Indian and South-East Asian Art Professor A. D’Ascoli

Indian Civilization 2500 – 1550 BCE Indus Valley & Saraswati Civilizations – built cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa2500 – 1550 BCE Indus Valley & Saraswati Civilizations – built cities of Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa 1500 BCE – Hinduism develops1500 BCE – Hinduism develops 1000 – 600 BCE – Vedic Period (Aryan Migrations)1000 – 600 BCE – Vedic Period (Aryan Migrations) 8 th century BCE – Caste system is firmly established8 th century BCE – Caste system is firmly established 6 th – 5 th centuries BCE – Jainism and Buddhism appear6 th – 5 th centuries BCE – Jainism and Buddhism appear 563 – 483 BCE – Life of Gautama Buddha563 – 483 BCE – Life of Gautama Buddha 550 BCE – Vedas are written down by the Aryans550 BCE – Vedas are written down by the Aryans

Indian Civilization 326 BCE – Alexander the Great invades India326 BCE – Alexander the Great invades India 324 – 301 BCE – Chandragupta Maurya rules and establishes an Indian Empire (established by Alexander as ruler in his name)324 – 301 BCE – Chandragupta Maurya rules and establishes an Indian Empire (established by Alexander as ruler in his name) 269 – 232 BCE – Ashoka rules – Buddhism spreads269 – 232 BCE – Ashoka rules – Buddhism spreads 250 BCE – Sarnath is made capital of India250 BCE – Sarnath is made capital of India 1 st century BCE – Bhagavad Gita is written (One of Hindu Holy Books)1 st century BCE – Bhagavad Gita is written (One of Hindu Holy Books)

Caste System Indian society is divided into 4 distinct classes or castes:Indian society is divided into 4 distinct classes or castes: (1) Brahmins – priests, leaders, seers and religious authorities;(1) Brahmins – priests, leaders, seers and religious authorities; (2) Kshatriyas – originally the kings and warriors of the ancient past, now they are the administrators, politicians and civil authorities;(2) Kshatriyas – originally the kings and warriors of the ancient past, now they are the administrators, politicians and civil authorities; (3) Vaishyas – businessmen, merchants, traders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.; and(3) Vaishyas – businessmen, merchants, traders, doctors, lawyers, teachers, etc.; and (4) Shudras – they are the laborers, the servant class.(4) Shudras – they are the laborers, the servant class. However, even beneath the Shudras are the Outcastes – called the ‘untouchables’ – these are members of Indian society who fall outside of any of the castes and are therefore avoided by members of the other classes completelyHowever, even beneath the Shudras are the Outcastes – called the ‘untouchables’ – these are members of Indian society who fall outside of any of the castes and are therefore avoided by members of the other classes completely

Indian Civilization 4 Major religions exist in India today – 3 which are indigenous4 Major religions exist in India today – 3 which are indigenous JainismJainism BuddhismBuddhism MuslimMuslim HinduismHinduism

Indian Religions - Hinduism Origins are unknown (1500 – 500 BCE)Origins are unknown (1500 – 500 BCE) Hindu derives from Sanskrit word for Indus RiverHindu derives from Sanskrit word for Indus River Hindu worship focuses on a pantheon of gods who personify the forces of nature (not an historical person or prophet)Hindu worship focuses on a pantheon of gods who personify the forces of nature (not an historical person or prophet) At the center of the Hindu religion is the idea of Brahman – the indivisible essence of all spiritual reality, the divine source of all beingAt the center of the Hindu religion is the idea of Brahman – the indivisible essence of all spiritual reality, the divine source of all being

Indian Religions - Hinduism Brahman’s 3 functions are divided into 3 gods: Brahman’s 3 functions are divided into 3 gods: (1) Brahma – the creator – not the same as Brahman;(1) Brahma – the creator – not the same as Brahman; (2) Vishnu – the preserver; and(2) Vishnu – the preserver; and (3) Shiva – the destroyer.(3) Shiva – the destroyer.

Indian Religions - Hinduism The idea of kharma is also central to Hindi thoughtThe idea of kharma is also central to Hindi thought Kharma means action, however the concept of kharma involves moral cause and effect (you get what you put out)Kharma means action, however the concept of kharma involves moral cause and effect (you get what you put out) People’s accumulation of these moral actions will determine the form in which he or she will reincarnatePeople’s accumulation of these moral actions will determine the form in which he or she will reincarnate Because of this people’s current condition (poor, deformed, etc) is believed to have been caused by your previous misuse of your earlier existenceBecause of this people’s current condition (poor, deformed, etc) is believed to have been caused by your previous misuse of your earlier existence Ancient Hindu society reflects these religious beliefs in their caste system.Ancient Hindu society reflects these religious beliefs in their caste system.

