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HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (ANCIENT) (Theory) [1]

Paper Code: 
25CVAS301
Credits: 
3
Contact Hours: 
45.00
Max. Marks: 
100.00
Objective: 

The course will enable the students to gain an understanding of the historical origins of Indian art history. They will be able to read and analyze paintings, sculptures and architecture from Mauryan period to Late Gupta period.

 
Course Outcomes: 

Course

Learning Outcome

(at course level)

Learning and teaching strategies

Assessment Strategies

Course Code

Course Title

25CVAS

301

HISTORY OF INDIAN ART (ANCIENT) (Theory)

CO43: Validate the art works of Mauryan Era chronologically. Develop understanding of the political and religious contexts while analysing their technique, material etc.

CO44: Develop analytical, critical skills, to contemplate technique, socio-cultural context, symbolism etc of Shunga. Kanva and Kushan period.

CO45: Assess the achievements, experiments and advancements of art in Gupta era. Experience the beginning of Brahmanical iconography, terracottas, temple sculpture and architecture.

CO46: Examine and assess the two major cave complexes of India – Ajanta and Bagh caves. Analyse their architecture, paintings and sculptures while emphasising on technique, compositions, cultural context etc.

CO47: Generate a deep understanding of construction strategies of Ellora and Elephanta caves while critically analysing their artworks.

CO48: Contribute effectively in course-specific interaction. 

Approach in Teaching: Interactive Lectures, Discussion, Tutorials, Reading Assignments, Multiple Points of View

Learning Activities for The Students: Self-Learning Assignments, Effective Questions, Giving Tasks, Oral Explanation

Continuous Assessment Test, Semester end examination, Quiz, Solving Problems in Tutorials, Assignments, Presentation, Individual and Group Projects

 

9.00
Unit I: 
Origin of Mauryan Art

Ashokan Pillars and Capitals, Sculptures (Yaksha Yakshi)

 
9.00
Unit II: 
Sunga, Kanva and Kushan Art

SungaKanva Art: Stupa architecture and sculptures of Sanchi, Bharhut, Amaravati

Kushan Art: Gandhara, Mathura

 
9.00
Unit III: 
Gupta Period Art

Architecture and sculptural ornamentation of Dasavtara temple, Deogarh and Parvati temple, NachnaKuthara; Sculptures: Varaha (Anthropomorphic and theomorphic form) and evolution of Mukhalingas; Ahichhatra terracotta: Ganga and Yamuna, Dakshinamurti, Parvati head, Shiva Gana destroying Daksha’s sacrifice; MirpurkhasTerracottas

9.00
Unit IV: 
Ajanta and Bagh Caves

Ajanta Sculptures and Paintings

Bagh cave Paintings

 
9.00
Unit V: 
Ellora and Elephanta Caves

Ellora Kailashanath temple and its Sculptures

Elephanta Caves and its Sculpture

 
Essential Readings: 
  1. J.C. Harle, The Art and architecture of Indian Sub-continent, Yale University Press
  2. Dr. Padma Sudhi, Gupta art: A study from Aesthetics and colonical Norms, Galaxy Press
  3. Swaraj Prakash Gupta, Elements of Indian Art, D.K. Print World Ltd
  4. Benoy K. Behel, The Ajanta Caves: Early Buddhist paintings from India, Thames & Hudson
  5. Jean Louis Nou, Ajanta, Brijbasi Printers Pvt.Ltd
  6. Roy C Craven, Indian Art: A Concise History, Pralger World of Art Paperback
  7. Partha Mitter, Indian Art, Oxford History of Art
  8. Rajesh Kumar Singh, An introduction to the Ajanta Caves, Hari Sena Press
  9. Narayan Sanyal, Ajanta:A Guide Book as Well as Critical Analyses of the Murals and Other Art Works of Ajanta in the Perspective of Indian Art, New Central Book Agency

Suggested Readings:

  1. Dietmar Schlingloff, Studies in the Ajanta Paintings: Identifications and Interpretations :, Ajanta Publications, Delhi
  2. Carmel Berkson, Ellora: Concept and Style, Abhinav Publications 
  3. Gilles Beguin, Ellora, Five Continents Editions 
  4. Ram Anant, Thatte, Ajanta, BR Publishing Corporation  
  5. Vasudeva S. Agrawala, Indian Art, Publications Division
  6. Susan Huntington, The Art of Ancient India, Motilal Banarsidass
  7. Stella Kramrisch, Indian Sculpture, Archeological Survey of India
  8. H. Zimmer, The Art of Indian Asia, 2 vols., Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
  9. G. Yazdani and others, Ajanta, 3 vols, Archeological Survey of India
  10. Stella Kramrisch, A survey of Painting in the Deccan, Archeological Survey of India
  11. Shodh Kosh: Journal of Visual and Performing Arts
  12. Atishay Kalit- A Bilingual Research Journal of Fine Arts, Culture and Humanities
 
References: 
  1. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242/ [2]
  2. https://www.360cities.net/image/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-india [3]
  3. https://www.360cities.net/image/kailash-temple-ellora-caves-no1-india [4]
  4. https://visitworldheritage.com/en/buddha/the-great-stupa-at-sanchi/afc71... [5]
 
Academic Year: 
2025-2026 [6]

Follow Fine Arts on:

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Source URL: https://visualarts.iisuniv.ac.in/courses/subjects/history-indian-art-ancient-theory-22

Links:
[1] https://visualarts.iisuniv.ac.in/courses/subjects/history-indian-art-ancient-theory-22
[2] https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/242/
[3] https://www.360cities.net/image/ajanta-caves-aurangabad-india
[4] https://www.360cities.net/image/kailash-temple-ellora-caves-no1-india
[5] https://visitworldheritage.com/en/buddha/the-great-stupa-at-sanchi/afc71819-5d92-4767-9fa5-1d8069df0521
[6] https://visualarts.iisuniv.ac.in/academic-year/2025-2026