HISTORY OF INDIAN ART

The course aims to provide students with a basic introduction to the visual arts of South Asia and the Himalayan regions from a historical perspective, beginning with the earliest evidence.

Adequate mastery of the fundamental methods of analysing the art of South Asia; precise knowledge of the works and monuments examined, with particular attention to their dating, geographical location in the Indian subcontinent, and dynasty of reference, to be demonstrated on the basis of image recognition; understanding of the ideologies and purposes underlying the individual works and artistic phases; use of appropriate and correct terminology; suitably accurate pronunciation of proper names and technical terms. Ability to apply the acquired knowledge to related works of art, which have not been directly studied; and to enlarge knowledge through specific bibliographical research, critical towards sources.

No prerequisites for admission.

General outlines of the art history of India and the Himalayan regions, beginning with protohistory.
The course aims to provide a general overview of the main artistic expressions of the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayan regions, beginning with the earliest protohistoric evidence in the Indus Valley and including selected sites and monuments in Ladakh, Nepal, and Mustang, through the analysis of significant works and sites in relation to their religious and cultural contexts.

- Vidya Dehejia, Indian Art, London-New York, Phaidon Press 1997, up to chapter 10 included.
- Partha Mitter, Indian Art, Oxford, Oxford University Press 2001, Part I.
- Karl Debreczeny and Elena Pakhoutova (eds.), Himalayan Art in 108 Objects, New York, Rubin Museum of Art in association with Scala Arts Publishers, Objects no. 4, 18, 20, 21, 22, 24, 25, 35, 59, 74.

The bibliography is the same for both attending and non-attending students.

The examination is written and consists of a set of questions based on the works illustrated in the texts and slides, covering the protohistoric period and focusing primarily on Buddhist and Hindu artistic production in the Indian subcontinent and the Himalayan regions.

If the questions concern individual works, students are required, in order, to identify the work, its period and dynasty of reference, and its place of creation (exact location and present-day state or country), and to describe its typology, material, meaning, and function.

Overall, the assessment, on a scale of 30 (minimum passing grade 18), will consider the use of appropriate language, accuracy in terminology and the main proper names, and the ability to synthesise information effectively. Each question will carry a maximum score according to its difficulty, with a maximum total of 30 marks. The time allotted to the examination will be approximately two hours.

International or Erasmus incoming students are kindly requested to contact the teacher
of the course. Also, students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course,
in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent
Office.

written

The instructor is responsible for ensuring the authenticity and originality of all examinations and coursework. In cases of suspected academic misconduct, an additional on-site assessment may be required during the exams, which may differ from the standard format.

Overall, the assessment, on a scale of 30 (minimum passing grade 18), will consider the use of appropriate language, accuracy in terminology and the main proper names, and the ability to synthesise information effectively. Each question will carry a maximum score according to its difficulty, with a maximum total of 30 marks.

The course consists of lectures. The teacher will regularly use Power Point slides that will be uploaded to the MyAriel page of the course; these slides are of great importance for a correct study of the subject, and the images they contain will be also starting points for the examination. If necessary, other supporting material will be uploaded as well. Please refer constantly to the course's MyAriel page also for study directions, news and other possible supplementary activities. The page will become available at the beginning of the course.

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Poverty and inequalities" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development