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There were many influences on India's art ranging from religious and cultural to regional influences. The influence of Buddhism is first seen in paintings at Ajanta (2nd BC to the 7th century AD). At Ajanta, the temples were built into the stone cliffs, with the paintings on the wall - which were illustrations of the stories of Buddha.

Many early paintings can not be found and is attributed to the fragile materials used such as cloth and wood. Those paintings that did survive were either wall paintings or miniature paintings. In addition to the wall paintings found in Ajanta, others were found (during the same time period as Ajanta) in Orissa and Tamil Nadu, with the same theme as Ajanta, stories of Buddha's life. Miniature paintings, illustrating Buddha's life, were first found from the 11th century as palm leaf manuscripts.

Indian's have beautiful artistry in their jewelry, mud house wall paintings, textiles and metal images (made using the lost-wax method). Each region and ethnic group contribute different aspects to India's folk culture.