Indian Religions - Jainism The ultimate goal of Jainism is the same as in Buddhism and Hinduism – which is the escape from the cycle of samsara (the transmigration of the soul (reincarnation)The ultimate goal of Jainism is the same as in Buddhism and Hinduism – which is the escape from the cycle of samsara (the transmigration of the soul (reincarnation) Jainism, more than any other Indian religion, focuses on self-reliance and responsibility for one’s own fateJainism, more than any other Indian religion, focuses on self-reliance and responsibility for one’s own fate Jainism is a very ethical faith – it emphasizes virtue, self-control and non-violence to all life formsJainism is a very ethical faith – it emphasizes virtue, self-control and non-violence to all life forms

Indian Religions - Buddhism The historical Buddha was born Siddharta Gautama Sakya (563 – 483 BCE) and was a prince of a kingdom in the foothills of the Himalayas, in present day Nepal. He is also known as Sayakamuni (the sage)The historical Buddha was born Siddharta Gautama Sakya (563 – 483 BCE) and was a prince of a kingdom in the foothills of the Himalayas, in present day Nepal. He is also known as Sayakamuni (the sage) He achieved enlightenment and then traveled the countryside preaching and educating others on the path to enlightenment.He achieved enlightenment and then traveled the countryside preaching and educating others on the path to enlightenment. He taught the importance of the Middle Path – rejecting both extremes – those of asceticism which only weakens the mind and the body and indulgence which obstructs wisdomHe taught the importance of the Middle Path – rejecting both extremes – those of asceticism which only weakens the mind and the body and indulgence which obstructs wisdom

Indian Religions - Buddhism Buddha set forth the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path of the dharma (religious truth or law)Buddha set forth the Four Noble Truths and Eightfold Path of the dharma (religious truth or law) The 4 Noble truths are:The 4 Noble truths are: (1) Life consists of suffering, impermanence, imperfection and incompleteness;(1) Life consists of suffering, impermanence, imperfection and incompleteness; (2) the cause of life’s suffering is selfishness;(2) the cause of life’s suffering is selfishness; (3) Suffering and selfishness can be brought to an end;(3) Suffering and selfishness can be brought to an end; (4) The answer to life’s problems of suffering is the eightfold Path.(4) The answer to life’s problems of suffering is the eightfold Path.

Indian Religions - Buddhism The Eightfold path consists of:The Eightfold path consists of: (1) knowledge of the 4 Noble Truths;(1) knowledge of the 4 Noble Truths; (2) right aspiration to the goal of enlightenment (nirvana);(2) right aspiration to the goal of enlightenment (nirvana); (3) right speech that is honest and charitable;(3) right speech that is honest and charitable; (4) right conduct – no drinking, killing, lying or having lust;(4) right conduct – no drinking, killing, lying or having lust; (5) right living according to the goals of Buddhism;(5) right living according to the goals of Buddhism; (6) right effort;(6) right effort; (7) right thinking with a focus on self-awareness; and(7) right thinking with a focus on self-awareness; and (8) right use of meditation to achieve enlightenment.(8) right use of meditation to achieve enlightenment.

Great Bath B.C.E. Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan Architecture Oldest South East Asian city

Robed Male Figure ca B.C.E. Mohenjo-daro, Pakistan Sculpture 6 7/8 in. high

Indian Art Indus Valley Seals 3000 – 1500 BCE Indus Valley, India Carved in intaglio (relief sculpture) Written language that is still undeciphered above animal designs

Indian Art Ganesha 12 th century CE Karnataka, India Sculpture From Hoyshala Period when Hinduism was enjoying a resurgence Ganesha is a Hindu god that is associated with playfulness and prosperity

Indian Art Lion Capital 250 BCE Sarnath, India Architecture/Sculpture Mauryan era – erected by Ashoka to mark a place of significance to the Buddha As lions are powerful animals – so Buddha was a powerful teacher

Indian Art Great StupaGreat Stupa 3 rd century BCE3 rd century BCE Sanchi, IndiaSanchi, India ArchitectureArchitecture The stupa is the central symbol of the Buddhist faith ( a temple)The stupa is the central symbol of the Buddhist faith ( a temple) These stupa contain relics of the BuddhaThese stupa contain relics of the Buddha 60 ft in diameter and 25 ft high60 ft in diameter and 25 ft high

Indian Art Gate of the Great Stupa 3 rd – 1 st centuries BCE Sanchi, India Architecture/Relief Sculpture The gate is inscribed and carved with tales from the life of the Buddha as well as stories from the epic Jataka tales Over 30 feet high – there are 4 in total

Great Stupa – detail.

