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Art Of India > Exam 1 > Flashcards

Exam 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Western Cultural Bias

A

Monotheism: Western Culture
Polytheism: Hinduism
Ideas about Progress
History as Linear Progression
Cyclical View of History

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2
Q

History as Linear Progression

A

Christian Narrative is linear. Creation, a fall from grace, redemption and chance at salvation. Is presented as a tragic human story of loss, self-sacrifice, atonement

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3
Q

Cyclical View of History

A

A dynamic, joyous, cyclical image,
“Nataraja” -“Lord of the Dance”
Brahma - Creator of the universe
Vishnu - Preserver
Shiva - The Destroyer

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4
Q

Harappa

A

Northern part of India
“Nude Male” ca. 2300-1750
Polykleitos “Spear Carrier” 450 - 440 BCE
Civilization declines and replaced by village life - production of script, seals, sculptures declines and almost ends. Apparently however some of the religious foundations remain.

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5
Q

Non-Western

A

The term “Non-Western” implies a negative connotation. Though not intentional it does speak to a “lack” of scholarship on the subject.
Western is the Americas, and Europe

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6
Q

Ideas about Progress

A

abstraction, naturalism is no longer the guiding principle for artists. Attitudes about sexuality have changed. Also in academia multiculturalism in now in vogue.

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7
Q

Diversity and Continuity

A

Diversity:
Culture is ancient
20 different languages
Tropical jungles in the south, mountain north, desert west
Continuity:
Official and national language is Hindi but English is linguistic link between the various regions / communities.

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8
Q

Indus Valley Civilization

A

Region that is now Pakistan
India. Similar to Ancient Mesopotamian cultures
Some of Religious and cultural practices would be passed on.

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9
Q

Mohenjo-daro

A

ca. 2600 BCE -Monumental architecture / mud-brick houses / sewage systems / ceramics
Artificial substructures raised buildings above plains demonstrating attempt to account for seasonal flooding
The cities housed a variety of public buildings
“Great Bath”
Multiple centers dedicated to craft making: Ceramics, terracotta sculpture, bead making, shell carving, etc.
Mohenjo-Daro seals were square with knob and often carved with raised image so impression is indented into clay .

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10
Q

“Great Bath”

A

Functioned as a public recreational bathing facility but also ritual bathing. One of world’s first sophisticated water supply systems
o Surrounding it were porticoes and rooms with a stairway leading to an upper level

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11
Q

Polykleitos “Spear Carrier” 450 - 440 BCE

A

Version of the ideal human form but also expression of the idea of duality which is a reflection of the human condition.
Poised between tension and relaxation - metaphor for belief humans should strive to achieve balance.
Understanding the relationship of muscles to skeleton

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12
Q

“Unicorn Seal”(Mold) - Mohenjo-Daro ca. 2300 BCE

A

Likely attached to bales of merchandise to identify individuals, families, traders. Was to signify ownership.

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13
Q

Yoga

A

Usage today is to practice controlling the body and relaxing the mind to “YOKE” or unite with the divine universal forces. Suggests this kind of practice had long history

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14
Q

“Prana”

A

Filled with living breath, breathing control used in yoga

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15
Q

Tribhanga

A

(three bends pose): body bends at neck, waist, knee

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16
Q

Brahmin

A

Priest

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17
Q

Stupa

A

Memorial ground
meant as aniconic representation of Buddha himself AND his enlightenment / Nirvana. His imminent “reality” (his relics) AND his higher transcendental actuality.

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18
Q

Bodhisattva

A

On the brink of enlightenment, but delay in order to help others get there
depicted in rich jewelry, dressed elaborately
“Buddha of the future”

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19
Q

Trefoil

A

In Sumerian art trefoil designs are found on sacred objects suggesting this figure is a priest or king or both.
Ø Three leaf clover like

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20
Q

The middle path

A

Shuns extreme penance and sensual indulgence. Must live in a the world.

