Introduction to History of Indian Art (Theory)

Paper Code: 
VAS(C) 121
Credits: 
2
Contact Hours: 
30.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

This course will enable the students to-

1. Study timeline to understand the historical development of Indian art.
2. Develop understanding of chances in art due to socio political changes across different eras. 
3. Cultivate appreciation of Indian art and find inspiration for their own work.
4. Gain an understanding of the historical origins of art history.
 

Course Outcome (COs):

Course

 

Course 0utcomes

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Paper Code

Paper Title

VAS(C)  121

Introduction to history of Indian art

 

The students will-

CO1:  Validate historical and contextual analysis of a work of art to construct in depth analysis of their own works and those of peers.

CO2: Reflecting on major periods, artists, methods and theories to assess the qualities of work of art in terms of techniques, skills, and tools.

CO3:  Argue on how art changes according to social political changes and the patrons responsible for art so as to understand how art market has been working so far.

 

CO4: Experience the beginning of iconography in India to be able to trace innovation in  figurative sculptures constructed in India.

 

 

Approach in teaching:

Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading assignments, Demonstration.

Learning activities for the students:

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

 

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

 

6.00
Unit I: 
Indus Valley Architecture
  • Harappa and Mohenjodaro (Great Bath, Granary, Dockyard at Lothal)
  • Sculptures- Head of a Priest from Mohenjodaro • 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.
  • Seals- Pillar on the Unicorn Seals, Animals on Seals, Representation of Mythological Creatures
  • Copper Tablets.
6.00
Unit II: 
Mauryan Art under Asoka
  • Pillars and their Capitals found upto now: Sarnath, Sanchi, Rampurva, Lauria Nandangarh, Lauria Araraj, Allahabad, Kosam, Nigliva Bakhira, Sankisa etc.
  • Sculptures (Yaksha Yakshi etc)
6.00
Unit III: 
Sunga- Kanva Art
  • Early tradition and Symbolism of 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: Gateways and Sculptures.
6.00
Unit IV: 
Kushan Art at Mathura
  • Style and Contents
  • Stupa Architecture
  • Padmaravedika, Salabhanjikas
  • Origin of Buddha Images
  • Yaksha and Naga Statues
  • Brahamanical Images.
6.00
Unit V: 
Gandhara Art
  • Distinct type of Buddha images along with Buddhist iconography possessing Graeco-Roman and Iraninan influence.
  • The life scenes of Buddha in Bas relief, Jataka scenes, Bodhisattvas, Kuber, Panchika and Hariti, Shalabhanjika and Hellenistic motifs and subjects.
References: 
  • Vasudeva S. Agrawala, Indian Art
  • Susan Huntington, The Art of Ancient India
  • Stella Kramrisch, Indian Sculpture,
  • H. Zimmer, The Art of Indian Asia, 2 vols.
  • G. Yazdani and others, Ajanta, 3 vols.
  • Stella Kramrisch, A survey of Painting in the Deccan
  • R.N. Misra, Outlines of Indian Arts – Architecture, Painting, Sculpture, Dance and Drama
  • ArputhaRani Sengupta – Buddhist Art and Culture – Symbols and Significance
  • S. K. Bhattacharya – The Story of Indian Art
  • Ananda K Coomaraswamy – History of Indian and Indonesian Art
  • A History of Fine Art In India & Ceylon – Vincent A Smith
Academic Year: 
2021-2022
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