Abstract
The period between 4th-7th centuries CE was an important one in the history of South Asian
cultural expressions. as during this time many idioms in various cultural fields were evolved that were
emulated by subsequent generations. Specifically in the field of South Asian art, certain norms evolved
in the delineation of the human figure that remained very influential for several centuries and have
captured the attention of the modern scholars for almost a century. For example. in architecture, the
Hindu temple evolved its specific features in stone for the first time during this period and it was this
form of the temple that was to form the model for the subsequent temples, though elaborations and
modifications were made in the basic structure of the temple across the time and space of the Indian
subcontinent. This is not to say that this period was perfect or 'golden' in all respects, but in the field
of art and architecture it marks an important epoch. Hence, to anyone interested in South Asian art
history, studying the ways in which the scholarly writings have represented the evolution of art during
4th-7th centuries CE in the Indian subcontinent is of great relevance, since the study of ancient South
Asian art of periods beyond 7th century CE are also influenced by the way people have studied the art
of this period. This paper makes an attempt to critically view the various scholarly representations of
the art of 4th to 7th century CE and also the way this has influenced the readings of the art of post
7th century CE, that have existed in the historiography of South Asian art for quite some time. Since
the writings on this theme are numerous, only some major works have been discussed in this paper.
ARCHANA VERMA . (2010) Representing South Asian Art (4th Century CE and Beyond) Some Critical Perspectives , Pakistan Heritage, Volume 2, Issue 1.
-
Views
780 -
Downloads
74
