extensively used.

The vast range of the State's arts and crafts that now embellish royal homes of the past, elite bungalows, and even ordinary hutments, bear testimony to the skill, aesthetic sensibilities, and decorative abilities of the craftsperson. The State's craftsmen received much patronage from the royalty in the past.

Karnataka has come to occupy pride of place in the field of woodcarving. Their skill is manifest in the ancient temples where wood has been used extensively, as also in the intricate fixtures they make for present-day needs in architecture and furniture making. Some of the finest examples of the elaborate inlay work done by master artisans can be seen in the Maharaja's palace in Mysore and in the mausoleum of Tipu Sultan in Srirangapatna.

Dolls are favorites among women and children alike and every family has a large collection of these. These are symmetrically arranged on wooden platforms, decorated and displayed during the nine day Dusshera festival when visitors are treated to delicious snacks and the celebrated Mysore coffee.

The story of Karnataka's arts and crafts is never complete without a reference to the traditional Mysore paintings. The art dates back to the Ajanta times and to the reign of the Vijayanagar kings. The delicate lines, the graceful delineation of figures and the discreet use of bright vegetable colors and lustrous gold leaf, make the traditional paintings of Mysore very elegant and attractive.

Bidar in north Karnataka is a famous center for bidriware-a well-developed craft, which includes the use of a metal plate of an alloy made of zinc, copper, tin, and lead. This craft had its origins during the rule of the Bahamani kings. Bidri articles include ornamental jugs, bowls, plates, penholders, candlesticks, and even paper knives.