Chaitya Hall ca. 100 C.E. Karle, India Architecture Similar in style to Roman basilicas Large space for worshippers to congregate in

Chaitya Hall

Indian Art Seated BuddhaSeated Buddha 2 nd – 3 rd century CE2 nd – 3 rd century CE Peshawar District, PakistanPeshawar District, Pakistan SculptureSculpture From Kushan eraFrom Kushan era The Kushans are credited with creating the first anthropomorphic icons of the BuddhaThe Kushans are credited with creating the first anthropomorphic icons of the Buddha Greco-Roman influences in robeGreco-Roman influences in robe

Indian Art Standing BuddhaStanding Buddha 4 th – 5 th century CE4 th – 5 th century CE Mathura, IndiaMathura, India SculptureSculpture Gupta Period work of artGupta Period work of art The Buddha stands in calm serenityThe Buddha stands in calm serenity Robe is sheer breaking from Greco-Roman traditionsRobe is sheer breaking from Greco-Roman traditions

Indian Art Boshisattva Padmapani 5 th century CE Ajanta Caves, India Painting Gupta period The serenity in his face reflects compassion Painted in the traditional tribhanga pose (Standing figure with a slightly s-curved body, weight shifted to one leg)

Indian Art Kandariya Mahadeo Temple 1025 – 1050 CE Khajuraho, India Architecture The largest tower is over 100 feet tall There are 84 smaller towers Placed on a masonry platform to add to its height and promote its majesty Full of erotic relief sculpture

Indian Art Taj Mahal Agra, India CE Architecture This is actually a mausoleum Built by Shah Jahan as a tribute to his wife Mumatz Mahal Islamic influence is clearly seen here

Indian Art Shiva Nataraja (Lord of the Dance)Shiva Nataraja (Lord of the Dance) 11 th – 12 th century CE11 th – 12 th century CE Chola, IndiaChola, India SculptureSculpture This is probably the most famous of Indian iconsThis is probably the most famous of Indian icons Shiva symbolizes both the creative and destructive forces in the universeShiva symbolizes both the creative and destructive forces in the universe A ring of fire surrounds him as his hair flies out in both directionsA ring of fire surrounds him as his hair flies out in both directions

Indian Art Tirumala Sri VenkateswaraTirumala Sri Venkateswara 16 th century CE16 th century CE ArchitectureArchitecture Tirupati, IndiaTirupati, India Temple complex covers over 2 acres of landTemple complex covers over 2 acres of land

Indian Art Sabarimala TempleSabarimala Temple CE CE Kerala, IndiaKerala, India ArchitectureArchitecture Series of Pilgrimage Temples where strict rules must be followed to enterSeries of Pilgrimage Temples where strict rules must be followed to enter Only men, women in menopause over 50 or girls under 10 are allowed insideOnly men, women in menopause over 50 or girls under 10 are allowed inside

Indian Art Akshradham TempleAkshradham Temple 2005 CE2005 CE Delhi, IndiaDelhi, India ArchitectureArchitecture Built to represent the Hindu religion in allegoryBuilt to represent the Hindu religion in allegory 141 feet high141 feet high

Indian Art Lotus Bah’ai TempleLotus Bah’ai Temple Delhi, IndiaDelhi, India ArchitectureArchitecture Home of the Ba’hai faith in IndiaHome of the Ba’hai faith in India Built to represent a Lotus flowerBuilt to represent a Lotus flower In Ba’hai faith all religions are welcome to come and worship god in whatever formIn Ba’hai faith all religions are welcome to come and worship god in whatever form

Indian Art Golden Temple (Hari Mandir)Golden Temple (Hari Mandir) CE CE Amritsar, IndiaAmritsar, India ArchitectureArchitecture A spot where the Buddha and several Gurus used to meditate, it was formerly a small rock in a lake surrounded by a forestA spot where the Buddha and several Gurus used to meditate, it was formerly a small rock in a lake surrounded by a forest

Indian Erotic Art

Southeast Asian Art

Bamayan Buddhas 3rd century C.E. Bamayan, Afghanistan Relief Sculpture 150 feet tall Destroyed by Taliban

Bamayan Buddhas (destroyed)

Death of the Buddha (Parinirvana) 11th - 12th century C.E. Gal Virhara, Sri Lanka Relief Sculpture

Cosmic Mountain ca. 800 C.E. Borobudur, Java, Indonesia Architecture 400 ft. wide – you walk around each level in prayer and meditation until you reach the top

Angkor Wat 12th century C.E. Angkor, Cambodia Architecture Most famous landmark and world heritage site in Cambodia

Angkor Wat

Towers of the Bayon 12th to 13th centuries C.E. Angkor Thom, Cambodia Architecture Similar in plan and purpose as Angkor Wat Capital of the Khmer Empire

Towers of the Bayon Detail

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