Kala means Arts. There are innumerable number of list enlisted in many Kavyas. Kadambari of Bana, Campuramayana of Bhojaraja, a work named Sritattvanidhih, Sukranitisara and many other works, give a list of these fine arts. But all these lists differ from each other in their number and the arts mentioned. A study of these lists very well speaks about the development of fine arts from time to time. And time goes on concepts changes and any science, which is prominent in that century, is included under the list of arts. Any art, which is not considered as important in a century, is also excluded from the lists. Thus from time to time, there are many inclusions and exclusions in the list, thereby giving rise to new arts. 6 India, is the land of God; religion, temples, sacred scripts, great sages; saints; philosophers; scientists, history, great rulers, traditions, festivals etc. incredibly rich in culture and heritage. Indian culture is unique culture. Only Indian civilization and culture has spread across the world and can be called as the first world culture.

Indian culture is human culture; the one that focuses on inculcating human values in a man. Culture of India refers to the way of life of the people of India. Indian culture often labeled as an amalgamation of several cultures spans across the Indian sub continent and has been influenced by a history that is several millions of years old. Every school of thought is a part and parcel of Indian culture. In the words of Max Muller (German Indologist) “If I am asked which nation had been advanced in the ancient world in respect of education and culture then I would say it was India” Art is a subdivision and essential part of culture. Since beginning of time, Arts have existed and have been used to display mans’ life, struggles, tales, traditions etc. The arts are essential parts of the human experience and can be seen as a reflection of the society. Arts and culture preserve our heritage. Nowhere in the world have we come across such a great variety of arts/skills except in India. It is how the concept of Chatuhshashti Kala – Sixty four Great Indian Arts has come in to being, prevailing since pauranic days. In the good olden days of ancient India (Gurukula) traditionally people were taught in one or more of the skills according to their aptitude for livelihood. They were sixty four (64) in number grouped together called as Chatuhshashti Kala, a classic curriculum of sacred sciences; arts; skills etc.

Given below a compilation of the great Indian arts and skills with possible nearest interpretation.

The list given in Kamasutra and the Interpretations of Yasodhara are followed here for the enumeration of the sixty four arts.