Arth 100-Lecture 5-Early Asian Art 2

Development of Buddhist Art and Architecture in India

Indus Valley Civilization

  • Location: Fertile land between the Indus and Ganges Rivers.

  • Significance: One of the earliest river valley civilizations with advanced writing systems, architecture, and technologies.

  • Major Cities: Harappa and Mohenjo Daro; now archaeological sites.

  • Archaeological Findings:

    • Little surviving architecture identifiable as specific structures (e.g., temples).

    • Limited art, primarily small objects, and clay tablets/seals indicative of a writing system (pictograms).

    • Writing system remains undecoded.

  • Figurines and Artistic Interest:

    • Figurines demonstrate a focus on realism and human body representation.

Transition to Hinduism and Buddhism

  • Decline of the Indus Valley Civilization:

    • Invaded by Aryans from Central Asia, introducing Sanskrit.

    • Formation of the caste system and significant cultural shifts during the Vedic period (1500-100 BCE).

Hinduism

  • Definition: A vast religion and cultural tradition originating from Vedic texts in South Asia.

  • Nature of Hinduism:

    • Considered the eternal law, encompassing faith and cultural practices.

    • Polytheistic, featuring various gods and goddesses.

  • Primary Gods of Hinduism:

    • Trimurti:

      • Brahma: The creator.

      • Vishnu: The preserver.

      • Shiva: The destroyer.

  • Core Principles:

    • Dharma: Duty/law.

    • Samsara: Reincarnation cycle.

    • Karma: Impact of actions (good and bad).

    • Nirvana: Liberation from the cycle of rebirth.

Caste System

  • Social Organization:

    • Brahmins (priests and teachers) at the top.

    • Kings and warriors beneath them.

    • Skilled traders and merchants in the middle, followed by laborers and untouchables.

  • Cultural Importance: The caste system is integral to understanding Hindu and Indian society.

Murti in Hindu Worship

  • Definition: Murti are cult images of gods, embodying their divine presence.

  • Types of Murti:

    • Temporary (ephemeral) images used during festivals.

    • Permanent cult images placed in temples.

  • Artistic Representation:

    • Early murtis were simple symbols; evolved into figures with superhuman characteristics.

  • Proportional Measurement:

    • Strict adherence to canons of proportions in representations of the divine.

    • Ensures recognition and representation of the eternal, ideal, and perfect.

Identification of Deities Through Attributes

  • Significance of Attributes:

    • Visual characteristics that help identify gods and associated stories.

    • Essential for worshippers to connect with religious narratives.

  • Key Hindu Deities:

    • Shiva: Known for destruction and transformation, depicted with a third eye and phallic symbol (Shiva Linga).

    • Vishnu: The protector; often depicted with blue skin and four arms, associated with the lotus flower.

    • Durga: The mother goddess represented with a lion and holding eight objects, symbolizing her superhuman power.

Historical Context of Artistic Development

  • Gupta Period (4th Century CE):

    • Marked the emergence of significant Hindu art and architecture dedicated to deities.

  • Buddhist Art and Architecture:

    • Developed during this earlier ancient period, preceding prominent examples from the Gupta period.