Humanities - Art, Culture & Aesthetics

A collection of vocabulary flashcards for better understanding key concepts relevant to the Humanities course on Art, Culture, and Aesthetics.

Aesthetics

The branch of philosophy that deals with the nature and appreciation of beauty, art, and taste.

Symbolic Meanings in Art

The use of symbols to depict beliefs, traditions, and social hierarchies.

Narrative Style

How a story is told, including tone, rhythm, and diction.

Imagery and Symbolism

The use of descriptive language to evoke sensory experiences.

Themes and Emotions

How literature conveys beauty, morality, or philosophical ideas.

Balance and Symmetry

The harmonious arrangement of elements in architecture.

Proportion and Scale

The relationship between different parts of a building and its surroundings.

Material and Texture

How materials influence perception and experience in architecture.

Light and Shadow

The role of natural and artificial light in defining spaces.

Cultural and Historical Context

How architectural styles reflect societal values and artistic movements.

Vedic Period

The early period of Indian history characterized by a clan-based society and prevalent rituals.

Syncretism

The blending of two or more distinct cultural or artistic traditions to create a hybrid form.

Gandhara School of Art

An art style influenced by Hellenistic traditions, particularly in the depiction of the Buddha.

Mathura School of Art

An indigenous Indian art style that focuses on symbolism and idealized forms in Buddhist representation.

Shulba Sutras

Ancient Indian texts that provide geometric rules for constructing fire altars.

Stupa

A mound-like structure built over relics of the Buddha, serving as a sacred architectural form.

Monumental Architecture

Large-scale constructions that express ideology, power, and identity in society.

Buddhism

A religion that originated in India, advocating for non-violence and meditation as paths to enlightenment.

Caste System (Varnas)

The social hierarchy in ancient India comprising Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, Vaishyas, and Shudras.

Early Vedic Architecture

Primarily functional and temporary structures, focusing on ritual spaces rather than permanent buildings.

Mohenjo-Daro

An ancient city of the Indus Valley Civilization known for its advanced urban planning.

Greek Architecture

Architectural style characterized by columns and symmetry, influenced by ideals of proportion and beauty.

Roman Architecture

Architectural achievements that expanded upon Greek design, notable for engineering innovations like arches and concrete.