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21
Q

Samsara

A

Coming into existence

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22
Q

Karma

A

Actions of life

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23
Q

Moksha

A

Hindu- liberation

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24
Q

Nirvana

A

Buddhist- cessation

25
Buddha
Buddha born Prince Siddhartha Gautama in Nepal. His teachings were against traditional Vedic hierarchy. would be either the ruler of the world OR a great spiritual leader. Leaves palace at 29 and encounters human suffering for the first time - renounces materialism and begins path towards enlightenment. Follows a path of asceticism, self discipline and meditation. Eventually adopts a "middle-way" Tempted by demon Mara, resists and achieves enlightenment and becomes a Buddha.
26
Ashoka
unites almost all of the Indian sub-continent and parts of central Asia after a series of violent campaigns then converts to Buddhism. Begins first official sponsorship of Buddhism. renounces violence expressing regret of the slaughter caused by his conquests and sets forth code of righteous living. Edicts inscribed on rocks and pillars throughout his empire. greatest accomplishment was redistribution of Buddha's relics.
27
Yakshi
Personify fertility and vegetation
28
Chaitya hall
1st century BCE Architectural building in a cave, a place to get away from distractions cooler and dryer Carved to imitate the earlier wooden structures, added detail, sculptural, acts as a reminder to the Buddhist philosophy that life is an illusion
29
Mithuna couple
Loving couple
30
Ushnisha
Top knot, great wisdom, looks like man bun but is growth on head
31
Urna
Forehead whirl of hair (where Tika goes)
32
Mudra
Hand gestures "abhaya mudra" do not fear, gesture of Blessing and protection
33
Hand gestures
“Dhyana mudra" signifies meditation, right hand over the left both palms up "Bhumispara mudra" right hand reaching to the ground "Dharmachakra mudra" wheel of the law, right thumb and index finger forming a circle
34
Aniconic
Didn't make imagery
35
Jatakas
Stories depicting the life of Buddha in symbolic form. Buddhists used story telling to popularize the faith. Reliefs make access to the faith easier
36
Theravada Buddhis
Oldest upholds monastic path and recognizes primacy/ humanity of historical Buddha
37
Mahayana Buddhism
Believed in possibility of universal salvation. Practitioners assisted by bodhisattvas
38
Vajrayana (Tantric) Buddhism
Practices follow ancient Vedic/ Hindu ritual texts and other esoteric acts considered taboo. Practice in secret with help of spiritual guide
39
Buddhism art
Gandhara and Kushan period, 2nd/3rd century CE Two distinct type of images of Buddha (seated and standing) They needed something to direct their personal devotion into worship to (thinks means that Buddha is now in human form) Gandaran version is an image of Buddha done in Western style but with Buddhist iconography. Its possible roman artists were brought to India by Kushan empowers Physical features identify his role as spiritual leader Elongated earlobes from jewelry he wore when he was a prince, now gone Mathura version, more indigenous depiction, much closer to the Indian portrayal of yakshis/yakshas
40
CASTE SYSTEM:
Brahmin ("Priests") Ksatriya ("Warriors") Vaisya ("Farmers") Sudra ("Artisans/ worker class") Outcasts / Untouchables
41
Four Great Miracles of Buddha:
1) Birth Mother Maya in a three send pose 2nd century CE Still depicted as Buddha even before he reached enlightenment 2) Enlightenment "The life and death of Buddha", Demons of Mara (unwholesome impulsions) tempt him 3) First Sermon "The life and death of Buddha- Preaching" Depicts him in the deer park 4) Death and Nirvana "The life and death of Buddha- death" His followers are overcome with grief except the monks who recognize he will permanently be released from suffering
42
Four Noble Truths:
1) Life is suffering 2) Suffering is caused by desire 3) Desire can be overcome by conquering ignorance 4) Follow an upright path
43
Circumambulation
higher transcendental actuality
44
Harmika
Zenith of buddhas journey
45
Vedika
Railway around elevated walkway
46
Tornana
Gateway
47
Two types of rock cut architecture:
Vihara - living spaces for monks Chaitya Halls - Congregational use
48
Hindu Art
Hinduism replaces Buddhism as main religion in India. Hindus recognize no great founder or prophet. Belief system based on accumulation of sacred and devotional texts, myths, rituals & practices. Literary sources date back to Vedic period - shares much in common with Buddhism.
49
Hindu Cosmology: Reincarnation and Karma - "Cause and Effect"
Universe is cyclical Form of an egg superstars into regions where Gods, Demons, and humans battle for control.They represent forces of both order and chaos Struggle is necessary/ desirable search for balance between opposite forces. Ritual sacrifice to please a deity , believe they can form personal bonds to a deity and share in it's wisdom and blessings. Ultimate goal is moksha or liberation Hindus believe the body is the vehicle for the soul. If made in the proper way the deity can be induced into inhabiting the image. Pantheon of god/goddess is vast, complex, and syncretic
50
Snakes and Ladders
Hindu game about reincarnation, karma and the souls journey to Moksha. Cause and effect Your soul can migrate forwards and backwards You start at number 36, represents when your soul reaches human consciences and you can determine your own fate by how you act Hindus don't believe in "eternal damnation" or Hell.
51
Main Gods In Hinduism
Brahma (Creator) male Vishnu (Preserver) male (supreme god of vishnuism) Shiva (Destroyer) male (supreme god of shivuism) Devi (Great Mother ) female (supreme god of shaktism)
52
Mandala
Cosmic design
53
Shiva lingam
Shiva worshipped in abstract form, represents his omnipotence, a formless figure)
54
Yoni
Symbolic representation of the female figure
55
Shakti
Having a powerful female energy
56
Dharma
The law
57
Manifest
How a god is depicted
58
Puja
Devotional ritual involves all the senses

Art Of India (3 decks)

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