Details of HU4203 (Spring 2025)
| Level: 4 | Type: Theory | Credits: 2.0 |
| Course Code | Course Name | Instructor(s) |
|---|---|---|
| HU4203 | A Journey Through Indian Visual Arts | Subhajit Bandyopadhyay |
| This course requires approval from the respective instructor for enrolment |
| Preamble |
|---|
| This course explores the rich and diverse artistic traditions of India, spanning thousands of years.
Students will be walking into the historical, cultural, religious, and aesthetic contexts that have shaped Indian art. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, readings, and visual analysis, students will gain an understanding and appreciation of the major art forms and styles that have emerged in India and has become an integral part of our culture and heritage. |
| Syllabus |
|---|
| Week 1: Introduction to Indian Art
Lecture 1: Overview of Indian Art: Prehistoric to Ancient Periods Discussion: Introduction to Key Concepts and Themes in Indian Art Reading: "Indian Art and Culture" by Nitin Singhania Visual Analysis of Prehistoric Artifacts and Rock Art: Bhimbetika Art Week 2: Sindhu-Saraswati Civilization and Early Indian Sculpture Lecture 2: Art and Architecture of the Indus Valley Civilization Lecture 3: Buddhist Art: Gandhara and Mathura Schools Reading: "The Art of Ancient India" by Susan Huntington Comparing and Contrasting Gandhara and Mathura Sculptures Week 3: Hindu Art Lecture 3: Temple Architecture: Nagara (North, West and East Indian, except Bengal) and Dravidian Styles Lecture 4: Temple Architecture: The Bengal Styles Reading: "Indian Sculpture: Circa 500 BC AD 500" by Carmel Berkson; Temples of India : Abode Of The Divine by Tarun Chopra Recommended Field trip: Krishna Rai Temple Rathtala or Vasudeb Temple Bansberia Week 4: Medieval Indian Art: Indian Art Abroad and Foreign Influence on Indian Art Lecture 5: Indian Art in East and South East Asia Lecture 6: Islamic Art in India: Delhi Sultanate and Mughal Period Reading: "Indian Painting: The Great Mural Tradition" by Mira Seth Week 5: Indian Folk Art Lecture 7 and 8: Madhubani, Patachitra, Kalamkari Art, Kalamezhuthu. Tanjore, Warli Folk Art, Gond Art, Rajasthani Miniature Painting. Reading: Indian Folk and Tribal Art by Anup Kumar Activity: Workshop on any kind of folk art Week 6: Colonial and Modern Indian Art Lecture 8: Impact of Colonialism on Indian Art: Indian artists Raja, Rabi Verma, The Tagores Lecture 9: Bengal School and the Rise of Modernism Reading: "The Painted World of the Indian Diaspora" by Paul B. Courtright Week 7: Contemporary Indian Art Lecture 10: Contemporary Indian Art Movements: Post-Independence to Present Choose your artist - Team project: Amrita Sher Gill, Jamini Roy, M F Hussain, Ramkinkar Bej Reading: "Contemporary Indian Art: Other Realities" by Geeta Kapur Activity: Critically Evaluating Contemporary Indian Artworks Field Trip: Visit to the Indian Museum Kolkata/Hansweshwari temple/Kalna terracotta temples (If feasible: Highlights of Indian Art and Sculpture Reflection: Response to Selected Artworks Project Presentations and Discussion Students present their final projects, which may include research papers, presentations, or creative projects inspired by Indian art and sculpture. Assessment Activities: 30% Class tests and quizzes: 30% Final Project: 30% Attendance and Engagement: 10% |
| References |
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Course Credit Options
| Sl. No. | Programme | Semester No | Course Choice |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | IP | 2 | Not Allowed |
| 2 | IP | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 3 | IP | 6 | Not Allowed |
| 4 | MP | 2 | Not Allowed |
| 5 | MP | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 6 | MR | 2 | Not Allowed |
| 7 | MR | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 8 | MS | 10 | Not Allowed |
| 9 | MS | 4 | Not Allowed |
| 10 | MS | 6 | Not Allowed |
| 11 | MS | 8 | Elective |
| 12 | RS | 1 | Not Allowed |
| 13 | RS | 2 | Not Allowed |