The Art of the Indian Subcontinent

Noah Morrison, David Sullivan, Wendy Sun, Dina Kaganer, Sam Turer

India (Pre 15th Century)

South Asian subcontinent includes India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.

Differences in language, climate, and terrain created regional and cultural characteristics and artistic traditions.

Overarching traits united Indian Art

- sense of beauty with excess of ornament, texture, and color.

- Visual abundance reflects belief in generosity and favor of the gods.

- symbolism

- emphasis on getting the vibrant quality of a world seen as infused with the dynamics of the divine.

Seal Impressions c. 2500-1500 BCE Indus Valley Civilization

medium- steatite dimensions - each seal 1 1/4 x 1 1/4"

horned animal

sacrificial rite to a goddess

yogi

buffalo

horned animal

three headed animal

Sculptures

Torso of a “Priest King” c. 2600-1900 BCE from Mohenjo-Daro

steatite, height 6 7/8"

Nude Torso c. 2600-1900 BCE from Harappa

Red Stone

height 3 3/4"

Female Figure Holding a Fly-Whisk (Yakshi) c. 250 BCE

Polished sandstone

height 5'4 1/4"

Ashokan Pillar c. 246 BCE Maurya Period

Background on the Emperor Ashoka and his pillar:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xH63aG1af5E

Lion Capital c. 250 BCE Maurya Period

Polished Sandstone

height 7'

From Ashokan Pillar at Sarnath

Standing Buddha, 2nd-3rd century, gandhara style, height 7'6", kushan

period

Buddha and Attendants, 1st-2nd century, kushan period, southeast indian style

Standing Buddha,474 ce, Gupta period, Sarnath Gupta style

Buddha Maitreya, 8th century,

Prakhon Chai style Buddha Shakyamuni, 9th century, Dvaravati style

Shiva Nataraja, Chola dynasty, 12th century

Parinirvana of the Buddha, 11th-12th century

Modern Day Buddha Sculpture - C. 2013

Paintings

Bodhisattva, 475 CE.

Detail Leaf with Birth of Mahavirac. 1400

That's it for paintings!

There are multiple reasons for thiso Much of the art is for spiritual display best captivated

by scultureo Lots of Ancient Indian Artwork has been destroyed

over hundred of years due to conflicts with its neighbor Pakistan.

Architecture

http://www.youtube.com/

watch?v=NfQBhtnkbyo

Great Stupa, Sanchi 36mx16m 12th Century

Chaitya Hall

50-70 AD

Ankor Vat 1125AD Hindu Temple

Minakshi Sundareshvara Temple170'

Kandariya Mahadeva 1050AD

Cave Temple of Shiva, Elephanta c.8th century

Reliefs

"Phew! After all that work it's a relief to be done!"

Reliefs

• Large Part of Indian architectureo seen on many temples

occasionally seen as separate works• you have already seen those that accompany temples

o Often depicted religious themes goddesses/gods/buddha

o Occasionally had animals these animals also have great religious

significance

Rock Cut Relief, MamallapuramTamil c. 7th Century

Siddhartha in the Palace

Erotic Couples on Kandariya Mahadeva 1022AD