Art of South and Southeast Asia After 1200
Taj Mahal Overview
Location: Agra, India
Period: Mughal (1631-1648, reign of Shah Jahan)
Function: Mausoleum for Mumtaz Mahal, Shah Jahan's wife
Structure:
Central chamber with octagonal screen containing inlaid cenotaphs
Actual tombs in the crypt below
Complex Elements:
Mosque on one side, rest house on opposite
Formal gardens reflecting Islamic paradise
Perfect symmetry throughout the complex
Artistic Features
Materials: White marble with inlaid semiprecious stones (carnelian, agate, etc.)
Inscriptions: Designed by calligrapher Amanat Khan
Symbolism: Garden and architecture embody the hasht behisht (“eight paradises”)
Cultural Context
Mughal Dynasty: A blend of Persian, Central Asian, and indigenous South Asian influences in art and architecture
Historical Significance: One of the best-known monuments worldwide, evoking themes of love and loss
Architectural Influence: Followed traditional Islamic and local Indian architectural elements
Learning Objectives
Identify visual qualities of South and Southeast Asian art post-1200
Interpret works based on themes and symbols
Relate art to cultural, economic, and political contexts
Influence of Religion on Art
Buddhism: Decline after the 8th century; monastic art moved to Southeast Asia
Hinduism: Increased prominence leading to monumental temple architecture
Islam: Brought by merchants and rulers, influencing architecture
Important Structures and Styles
Qutb Minar: 237 ft tall minaret in Delhi, symbolizing power
Virupaksha Temple: Important in Vijayanagara, known for elaborate entrance gateways (gopuras)
Luna Vasahi Temple: Jain temple with ornate sculptures
Mughal Influence on Art and Architecture
Notable Rulers: Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan
Fatehpur Sikri: Architectural complex with significant structures highlighting Mughal power
Modern Developments
Colonial Period: 19th-century shifts in architecture reflecting British influence
Contemporary Examples: Petronas Towers in Malaysia, blending traditional and modern elements
Critical Comparison
Compare the artistic and architectural styles of different regions and religions in South and Southeast Asia after 1200
Assess contributions of various dynasties to the region's artistic heritage.
Learning Objectives
Identify visual qualities of South and Southeast Asian art post-1200.
Interpret works based on themes and symbols.
Relate art to cultural, economic, and political contexts.
Influence of Religion on Art
Buddhism: Decline after the 8th century; monastic art moved to Southeast Asia.
Vocabulary: Monastic Art, Decline
Hinduism: Increased prominence leading to monumental temple architecture.
Vocabulary: Monumental, Architecture
Islam: Brought by merchants and rulers, influencing architecture.
Vocabulary: Influence, Merchants, Rulers
Important Structures and Styles
Qutb Minar: 237 ft tall minaret in Delhi, symbolizing power.
Vocabulary: Minaret, Symbolizing
Virupaksha Temple: Important in Vijayanagara, known for elaborate entrance gateways (gopuras).
Vocabulary: Elaborate, Entrance
Luna Vasahi Temple: Jain temple with ornate sculptures.
Vocabulary: Jain, Ornate
Mughal Influence on Art and Architecture
Notable Rulers: Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan.
Vocabulary: Notable, Rulers
Fatehpur Sikri: Architectural complex with significant structures highlighting Mughal power.
Vocabulary: Architectural Complex, Significant
Modern Developments
Colonial Period: 19th-century shifts in architecture reflecting British influence.
Vocabulary: Colonial, Shifts
Contemporary Examples: Petronas Towers in Malaysia, blending traditional and modern elements.
Vocabulary: Contemporary, Blending
Critical Comparison
Compare the artistic and architectural styles of different regions and religions in South and Southeast Asia after 1200.
Vocabulary: Compare, Artistic, Architectural
Assess contributions of various dynasties to the region's
Learning Objectives
Identify visual qualities of South and Southeast Asian art post-1200.
Interpret works based on themes and symbols.
Relate art to cultural, economic, and political contexts.
