These resources will provide you with an
overview of Indian and Southeast Asian art. They will
introduce you to images, vocabulary, styles, and
deities. Other sections of this guide may also
include introductory tools, so be sure to visit them
if your interests lie in a related field.
Surveys are an excellent place to begin learning
about a subject. In the field of art, they provide
information about religion, schools of art, various
art forms, and images of art. Several useful surveys
include:
Agrawal, Usha. Directory of Museums in
India. New Delhi: Sundeep Prakashan, 2000.
Art Reference AM73 .A2 A37 2000
This directory provides information about museums of
all types, including arts and crafts, and
architecture. Arranged by state and city, most
entries provide addresses, phone numbers, admissions
fees and policies, closed days, types of collection,
and a short desciption.
Blurton, T. Richard. Hindu Art.
Cambridge: Harvard University Press, 1993.
Art N8195.A4 B58 1993
This book is an excellent overview of Hindu deities,
including their functions, history, and legends. It
covers such works as sculpture, painting, and ritual
objects used in the worship of many Hindu gods and
goddesses. Chapters cover Shiva, Vishnu, and Devi,
and provide a regional examination of Hindu art. With
a glossary, bibliography, and color images, this work
provides a helpful overview of Hindu art.
Harte, J.C. The Art and Architecture of the
Indian Subcontinent. New York: Viking Penguin,
1986.
Art Reference N7301 .H245 1986
Arranged chronoligically, then regionally, this
work emphasizes the character, origin, and
development of Indian architecture. While the focus
is on India, the work provides information on
Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It includes
black and white illustrations and photographs, maps,
a pronunication guide, and a bibliography.
Timeline
of Art History. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
http://www.metmuseum.org/toah/splash.htm
"Provides an overview of world art history though
chronologies, maps, and themes, and currently
highlights works of art through 1400 AD in the
Museum's collection." Select "World Map" - South and
Southeast Asia to learn specifically about that
region.
Rawson, Philip S. The Art of Southeast Asia:
Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos, Burma, Java,
Bali. New York: Thames and Hudson, 1990.
Art N5877.A8 R3 1995
Organized by country, this work examines temples,
sculptures and tools from the earliest appearances of
civilization in the area. Its black and white and
color images, and historical information make this
survey an excellent resource for gaining a
understanding of the context in which Southeast Asian
art developed.
Tadgell, Christopher. The History of
Architecture in India: From the Dawn of Civilization
to the End of the Raj. London: Architecture,
Design, and Technology Press, 1990.
Art NA1501 .T33 1990
This comprehansive work provides a basic
introduction to the culture and history of India.
Chapters are arranged chronologically, and then
subdivided by form, building types, and region,
covering up to post-colonial architecture. Color and
black and white illustrations make this a very useful
volume.
