Course Description
Survey of the history of Indian art and religious thought from the IndusValley Civilization to the medieval period. The origins and major developments within Hinduism and Buddhism will be explored, with a specific emphasis on how they impacted the production of Indian art and architecture.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
In addition to completing the two written exams as described in
the requirements for undergraduates, graduate students will be
expected to produce an extensive research paper on specific
works or issues related to the field and the methodologies
appropriate to the topic under consideration in the course.
This paper will be a detailed, in-depth consideration of the
student's chosen theme requiring not only a demonstration of
advanced research skills (including the ability to read and use
material presented in foreign languages), but also an
articulation of the student's ability to understand and
manipulate the critical apparatus of art history in connection
with art and religion of classical India.
Athena Title
INDIAN ART
Prerequisite
Two ARHI 3000-level courses and permission of major
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course serves as an introduction to the history of visual culture in South Asia in addition to a critical engagement of the historical development of Indian religions. The course will expose students to the art and architecture of Hindu, Buddhist and Jain traditions as well as material culture associated with heterodox 'popular' religious cults. Throughout, the visual analysis of individual art pieces (sculpture, painting, coins, manuscripts etc.) and architecture will be informed by select readings from primary Indic texts in translation. Students in this course will be required to pass two written examinations and compose one directed research paper on an assigned topic. Upon completion of this course students will : 1. be acquainted with the historical development of art and architecture of South Asia and Classical South Asian religions. 2. be able to understand important art historical terms, issues and ideas related to the study of South Asian art. 3. be able to investigate how meaning is constructed and expressed through artistic styles, materials, and symbolic processes in a number of different but related South Asian cultural contexts. 4. have developed skills for reflective, critical thinking and writing oriented towards the understanding of different cultures and value systems through the study of South Asian art history.

Topical Outline
I. Interpreting South Asia: Art, Religion, Geography, Methodology and Sources 2. Art and Architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization (2500BCE-1500BCE 3. Vedic Mythology and Ritual (1500BCE-1000BCE) 4. Upanishadic Philosophy and Renunciation in Indian Religious Thought 5. The Re-emergence of Art in Permanent Materials - The Mauryan Period 6. Early Buddhist Art and Architecture - Stupas and Caves (250BCE-100CE) 7. Icons and Anthropomorphic Imagery in Indian Art (100CE-300CE) 8. Early Medieval Buddhist Monastic Art and Architecture 9. The Origins of Hindu Iconography 10. Early Hindu Rock-cut Architecture of Western India 11. Hindu Temples - The Development of the Northern Style 12. Hindu Temples - The Development of the Southern Style 13. Jainism and Medieval Jain Art and Architecture 14. Tantric Religion and its Influence on Medieval Indian Art and Architecture 15. Western Perceptions of Indian Art - Tourism, Commercialism and the Popular Imagination