Art of India: Prehistory to the Present

Art of India: Prehistory to the Present provides a comprehensive survey of Indian art across multiple millennia. The book traces artistic developments from the earliest human settlements through contemporary times, covering sculpture, architecture, painting and decorative arts. Catherine B. Asher examines the cultural and historical contexts that shaped Indian artistic traditions, from religious influences to political patronage. The text integrates recent archaeological findings and scholarly research while exploring connections between different regions and time periods. The work analyzes major artistic movements, styles, and innovations through specific examples and case studies from across the subcontinent. Technical aspects of creation and materials are discussed alongside the social and spiritual functions of artworks. The book presents Indian art as a continuous yet evolving tradition that reflects the subcontinent's complex cultural exchanges and diverse influences. Through this lens, readers gain insight into how art has both shaped and been shaped by Indian civilization across time.

Limited reader reviews are available for this academic art history text. Readers noted the book's comprehensive scope and inclusion of Islamic and colonial art alongside Hindu/Buddhist traditions. Students found the chronological organization helpful for coursework. The high-quality color plates and architectural photographs received positive mentions. Critical feedback focused on the text's density and academic writing style, with some readers finding it challenging for self-study. A few reviews mentioned wanting more coverage of folk art and tribal traditions. Available Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (11 ratings, 0 written reviews) Amazon: Not enough ratings for average WorldCat: No ratings Due to its specialized academic nature and recent publication (2018), this book has minimal public reader reviews across online platforms. Most documented feedback comes from university course evaluations and academic journal reviews, which assess it primarily as a teaching text rather than for general readership.

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🎨 Catherine B. Asher spent over three decades teaching South Asian and Islamic art history at the University of Minnesota 📚 The book covers an immense timespan of approximately 5000 years of Indian art history, from early rock paintings to contemporary installations 🏛️ The author conducted extensive fieldwork in India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to document architectural monuments firsthand for her research 🖼️ The book challenges traditional Western art history approaches by emphasizing the continuous evolution and adaptation of Indian artistic traditions rather than treating them as static or isolated 🗿 Many of the sculptures and monuments featured in the book have religious significance across multiple faiths - including Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism - demonstrating India's unique religious plurality through art