About the Seminar
This seminar seeks to examine regional variations in sculptural and painting traditions and their continuing relevance in the study of Indian art heritage.
- Early Regional Sculptural Traditions
- Temple Sculpture & Architectural Ornamentation
- Regional Schools of Miniature Painting
- Iconography & Stylistic Variations
- Revival Movements & Contemporary Relevance
Seminar Schedule
Early Art & Stylistic Tradition
Regional Schools of Art
Regional variation in Temple Architecture & Decorative Elements
Indian Art: Ornamentation, Jewellery & Material Nuances
Regional Schools of Miniature Painting
Indian Sacred Art, Murals & Narrative Paintings
Pala School: Patronage & Thangka Art
Session Insights
Explore the core themes and scholarly discussions covered in each specialized session of the national seminar.
Early Art & Stylistic Tradition
This session explores the foundational aesthetics of Indian art, focusing on the stylistic variations that emerged from early Buddhist sites. Scholars analyze the interplay between Hellenistic influences and indigenous traditions, reinterpreting Yakshi imagery and the sculptural finesse found in the Deccan region's cave-to-temple evolution.
- Iconographic variations in Pāli Suttas
- Gandharan Buddha images beyond Hellenism
- Kushana-period indigenous continuity
Regional Schools of Art
A deep dive into the diverse regional expressions across India. From the iconological study of Bhairava sculptures in the Hoysala school to the sacred art of Kamakhya, this session highlights how regional identities shaped India's sculptural heritage through unique ornamentation and form.
- Hoysala and Pallava artistic idioms
- Sacred art of North-Eastern India
- Anthropology of indigenous cave art
Temple Architecture & Decorative Elements
Analyzing the evolution of temple forms, this session compares the Nagara and Dravida traditions through their architectural ornamentation. Discussions focus on the sense of geometry and proportion that conditioned medieval Hindu temples, using case studies from the Chalukyas of Vatapi to Thadipatri.
- Comparative architectural ornamentation
- Geometry and proportion in medieval art
- Chalukyan cave and structural temples
Indian Art: Ornamentation & Material Nuances
Investigating the material culture of ancient India through ornamentation and jewellery. Scholars examine regional disparities in Śuńgan jewellery repertoire and the aesthetics of Lakshmi-Narayan sculptures, alongside the stylistic variations of Jain Bas-Reliefs in the Madurai region.
- Material nuances in Śuńgan jewellery
- Tantric and Yogini iconographic aspects
- Jain rock-cut sculptural landscapes
Regional Schools of Miniature Painting
Tracing the evolution of Indian miniature schools, including Mandi, Garhwal, and Mughal traditions. The session explores how artistic migration transformed imperial court styles into regional aesthetics, covering ritualistic Bhil paintings and the lithic lineage of Pithora art.
- Evolution of Mandi and Garhwal schools
- Transformation of Mughal painting in Awadh
- Ritualistic and utilitarian folk art traditions
Indian Sacred Art, Murals & Narrative Paintings
Examining the vibrant world of mural paintings and narrative art. From Janamsakhi paintings in Sikh art to the Galtaji murals of Jaipur, scholars discuss how visual narratives mirror religious texts and the historical significance of Deccan performance paintings.
- Janamsakhi visual narratives in Sikh art
- Galtaji and Bandhativare mural panels
- Chitrakathi performance painting traditions
Pala School: Patronage & Thangka Art
This final session focuses on the sophisticated Pala school, its patronage, and the plurality of bronze casting. Discussions extend to the history of Thangka painting in Bihar, the military architecture in miniature traditions, and the socio-economic impact of historical trade routes.
- Regional plurality in Pala Bronzes
- History and evolution of Thangka art
- Military architecture in visual traditions
