Indian Art (Art & Ideas) - Softcover

Dehejia, Vidya

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0714834963 ISBN 13: 9780714834962

Publisher: Phaidon, 1997

Synopsis

A full and up-to-date history of the subcontinent's artistic heritage.

About this title

Review:

"This is certainly the best book covering the full history of Indian Art. It is accessible but at the same time raises important issues and has the distinct advantage of comprehensive coverage..."―Frederick Asher, Department of Art History, University of Minnesota

"A compact volume that is beautifully illustrated, delightfully written and well suited to those approaching Indian art for the first time."―The Times Higher Education Supplement

On the Art & Ideas series

"Art & Ideas has broken new ground in making accessible authoritative views on periods, movements and concepts in art. As a series it represents a real advance in publishing."―Sir Nicholas Serota, Director, Tate London

"The format is wonderful and offers what had long been missing in academic studies: usable manuals for specific themes or periods... I am definitely not alone in welcoming Art & Ideas as a precious set of teaching tools."―Joachim Pissarro, Yale University

"Phaidon's series may prove to be the pick of the crop. It boasts expert but undogmatic texts and a wealth of illustrations."―The Sunday Telegraph

Synopsis:

This text looks at the role of art in the Indian subcontinent and then analyzes early art from the Indus civilization (2000 BC) to the time of Buddha (c.5000 BC). The Mauryan emperor Ashoka (4th century BC), was an important player in the dissemination of Buddhism, using art to this end. A stable economic base and the rise of a mercantile community were important in Buddhism's growth. Inscriptions show that the contributions to pay for art came from housewives, householders, merchants, traders and a range of other "common" people. The vibrant narrative tradition displayed in this art is analyzed. The text goes on to examine the development of the Buddha image and the art of later esoteric Buddhism; the Islamic aesthetic; the art of the Mughal empire; the art and architecture of Rajasthan; and British imperial art and architecture.

About this edition

• Publisher: Phaidon
• Publication date: 1997
• ISBN 10: 0714834963
• ISBN 13: 9780714834962
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 450