INTRODUCTION TO HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (Theory)

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

COURSE OBJECTIVES

The 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

Course

 

    Course Outcomes

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

VHA  121

Introduction to History of Indian Art (Theory)

The students will-

CO1:  Develop deep understanding about the timeline of Indian art to turn out to be an art historian.

CO2: Analyze various periods and art styles in Indian art to understand how history influences art.

CO3: Develop visual vocabulary appropriate for careers in the visual arts, architecture, curator and more.

CO4: Demonstrate skills to visualize paintings, sculptures and architecture critically to write a critique on art forms.

CO5:  Validate historical and contextual analysis of a work of art to construct in depth analysis of their own works and those of peers.

CO6:  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.

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.

COURSE CONTENT:

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.

 

15.00
Unit I: 

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

 

15.00
Unit II: 

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.

 

15.00
Unit III: 

Discovery of Indus Valley Culture: 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.

 

15.00
Unit IV: 

Origin of Mauryan Art: Mauryan Art under Asoka- Barabar Cave Dwellings, Asokan Pillars, Pillars found upto now: Sarnath, Sanchi, Rampurva, LauriaNandangarh, LauriaAraraj, Allahabad, Kosam, NiglivaBakhira, Sankisa etc.

 

15.00
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, Brahmanical Images.

 

References: 

Suggested Text Books/Suggested Reference Books:

  • Vasudeva S. Agrawala, Indian Art
  • Craven, Roy C, A Concise History Of 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
  • Ananda K Coomaraswamy – History of Indian and Indonesian Art
  • R.N. Misra, Outlines of Indian Arts – Architecture, Painting, Sculpture, Dance and Drama
  • A History of Fine Art In India & Ceylon – Vincent A Smith
  • The art of ancient India : Buddhist, Hindu, Jain by Huntington, Susan L
  • The Art Of India Through The Ages Stella Kramrisch by Ishwar Ashram Trust

 

E-Resources:

Reference Journals:

  • JOA - Journal of Arts
  • ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts
  • Atishay Kalit- A Bilingual Research Journal of Fine Arts, Culture and Humanities
  • Kala: The Journal of Indian Art History Congress

 

Academic Year: 
2023-2024
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