The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington: How to Get the Best Book on Indian Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain Art
Susan L Huntington The Art Of Ancient India Pdf Download
Are you interested in learning more about the rich and diverse artistic heritage of South Asia? Do you want to discover how the ancient civilizations of India expressed their religious beliefs, cultural values, and aesthetic sensibilities through their magnificent creations? If so, you should definitely check out The Art of Ancient India, a comprehensive and authoritative book by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington.
Susan L Huntington The Art Of Ancient India Pdf Download
Susan L Huntington is a professor emerita of history of art at Ohio State University. She is an expert on Indian Buddhist art and iconography. John C Huntington is a professor emeritus of South Asian art at Ohio State University. He is a specialist in early Indian Buddhist art. Together, they have written one of the most definitive works on the art of ancient India ever published.
In this article, we will give you an overview of what this book covers, why it is important, and how you can access it. We will also provide you with some other resources to help you appreciate and enjoy the art of ancient India. Read on to find out more!
What is the art of ancient India?
The art of ancient India refers to the artistic production that took place in South Asia from prehistoric times until the arrival of Islam in the 12th century CE. It encompasses a variety of media, such as sculpture, painting, architecture, textiles, jewelry, coins, etc. It also reflects a diversity of religious traditions, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Jainism, etc.
The art of ancient India is characterized by its sophistication, creativity, and originality. It shows a remarkable ability to adapt to different geographical regions, historical periods, and cultural influences. It also reveals a deep understanding of human psychology, cosmology, and spirituality.
Some of the main themes and features that can be observed in the art of ancient India are:
The use of symbols, icons, and narratives to convey religious teachings and stories
The representation of the divine in various forms, such as anthropomorphic, zoomorphic, aniconic, etc.
The depiction of the natural world and its elements, such as animals, plants, mountains, rivers, etc.
The expression of emotions, moods, and attitudes, such as joy, sorrow, devotion, anger, etc.
The exploration of aesthetic concepts, such as beauty, harmony, proportion, rhythm, etc.
The development of regional and dynastic styles, such as Gandhara, Mathura, Gupta, Pallava, Chola, etc.
The incorporation of foreign influences, such as Greek, Persian, Central Asian, Southeast Asian, etc.
Why is the art of ancient India important?
The art of ancient India is important for many reasons. It is not only a source of visual pleasure and inspiration, but also a valuable resource for learning about the history, culture, and spirituality of South Asia. Some of the benefits of studying and appreciating the art of ancient India are:
It helps us understand the origins and development of some of the major religions and philosophies of the world, such as Buddhism, Hinduism, and Jainism
It reveals the diversity and complexity of the ancient Indian society and its interactions with other civilizations
It demonstrates the artistic achievements and innovations of the ancient Indian artists and craftsmen
It expresses the universal values and aspirations of the human spirit
It enriches our cultural awareness and appreciation
How to access the art of ancient India?
There are many ways to access the art of ancient India. You can visit museums, temples, and monuments that display or house some of the finest examples of this art. You can also read books and articles that provide detailed information and analysis of this art. You can also watch documentaries and videos that showcase and explain this art. Here are some suggestions for each option:
Visiting museums, temples, and monuments
If you have the opportunity to travel to India or other countries that have a significant collection of ancient Indian art, you should definitely take advantage of it. There is nothing like seeing these artworks in person and experiencing their beauty and power firsthand. Some of the most famous and impressive examples of the art of ancient India that you can see in person are:
The Ajanta caves: a series of rock-cut Buddhist cave temples dating from the 2nd century BCE to the 6th century CE in Maharashtra, India. They are renowned for their exquisite paintings and sculptures depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and his previous incarnations
The Khajuraho temples: a group of Hindu and Jain temples built between the 10th and 12th centuries CE in Madhya Pradesh, India. They are famous for their erotic sculptures that represent various aspects of human sexuality and spirituality
The Sanchi stupa: a large hemispherical mound containing relics of Buddha and his followers. It was built in the 3rd century BCE by Emperor Ashoka and later embellished with gateways and railings decorated with relief carvings depicting stories from Buddhism
The Ellora caves: a complex of 34 rock-cut Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain temples and monasteries dating from the 6th to the 10th centuries CE in Maharashtra, India. They are remarkable for their architectural diversity and artistic excellence
Reading books and articles
If you want to learn more about the art of ancient India in depth and detail, you should read some of the best books and articles on this topic. These will provide you with comprehensive information and analysis of this art, as well as illustrations and photographs to help you visualize it. Some of the best books and articles on the art of ancient India are:
The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington: This is one of the most definitive works on the art of ancient India ever published. It covers every aspect of this art, from its prehistoric roots to its Islamic period, from its northern Himalayan regions to its tropical south, and from its earliest writings to its most modern scholarship. It is also generously complemented with 775 illustrations, including 48 in full color and numerous architectural ground plans, detailed maps and fine drawings. It is also enhanced by its guide to Sanskrit, copious notes, extensive bibliography, of South Asian art terms. It is the most comprehensive and most fully illustrated study of South Asian art available.
Indian Art by Vidya Dehejia: This is a concise and accessible introduction to the art of India. It covers the main periods and styles of Indian art, from the Indus Valley civilization to the modern era, and explores the themes and meanings of Indian art in relation to its religious and cultural context. It also includes over 200 color illustrations, maps, timelines, and a glossary.
