Art of India Ch. 4.2

Indus Valley Civilization 2500 BC-1500 BC The earliest Indian culture Ended 1500 BC Located in Modern Pakistan

Used to stamp seals on official documents. Some of the earliest evidence of the use of symbols and script in India Approximately 400 different signs have been catalogued, though despite scholarly efforts for nearly 80 years, it has yet to be deciphered. On most of these examples we can see the script above the animals. The animals are often partly human with animal features. Some of the earliest evidence of the use of symbols and script in India, from the Indus Valley cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa. An organized system of government and culture developed at around the same time in the river valleys of the Nile in Egypt, Euphrates in Mesopotamia and Indus in India and Pakistan. The best-known sites from this period in the Indus Valley are Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa, though in recent years hundreds of other sites with similar cultural patterns have been discovered in India, including Dholavira in Kutch. This civilization is currently thought to have extended from the north-western parts of the subcontinent to Gujarat, Haryana and Indian Punjab. Unlike the other early civilizations in the world, these sites were not isolated city-states, but apparently part of an integrated and interconnected urban culture. There is also evidence of trade with central Asia, Sumer and Mesopotamia. Among the material remains are a wide variety of terracotta figurines, gold adornments, beads of gold and precious and semi-precious stone, ivory, terracotta and glass, a few bronze figures and vessels and thousands of small square and rectangular seals and their impressions. These seals are useful in reconstructing the economy, art and religion of India from 2500 to 1700 BC. They were probably used in trade, as they and their impressions have been found in lands further afield. The patterns on the soft steatite stone were carved in intaglio, and then the finished seal baked to whiten and harden its surface. The designs often carry complex motifs of humans, animals and a uniform and developed pictographic script. Approximately 400 different signs have been catalogued, though despite scholarly efforts for nearly 80 years, it has yet to be deciphered. On most of these examples we can see the script above the animals. The finely modelled animals are often composite creatures, or at times partly human with animal features. Until the script is decoded, these seals suggest to us belief in the supernatural, the widespread nature of the Harappan civilization and the far-reaching trading relations they held with other ancient cultures in the world. Seals from Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan c. 3000 B.C.E. steatite each approximately 1 3/8 x 1 3/8 in.

The Mauryan Era 322 BC-185 BC Or known as the Ganges civilization. During the era hymns called The Vedas were written. This marked the beginning of Hinduism. Until In the 4th century BC India was ruled by the Maurya family and King Asoka and he was greatly influenced by Buddhism.

The base is on the Indian Flag Built by King Asoka Symbol of India The base is on the Indian Flag Column inscribed with Buddhist teachings. Asoka Capital

Buddhist Architecture Burial Mound Contained relics of the Buddha’s body Relief carvings on the walls and gateway allowed believers on pilgrimages to read Buddhist teachings The small rail at the top is called the Harmika. It is topped with stylized umbrellas that symbolize the 33 higher heavens of Mahayana Buddhism. Slide concept by William V. Ganis, PhD FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights. Great Stupa or Stupa 1 (in the book) Sanchi, India 2nd century BC-1st century AD

Slide concept by William V Slide concept by William V. Ganis, PhD FOR EDUCATIONAL USE ONLY For publication, reproduction or transmission of images, please contact individual artists, estates, photographers and exhibiting institutions for permissions and rights.

The Gandhara Era 78AD-250AD Greek armies under Alexander made conquests in Northern India and Pakistan after 326 BC. Therefore, the first significant Buddhist Sculpture had a Greek influence. The first images of Buddha appeared in the Hellenistic kingdoms of Bactria and Gandhara. The sculptures were based on Greek sculptural methods and aesthetics. The sculptures had Western facial and body types. The colossal head of Buddha made of stucco shows a Greek style face, except for the half closed treatment of the eyes. The hair is formed in style similar to Greek gigues of Apollo. However distinct Buddhist motifs were developed to show Buddhist scared nature. Elongated earlobes, the ushnisha coil of hair protruding form the back of the head, and the third eye, or urna which symbolized his omniscience. Under the gandarea

The goddess Hera. Colossal stone head from the cult-statue of Hera, in the Heraion of Olympia. H. 52 cm, 580 BC. Greek art. Archaeological Museum of Olympia Greece

The Gandhara Era Under the Gandhara school of art, the first Indian temples were cut into hillsides of live rock.

The Gupta Era 320-600 AD Golden Age of Buddhist Indian Art. Drama, Literature, painting , sculpture and architecture flourished. Elaborate cave temples mingled both Buddhist and Hindu designs.

Gupta Era cont’d Hinduism experience a revival towards the end of the Gupta era. Multistoried roofs Square towers Symmetrical The building complex I meant to represent order in the universe. Pathways are provided for worshipers and their rituals. Images of Nandi, the bull in the foreground, symbolize the god Siva. Temple at Mallapuram

The Gopura Massive towered gateways Placed at the entrances to the temple complexes Dravidian Style Each level on the pyramidal shaped tower is filled with sculptural and painted panels from Hindu mythology. Temple at Mallapuram Sanchi, India 2nd century BC-1st century AD

The Mughal Period Bronze casting was practiced by the Chola (another Medieval kingdom)

The Mughal Period Emperor Akbar reunited the divided medieval kingdom into the Mughal Empire. Many Hindu temples were destroyed during the Mughal period. They were replaced with Mosques and palaces. They bought the Persian style with them. Mosaics of stone and ceramic decorated the floors and walls in arabesque patterns of leave, flowers and geometric motifs Typical of this era was the production of fine small objects in enamel, mother of pearl, glass or metalwork.

The Taj Mahal Took 18 years to build Finished in 1648. Built by Shah Jahan to memorialize his beloved wife. Took 2000 workers