Indian art can be classified into periods that each reflecting certain religious, political and cultural developments. Hinduism and Buddhism of the ancient period from 3500 BCE to present, Islamic ascendancy from 712 to 1757 CE, The colonial period from 1757 to 1947, Independence and the postcolonial period that began before 1947 and the Modern and Postmodern art. One of the most popular art forms in India is called Rangoli that is a form of sandpainting decoration that uses finely ground white powder and colours, and is used commonly outside homes in India. Insight into the unique qualities of Indian art is best achieved through an understanding of the philosophical thought, the broad cultural history, social, religious and political background of the artworks.