The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham: This is a classic and influential work on the history and culture of India. It covers the ancient and medieval periods of Indian civilization, from the Harappan culture to the Delhi Sultanate, and examines the various aspects of Indian society, such as religion, philosophy, literature, art, science, etc. It also includes illustrations, maps, charts, and a bibliography.
The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington
As we mentioned earlier, The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington is one of the best books on this topic. It is divided into four parts: Part I: The Prehistoric Period; Part II: The Early Historic Period; Part III: The Classical Period; and Part IV: The Medieval Period. Each part consists of several chapters that deal with specific regions, dynasties, or genres of art. For example, Part II includes chapters on Gandhara art, Mathura art, Kushan art, etc.
The book provides a thorough and balanced overview of the art of ancient India, highlighting its diversity and complexity. It also offers a critical and contextual analysis of the art, relating it to its historical, religious, and cultural background. It also discusses the various sources and methods of studying the art, such as texts, inscriptions, archaeology, iconography, etc.
The book is written in a clear and engaging style that appeals to both scholars and general readers. It also uses various features to enhance the readability and understanding of the book, such as headings, subheadings, summaries, quotations, captions, etc. It also uses various devices to make the book more attractive and informative, such as tables, charts, diagrams, maps, drawings, and photographs.
The book is a valuable resource for anyone who wants to learn more about the art of ancient India. It is not only a source of information and analysis, but also a source of inspiration and appreciation.
Watching documentaries and videos
If you prefer to watch rather than read, you can also access the art of ancient India through documentaries and videos. These will show you some of the most stunning and spectacular examples of this art, as well as explain their history, meaning, and significance. Some of the most informative and entertaining documentaries and videos on the art of ancient India are:
The Story of India by Michael Wood: This is a six-part documentary series that traces the history and culture of India from its ancient origins to its modern challenges. It covers topics such as the Indus Valley civilization, the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta Golden Age, the Mughal Empire, the British Raj, and independent India. It also features some of the most remarkable artworks and monuments of India, such as Mohenjo-daro, Ashoka's pillars, Ajanta caves, Taj Mahal, etc.
Lost Worlds of India by National Geographic: This is a documentary that explores some of the most fascinating and mysterious aspects of ancient Indian civilization, such as its urban planning, its maritime trade, its scientific achievements, its religious diversity, etc. It also showcases some of the most impressive artworks and artifacts of ancient India, such as Harappan seals, Buddhist sculptures, Hindu temples, Jain manuscripts, etc.
The Art of India by Andrew Graham-Dixon: This is a three-part documentary series that examines the artistic legacy of India from its prehistoric beginnings to its contemporary expressions. It covers topics such as the origins and development of Indian art, the influence of foreign cultures on Indian art, the role of religion and spirituality in Indian art, the diversity and creativity of Indian art, etc. It also presents some of the most beautiful and influential artworks and artists of India, such as rock paintings, Buddha images, Rajput miniatures, Ravi Varma, M.F. Husain, etc.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the art of ancient India is a vast and varied field of study that offers a wealth of knowledge and enjoyment. It is a reflection of the ancient Indian civilization and its achievements, challenges, and aspirations. It is also a manifestation of the human spirit and its expression, exploration, and transcendence.
If you want to learn more about the art of ancient India, you should definitely download The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington. It is one of the most comprehensive and authoritative books on this topic. It will provide you with everything you need to know about the art of ancient India, from its prehistoric roots to its Islamic period, from its northern Himalayan regions to its tropical south, and from its earliest writings to its most modern scholarship.
So what are you waiting for? Download The Art of Ancient India today and discover the wonder that was India!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers about the book and the art of ancient India:
Where can I download The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington?
You can download The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington from various online platforms, such as Amazon, Google Books, Archive.org, etc. You can also find it in some libraries and bookstores.
How much does The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington cost?
The price of The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington may vary depending on the platform, format, edition, and condition of the book. Generally, it ranges from $50 to $200 for a hardcover copy and from $10 to $50 for a paperback or e-book copy.
How long is The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington?
The Art of Ancient India by Susan L Huntington and John C Huntington is a very long and detailed book. It has 816 pages, including 775 illustrations, 48 in full color and numerous architectural ground plans, detailed maps and fine drawings. It also has a guide to Sanskrit, copious notes, extensive bibliography, and glossary of South Asian art terms.
What are some other good books on the art of ancient India?
Some other good books on the art of ancient India are:
Indian Art by Vidya Dehejia
The Wonder That Was India by A.L. Basham
A History of Indian Art by Pramod Chandra
Ancient Indian Art and Architecture by Benoy K Behl
The Sensuous and the Sacred: Chola Bronzes from South India by Vidya Dehejia et al.
What are some other good documentaries and videos on the art of ancient India?
Some other good documentaries and videos on the art of ancient India are:
The Story of India by Michael Wood
Lost Worlds of India by National Geographic
The Art of India by Andrew Graham-Dixon
Cave Temples of Dunhuang: Buddhist Art on China's Silk Road by Getty Museum
The Splendor of Islamic Calligraphy in India by Smithsonian Channel
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