Introduction to History of Indian Art (Theory)

Paper Code: 
VHA 121
Credits: 
5
Contact Hours: 
75.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to-

  1. Gain an understanding of the historical origins of Indian art history.
  2. Interpret and analyze primary and secondary sources relevant for study.
  3. Demonstrate an effective knowledge of visual vocabulary appropriate for career in the visual studies.
  4. Assess the qualities of work of art and architecture in their historical and cultural settings.

Course

Outcomes (at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

VHA 121

Introduction to History of Indian Art

 

The students will be able to-

CO1:  Develop deep understanding about theevolution of Indian art.

CO2: Show ability to interpretand appreciateIndian art considering its methodology and theories.

CO3:  Identify the effects of art works on the development of art and culture in the society.

CO4: Inculcate visual vocabulary appropriate for careers in the visual arts, architecture, curator and more.

CO5:Reflect an essential understanding of art terminology required to write a critique on art forms.

 

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration of writing and visualizing.

Learning activities for the students:

Self-learning assignments, Effective questions, presentation, Giving writing tasks.

 

Continuous assessment, Semester end examinations, Quiz, Solving problems in tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and group projects, regular submission.

 

CONTENTS

The course surveys the major landmarks in Indian art history and traces the significant developments in the architectural, sculptural and painting traditions from their early beginnings to the modern period. Selective and significant sites and schools of art and architecture shall be introduced in this course along with the major art movements.

10.00
Unit I: 

Introduction to Pre Historic Period: Paleolithic Art, Mesolithic, Neolithic, Rock Paintings of Mahadeo Hills M.P., Singhanpur and Kabra Pahar paintings near Raigarh, Mirzapur Paintings of Kaimur Range, Paintings of Manikpur in Banda district. Mori Rock Paintings, Rock Engravings, Copper Culture.

26.00
Unit II: 
UNIT II & III

Discovery of Indus Valley Culture: Architecture- Harappa and Mohenjodaro (Great Bath, Granary, Dockyard at Lothal), Sculptures- Head of a Priest from Mohejodaro, Torsos from Harappa, Bronze Sculpture- Dancing Girl from Mohenjodaro, Terracotta Female Figurines, Pottery- Knobbed Pottery, Perforated Pottery, Miniature Pottery, Incised Pottery, Animal Shaped Pottery etc., and Seals- Pillar on the Unicorn Seals, Animals on Seals, Representation of Mythological Creatures, Copper Tablets.

14.00
Unit IV: 

Origin of Mauryan Art: Mauryan Art under Asoka- Barabar Cave Dwellings, Asokan Pillars, Pillars found upto now: Sarnath, Sanchi, Rampurva, Lauria Nandangarh, Lauria Araraj, Allahabad, Kosam, Nigliva Bakhira, Sankisa etc.

10.00
Unit V: 

Sunga- Kanva Art: Stupas- Early tradition and Symbolism, Stupa Architecture, Stupa of Bharhut in detail: Its sculptures as Human Beings, Animals, Trees and Fruits, Sculptured Scenes in Bas Relief, Objects of Worship. Great Stupa No. I of Sanchi: Its Eastern, Western, Northern, Southern Gateways and Sculptures.

Kushan Art at Mathura as a centre of Art- Art Style and Contents, Stupa Architecture, Padmaravedika, Salabhanjikas, Origin of Buddha Image, Yaksha and Naga Statues, Brahamaical Images.

References: 

1. Vasudeva S. Agrawala, Indian Art
2. Susan Huntington, The Art of Ancient India
3. Stella Kramrisch, Indian Sculpture,
4. H. Zimmer, The Art of Indian Asia, 2 vols.
5. G. Yazdani and others, Ajanta, 3 vols.
6. Stella Kramrisch, A survey of Painting in the Deccan

Academic Year: 
2020-2021
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