An Introduction to Indian Art: A Comprehensive and Engaging Book by NCERT for Class 12 Students - Download PDF
History of Indian Art Book Class 12 PDF Download
If you are a student of class 12 who is interested in learning about the rich and diverse history of Indian art, then you should definitely read the book An Introduction to Indian Art published by NCERT. This book is designed to help you understand and appreciate the various forms and styles of art that have developed in India over thousands of years, from prehistoric times to modern times. In this article, we will give you an overview of what this book covers, how it can benefit you, and how you can download it for free in PDF format.
History Of Indian Art Book Class 12 Pdf Download
Overview of the book
The book An Introduction to Indian Art is divided into eight chapters, each covering a different period or aspect of Indian art history. The book follows a chronological order, starting from the earliest evidence of human creativity in India to the contemporary trends and movements in Indian art. The book also covers various themes and concepts that are relevant for understanding Indian art, such as religion, patronage, symbolism, aesthetics, etc. Here are the main topics covered in each chapter:
Prehistoric Rock Art
This chapter introduces you to the oldest forms of artistic expression in India, which are the paintings and engravings on rocks and caves made by prehistoric people. You will learn about how these artworks reflect the life, culture, beliefs, and imagination of their creators, as well as how they can be classified into different types and styles based on their location, technique, subject matter, etc. You will also learn about some of the famous sites where prehistoric rock art can be found in India, such as Bhimbetka, Mirzapur, Kaimur, etc.
Arts of the Indus Valley
This chapter introduces you to one of the earliest urban civilizations in the world, which flourished in India from around 2500 BCE to 1500 BCE. You will learn about how this civilization developed a sophisticated culture and a remarkable artistic tradition that can be seen in their architecture, sculpture, pottery, seals, jewelry, etc. You will also learn about some of the major sites where Indus Valley arts have been discovered, such as Harappa, Mohenjodaro, Lothal, Dholavira, etc.
Arts of the Mauryan Period
This chapter introduces you to the first imperial dynasty of India, which ruled from around 322 BCE to 185 BCE. You will learn about how this dynasty established a powerful and unified empire that extended from Afghanistan to Bengal, and how it patronized various forms of art and architecture, especially related to Buddhism. You will also learn about some of the most famous examples of Mauryan arts, such as the Ashokan pillars and edicts, the Sanchi stupa, the Bharhut stupa, etc.
Post-Mauryan Arts
This chapter introduces you to the period after the decline of the Mauryan empire, which saw the emergence of various regional kingdoms and dynasties that contributed to the diversity and richness of Indian art. You will learn about how different schools of art developed in different regions, such as Gandhara, Mathura, Amaravati, etc., and how they influenced each other and created unique styles and expressions. You will also learn about some of the most notable examples of post-Mauryan arts, such as the Gandhara Buddha statues, the Mathura Yakshas and Yakshis, the Amaravati sculptures, etc.
Arts of the Gupta Period
This chapter introduces you to the period that is often considered as the golden age of Indian art and culture, which lasted from around 320 CE to 550 CE. You will learn about how this period witnessed the revival and expansion of Hinduism and Buddhism, and how it produced some of the finest examples of art and architecture in India. You will also learn about some of the most famous examples of Gupta arts, such as the Ajanta cave paintings, the Ellora cave temples, the Sarnath Buddha statue, etc.
Early Medieval Arts
This chapter introduces you to the period that saw the rise and fall of various dynasties and kingdoms in different parts of India, which lasted from around 550 CE to 1200 CE. You will learn about how this period was marked by the development of temple architecture and sculpture in various regions, such as North India, South India, Central India, etc., and how they reflected the religious and cultural diversity of India. You will also learn about some of the most famous examples of early medieval arts, such as the Khajuraho temples, the Kailashnath temple, the Brihadeshwara temple, etc.
Late Medieval Arts
This chapter introduces you to the period that saw the arrival and establishment of Islamic rule in India, which lasted from around 1200 CE to 1700 CE. You will learn about how this period brought a new dimension and influence to Indian art and culture, and how it resulted in a fusion of styles and traditions. You will also learn about some of the most famous examples of late medieval arts, such as the Qutub Minar, the Taj Mahal, the Fatehpur Sikri complex, etc.
Modern Indian Arts
This chapter introduces you to the period that saw the impact and challenge of colonialism and nationalism on Indian art and culture, which lasted from around 1700 CE to 1947 CE. You will learn about how this period witnessed a transformation and innovation in Indian art, as well as a revival and resistance to foreign domination. You will also learn about some of the most famous examples of modern Indian arts, such as the Bengal School paintings, the Raja Ravi Varma paintings, the Amrita Sher-Gil paintings, etc.
Benefits of the book
The book An Introduction to Indian Art is not only informative but also engaging and inspiring for students who want to learn more about Indian art history. Some of the benefits of reading this book are:
It helps you to develop a comprehensive and holistic understanding of Indian art history, by covering various periods, regions, styles, forms, themes, concepts, etc.
It helps you to appreciate the diversity and richness of Indian art history, by highlighting its uniqueness as well as its interactions with other cultures and influences.
It helps you to develop your critical thinking and analytical skills, by encouraging you to observe, compare, contrast, interpret, evaluate, etc., different artworks and their contexts.
It helps you to develop your aesthetic sense and creativity skills, by exposing you to various examples of artistic expression and beauty in Indian art history.
It helps you to prepare for your board exams as well as competitive exams like JEE Main Paper 2 (B.Arch/B.Planning), NATA (National Aptitude Test in Architecture), NID (National Institute of Design), etc., by providing you with relevant information and practice questions.
How to download the book
If you are convinced that this book is worth reading, you might be wondering how to get it. Well, the good news is that you can download it for free in PDF format from the official website of NCERT. Here are the steps to download the book:
Visit the official website of NCERT at ncert.nic.in.
Click on E-books available on the links section on the home page.
A new page will open where you can choose the format of the book i.e., PDF, Flipbook, or ePub.
Select the class (Class 12), the subject (Fine Arts), and the book title (An Introduction to Indian Art) and click on Go.
A new page will open where you can see the cover page and the table of contents of the book.
Click on the chapter you want to download or click on Download Complete Book to download the whole book.
The PDF file will open in a new tab or window. You can save it on your device or print it for your convenience.
Conclusion
In conclusion, we hope that this article has given you a clear idea of what the book An Introduction to Indian Art is about and why you should read it. This book is a valuable resource for students who want to learn more about the history of Indian art and appreciate its beauty and diversity. It covers various periods, regions, styles, forms, themes, and concepts of Indian art history in a comprehensive and engaging manner. It also helps you to develop your skills and prepare for your exams. You can download this book for free in PDF format from the official website of NCERT. So, what are you waiting for? Download and read this book today and discover the fascinating world of Indian art history.
FAQs
What is the name of the book?The name of the book is An Introduction to Indian Art.
Who is the publisher of the book?The publisher of the book is NCERT (National Council of Educational Research and Training).
What is the purpose of the book?The purpose of the book is to help students of class 12 to learn and appreciate the history of Indian art.
How many chapters are there in the book?There are eight chapters in the book, each covering a different period or aspect of Indian art history.
How can I download the book?You can download the book for free in PDF format from the official website of NCERT at ncert.nic.in.
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