Influence of Religion on Art
Buddhism: Decline after the 8th century; monastic art moved to Southeast Asia, focusing on intricate stone carvings and serene Buddha images reflecting spiritual tranquility.
Vocabulary: Monastic Art, Decline.
Hinduism: Increased prominence leading to monumental temple architecture characterized by towering spires (shikharas) and intricate relief sculptures depicting deities and mythological narratives. This shift reflects the socio-political power of the Hindu kingdoms.
Vocabulary: Monumental, Architecture.
Islam: Introduced by merchants and rulers, influencing architecture with the use of grand domes, minarets, and elaborate tilework, representing the integration of Persian and local styles.
Vocabulary: Influence, Merchants, Rulers.
Important Structures and Styles
Qutb Minar: 237 ft tall minaret in Delhi, symbolizing power, features intricate carvings and inscriptions commemorating the victory of Islam in India.
Vocabulary: Minaret, Symbolizing.
Virupaksha Temple: Important in Vijayanagara, known for elaborate entrance gateways (gopuras) adorned with sculptures of deities and mythological creatures, reflecting the thriving cultural life of the kingdom.
Vocabulary: Elaborate, Entrance.
Luna Vasahi Temple: A Jain temple renowned for its ornate sculptures that depict various aspects of Jain philosophy, showcasing the importance of non-violence and truth.
Vocabulary: Jain, Ornate.
Mughal Influence on Art and Architecture
Notable Rulers: Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan played crucial roles in integrating Persian art with Indian aesthetics, leading to innovations in painting, architecture, and gardens, such as the Charbagh gardens exemplified by the Taj Mahal.
Vocabulary: Notable, Rulers.
Fatehpur Sikri: Architectural complex that includes the Buland Darwaza and the Panch Mahal, showcasing a zenith in Mughal architecture, representing a blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Persian styles, as well as grand urban planning.
Vocabulary: Architectural Complex, Significant.
Modern Developments
Colonial Period: 19th-century shifts in architecture that reflected British influence, leading to the incorporation of neoclassical elements in buildings and public spaces that often contrasted with indigenous designs.
Vocabulary: Colonial, Shifts.
Contemporary Examples: Petronas Towers in Malaysia symbolize modern Islamic architecture, blending traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing advancements in engineering while maintaining a cultural identity.
Vocabulary: Contemporary, Blending.
Critical Comparison
Compare the artistic and architectural styles of different regions and religions in South and Southeast Asia after 1200 to understand the distinct identities shaped by historical circumstances.
Vocabulary: Compare, Artistic, Architectural.
Assess contributions of various dynasties to the region's artistic heritage, analyzing how each dynasty's unique characteristics influenced the evolution of art and architecture in the region.
Additional Vocabulary
Buddhism: A major world religion and philosophy founded in ancient India, centered around the teachings of the Buddha.
Hinduism: A major religious and cultural tradition that originated in India, characterized by a variety of beliefs and practices.
Jainism: An ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence and truth.
Islam: A monotheistic religion that originated in Arabia, based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Tantric: Relating to a group of texts and practices in Buddhism and Hinduism, often involving ritualistic practices.
Iconography: The visual images and symbols used in a work of art, particularly in a religious context.
Bodhisattva: In Mahayana Buddhism, a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others.
Pagodas: Towering structures found in East Asian architecture often used as Buddhist temples.
Stupas: Dome-shaped structures erected as Buddhist shrines containing relics.
Reliquary: A container or shrine for holding sacred relics.
Mudras: Symbolic hand gestures used in Buddhist and Hindu rituals.
Gopuras: Elaborate monumental towers that serve as entrances to Hindu temples.
Stucco: A fine plaster used for coating walls and ceilings and for ornamentation.
Mosque: A place of worship in Islam.
Sultans: Muslim rulers, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Pointed arches: An architectural feature commonly used in Gothic architecture, including many Islamic structures.
Radial symmetry: A balanced arrangement of parts in a circular pattern, often found in Islamic architecture.
