Oct. 2, 2009
Art 173

Indian Painting Schools

Mughal Court (Patrons: emperors and courtiers at the central court)

Rajput Schools (Patrons: Hindu kings and courtiers)
Rajashani (from Hindu kingdoms in Northwestern India, Rajasthan)
                        Examples: Mewar and Kishangarh
Pahari Schools (from Kingdom in the Punjab Hills of Northern India)
                        Example: Kangra

Deccani Schools (Patrons: Deccan Sultanates and aristocrats of South Central India)

Paper One

Examples of good thesis statements,  and points of proof:

“Life of the Buddha” miniatures by Sar Kong, 1939

“Although produced relatively recently, this piece combines thousands of years of Buddhist tradition with its fine craftsmanship to make it a much more powerful religious work that it initially appears.”

1. illustrates Buddhacarita (Acts of the Life of the Buddha)
2. lines, shapes, and patterns, and space portray time and motion in the narrative

sub-point: rhythm and repetition result in unity, a central concept in Buddhism

1. choice of medium (Palmyra leaves, gold ink) support tradition and assert importance of Buddha’s life to followers

“Head of Buddha”

“Although the sculpture of the Buddha is out of [its original] context, its creator had presumably different intentions than the artisans who constructed the stupas. The sculptor’s choice of subject matter, his use of space, and the rhythm he established in the Buddha Head produce a work of art that does more than just venerate the Buddha. The sculpture reveals a definite desire by the artist or his contractor to proclaim an attainable enlightenment through the Buddha’s path.”