The Hindu Temple

The creation of sacred images and sacred spaces has been a major feature of the Hindu tradition for the last two thousand years.

This module examines key themes and issues in the study of Hindu art and architecture. The material discussed may include temples, images, sculptures and sacred landscapes from the early centuries CE through to the 14th century in South and/or Southeast Asia and/or c.1500 to the present in South Asia.

Central issues addressed may include: politics, kingship and temples; temple forms, symbolism, textual theory and artistic practice; image, ritual and performance; iconography and iconographic programmes; sacred landscape, urbanism and pilgrimage; the historiography of Hindu art. Class teaching will be complemented by visits to museum collections. Students will acquire not only a wide-ranging knowledge of approaches to Asian religious art in general, but also a deep understanding of the role of the visual arts in the Hindu tradition.

Objectives and learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module a student will be able to:

• Evaluate the political, social and religious contexts for the production and use of Hindu art. 
• Assess key themes in the study of Hinduism and Hindu art. 
• Examine how and why religious architecture has been made and used in South and/or Southeast Asia. 
• Critically analyse Hindu architecture from South and/or Southeast Asia using appropriate vocabulary.

Workload

1-hour lecture, 1-hour seminar

Scope and syllabus

The material discussed may include images, sculptures, buildings and/or landscapes from the early centuries CE through to the 14th century and/or c.1500 to the present. Students will acquire not only a wide-ranging knowledge of approaches to Asian religious art in general, but also a deep understanding of the role of the visual arts in the Hindu tradition.

The syllabus may vary from year to year given that it may primarily address images, sculptures, buildings and/or landscapes from (i) the early centuries CE through to the 14th century and/or (ii) 14th century to the present.  

Topics that may be addressed include: 

• Architecture, pilgrimage and sacred landscape 
• Language, style and tradition in sacred architecture 
• Form, function, meaning and symbolism 
• Materials and methods of Hindu architecture 
• Politics, kingship and temples 
• Image, ritual and performance 
• Iconography and iconographic programmes 
• Historiography of Hindu art. 

Method of assessment

• One 1,000-word object analysis/literature review - 30%
• One 2,000-word essay - 70%

Disclaimer

Important notice regarding changes to programmes and modules.