Niches: Recesses in a wall for decorative purposes or to hold objects.
Narrative Painting: A style of painting that tells a story through visual representation, common in many cultures.
British colonial period: The era during which British colonial rule was established over parts of South and Southeast Asia, influencing various aspects of local culture and architecture.
Notable Works
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara: An important figure in Mahayana Buddhism, depicted in various artworks, notable works include the Pala Dynasty's 12th-century bronze statue, height 10" from Kurkihar, Eastern India.
Schwedagon Pagoda: Located in Yangon, Myanmar, this sacred site dates back to the 14th century or earlier and has undergone several reconstructions.
Seated Sukhothai Bronze Buddha: A significant historical artifact, height 35 3/8".
Walking Buddha from Sukhothai: Bronze statue standing 7'2 ½" high from the 14th century, located at Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok.
Outer Gopuras of the Meenakshi-Sundaresvara Temple: Located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, this temple complex reflects the Nayak dynasty's influence, with constructions dating from the 13th to mid-17th centuries, including modern renovations.
Qutb Minar: Construction began in the early 13th century, with the Alai Darwaza (gateway) completed in 1311, located in Delhi, India.
Taj Mahal: A stunning mausoleum from the Mughal period, commissioned by Shah Jahan around 1631-1648.
Baswan and Chatar Muni, Akbar and the Elephant Hawai: A folio from the Akbarnama (History of Akbar), painted by Abul Fazl around 1590, in opaque watercolor on paper, housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (size 1'1 7/8" X 8 3/4").
Sahifa Banu and Shah Tahanasp: An early 17th-century opaque watercolor on paper, with figure panel size 6 X 3 5/8", located at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Frederick W. Stevens, Victoria Terminus: Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai
Learning Objectives
Identify visual qualities of South and Southeast Asian art post-1200.
Interpret works based on themes and symbols.
Relate art to cultural, economic, and political contexts.
Influence of Religion on Art
Buddhism: Decline after the 8th century; monastic art moved to Southeast Asia, focusing on intricate stone carvings and serene Buddha images reflecting spiritual tranquility.
Vocabulary: Monastic Art, Decline.
Hinduism: Increased prominence leading to monumental temple architecture characterized by towering spires (shikharas) and intricate relief sculptures depicting deities and mythological narratives. This shift reflects the socio-political power of the Hindu kingdoms.
Vocabulary: Monumental, Architecture.
Islam: Introduced by merchants and rulers, influencing architecture with the use of grand domes, minarets, and elaborate tilework, representing the integration of Persian and local styles.
Vocabulary: Influence, Merchants, Rulers.
Important Structures and Styles
Qutb Minar: 237 ft tall minaret in Delhi, symbolizing power, features intricate carvings and inscriptions commemorating the victory of Islam in India.
Vocabulary: Minaret, Symbolizing.
Virupaksha Temple: Important in Vijayanagara, known for elaborate entrance gateways (gopuras) adorned with sculptures of deities and mythological creatures, reflecting the thriving cultural life of the kingdom.
Vocabulary: Elaborate, Entrance.
Luna Vasahi Temple: A Jain temple renowned for its ornate sculptures that depict various aspects of Jain philosophy, showcasing the importance of non-violence and truth.
Vocabulary: Jain, Ornate.
Mughal Influence on Art and Architecture
Notable Rulers: Babur, Akbar, Jahangir, and Shah Jahan played crucial roles in integrating Persian art with Indian aesthetics, leading to innovations in painting, architecture, and gardens, such as the Charbagh gardens exemplified by the Taj Mahal.
Vocabulary: Notable, Rulers.
Fatehpur Sikri: Architectural complex that includes the Buland Darwaza and the Panch Mahal, showcasing a zenith in Mughal architecture, representing a blend of Islamic, Hindu, and Persian styles, as well as grand urban planning.
Vocabulary: Architectural Complex, Significant.
Modern Developments
Colonial Period: 19th-century shifts in architecture that reflected British influence, leading to the incorporation of neoclassical elements in buildings and public spaces that often contrasted with indigenous designs.
