Art and craft gradually developed from Indus Valley Civilization (2500 BC - 1750 BC) to the Mauryan dynasty (3rd century BC).
Harappan artists exhibited extreme skill in their crafts.
Marked a significant beginning in Indian history.
Ashokan period produced highly polished sculpted pillars, recognized as treasures of Indian art.
Crude mother goddess figures indicate a continuation of folk art tradition.
The Sungas continued artistic activity, leading to significant works like the Stupa and sculptures of Sanchi in Madhya Pradesh.
Kushans contributed to art by developing sculpted portraiture.
Referred to as the golden period in Indian art history.
Characterized by refined representations of human figures.
Major art centers included Mathura, Sarnath, Ujjain, and Ahichhatra.
Gupta sculptures displayed perfect balance in style, skill, mastery, and imagination, with a divine quality in religious sculptures.
Features of Gupta art: slight lip tilt, full roundness of figures, accurate carvings, and simplicity.
Significant developments included Cave and Temple architectures at Udaygiri caves, Nachna, and Bhumara.
Describe art from 3000 BC to 600 AD.
State names of enlisted art objects from this period.
Differentiate materials used, sites, sizes, colors, and collections of enlisted art objects.
Identify characteristics of enlisted art objects.
Title: Dancing Girl
Medium: Metal
Date: Harappan Period (2500 BC)
Finding Site: Mohenjo-Daro
Size: Approx. 4 inches
Artist: Unknown
Collection: National Museum, New Delhi
General Description:
Exemplifies artistic and technical skill of Indus Valley craftsmen
Lanky, rhythmic figure with bangles and contemporary hairstyle (hair tied in a bun)
Unique resting posture with one hand on waist and the other on thigh
Monumental quality despite small size, showcasing advanced metal casting skills.
Title: Rampurva Bull Capital
Medium: Polished Sandstone
Date: Mauryan Period (3rd century BC)
Finding Site: Rampurva
Size: Approx. 7 ft
Artist: Unknown
Collection: Indian Museum, Kolkata
General Description:
Engraved edicts of Emperor Ashoka symbolize philosophical teachings.
Capital consists of an inverted lotus base, an abacus, and a dominating bull figure.
Ornaments and minute carvings exhibit mastery in sculpture with a polished finish, indicating influence from Middle East sculptors.
Title: Black Princess
Medium: Wall Painting (Mural)
Date: Gupta Vakataka Period (2nd - 6th century AD)
Finding Site: Ajanta
Size: Approx. 20 ft x 6 ft
Artist: Unknown
General Description:
Created during the transitional period of Ajanta caves; two painting phases: Hinayana and Mahayana.
Used tempera technique for hues, focusing on earthly colors devoid of flamboyance.
The painting exemplifies mastery in artistry, features lyrical quality, subtle rhythm, and enchanting softness in contours.
Indus Valley Civilization (Harappan Civilization) flourished between 2500 BC and 1750 BC, with artistic creations revealing advanced skills.
Mauryan Dynasty, founded by Chandragupta Maurya, expanded art through Emperor Ashoka’s efforts, including widespread promotion of Buddhism.
Gupta dynasty, known for contributions to art and science, was marked by legendary figures and overall cultural advancement, marking it as the classical period of Indian history.
Statuettes: Small statues
Utilitarian: Functional objects
Lanky: Thin and tall
Shaft: Vertical part of a column
Edicts: Official proclamations
Frescos: Paintings on wet plaster
Portrait: Representation of a person
Stupa: Buddhist memorial
Tempera: Paint made with water and binders
Lyrical: Poetic quality