History of Indian Art
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course aims to provide students with a basic introduction to South Asian visual arts from a historical perspective, from the earliest evidence up to the time of the great Mughals.
Expected learning outcomes
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.
Lesson period: Second semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
Second semester
Course syllabus
Course title:
General outlines of the art history of India, from protohistory to the Mughal era.
The course aims to provide a general overview of the main artistic expressions of the Indian subcontinent, from the earliest protohistoric attestations in the Indus Valley up to the age of the great Mughals (17th century), through the analysis of a sequence of most important works and sites, connected with the different religious and cultural orientations.
General outlines of the art history of India, from protohistory to the Mughal era.
The course aims to provide a general overview of the main artistic expressions of the Indian subcontinent, from the earliest protohistoric attestations in the Indus Valley up to the age of the great Mughals (17th century), through the analysis of a sequence of most important works and sites, connected with the different religious and cultural orientations.
Prerequisites for admission
No prerequisites for admission.
Teaching methods
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.
Teaching Resources
- Vidya Dehejia, Indian Art, London-New York, Phaidon Press 1997, up to chapter 14 included.
- Partha Mitter, Indian Art, Oxford, Oxford University Press 2001, Part I and II.
- Partha Mitter, Indian Art, Oxford, Oxford University Press 2001, Part I and II.
Assessment methods and Criteria
The exam is oral and lasts approximately 45 minutes. Broadly, it consists of one or two questions on each of these areas, based on the images in the textbooks and slides: protohistoric period, and early Buddhist art; Hindu and Jain art; Indo-Islamic and Rajput art. The student is shown an image, and is asked, in this order: to identify the work, its period and dynasty of reference, and the place where it was created (exact site, and current Indian State or extra-Indian Country); to illustrate its typology, significance and destination; then to describe, specifically, its salient details. Overall, the assessment, on a scale of 30 (minimum passing grade 18), will consider the use of appropriate language, the accuracy in terminology and main proper names, and the capacity to effectively synthesise the data.
Students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
Students with disabilities should contact the teacher of the course, in order to discuss alternative examination methods, in agreement with the competent Office.
L-OR/16 - INDIAN AND CENTRAL ASIAN ARCHAEOLOGY AND ART HISTORY - University credits: 6
Lessons: 40 hours
Professor:
Pieruccini Cinzia Daniela
Professor(s)
Reception:
Sheet to register in the 'Contents' of the MyAriel pages of Indology and History of Indian and Central Asian Art
Professor's office, Festa del Perdono 7