Vocabulary: Colonial, Shifts.
Contemporary Examples: Petronas Towers in Malaysia symbolize modern Islamic architecture, blending traditional and contemporary elements, showcasing advancements in engineering while maintaining a cultural identity.
Vocabulary: Contemporary, Blending.
Critical Comparison
Compare the artistic and architectural styles of different regions and religions in South and Southeast Asia after 1200 to understand the distinct identities shaped by historical circumstances.
Vocabulary: Compare, Artistic, Architectural.
Assess contributions of various dynasties to the region's artistic heritage, analyzing how each dynasty's unique characteristics influenced the evolution of art and architecture in the region.
Additional Vocabulary
Buddhism: A major world religion and philosophy founded in ancient India, centered around the teachings of the Buddha.
Hinduism: A major religious and cultural tradition that originated in India, characterized by a variety of beliefs and practices.
Jainism: An ancient Indian religion that emphasizes non-violence and truth.
Islam: A monotheistic religion that originated in Arabia, based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad.
Tantric: Relating to a group of texts and practices in Buddhism and Hinduism, often involving ritualistic practices.
Iconography: The visual images and symbols used in a work of art, particularly in a religious context.
Bodhisattva: In Mahayana Buddhism, a being who has attained enlightenment but chooses to remain in the cycle of rebirth to help others.
Pagodas: Towering structures found in East Asian architecture often used as Buddhist temples.
Stupas: Dome-shaped structures erected as Buddhist shrines containing relics.
Reliquary: A container or shrine for holding sacred relics.
Mudras: Symbolic hand gestures used in Buddhist and Hindu rituals.
Gopuras: Elaborate monumental towers that serve as entrances to Hindu temples.
Stucco: A fine plaster used for coating walls and ceilings and for ornamentation.
Mosque: A place of worship in Islam.
Sultans: Muslim rulers, particularly in South Asia and Southeast Asia.
Pointed arches: An architectural feature commonly used in Gothic architecture, including many Islamic structures.
Radial symmetry: A balanced arrangement of parts in a circular pattern, often found in Islamic architecture.
Niches: Recesses in a wall for decorative purposes or to hold objects.
Narrative Painting: A style of painting that tells a story through visual representation, common in many cultures.
British colonial period: The era during which British colonial rule was established over parts of South and Southeast Asia, influencing various aspects of local culture and architecture.
Notable Works
Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara: An important figure in Mahayana Buddhism, depicted in various artworks, notable works include the Pala Dynasty's 12th-century bronze statue, height 10" from Kurkihar, Eastern India.
Schwedagon Pagoda: Located in Yangon, Myanmar, this sacred site dates back to the 14th century or earlier and has undergone several reconstructions.
Seated Sukhothai Bronze Buddha: A significant historical artifact, height 35 3/8".
Walking Buddha from Sukhothai: Bronze statue standing 7'2 ½" high from the 14th century, located at Wat Benchamabophit in Bangkok.
Outer Gopuras of the Meenakshi-Sundaresvara Temple: Located in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, this temple complex reflects the Nayak dynasty's influence, with constructions dating from the 13th to mid-17th centuries, including modern renovations.
Qutb Minar: Construction began in the early 13th century, with the Alai Darwaza (gateway) completed in 1311, located in Delhi, India.
Taj Mahal: A stunning mausoleum from the Mughal period, commissioned by Shah Jahan around 1631-1648.
Baswan and Chatar Muni, Akbar and the Elephant Hawai: A folio from the Akbarnama (History of Akbar), painted by Abul Fazl around 1590, in opaque watercolor on paper, housed at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London (size 1'1 7/8" X 8 3/4").
Sahifa Banu and Shah Tahanasp: An early 17th-century opaque watercolor on paper, with figure panel size 6 X 3 5/8", located at the Victoria & Albert Museum, London.
Frederick W. Stevens, Victoria Terminus: Also known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus in Mumbai