Theory Unit 1 · Pre-Historic Rock Paintings and early Indian art
Study the period and location of prehistoric rock art, including the Bhimbetka painting Wizard’s Dance. The unit then introduces Indus/Sindhu-Saraswati art through the Dancing Girl, Male Torso, Mother Goddess, the Bull seal and painted pottery. For each work, identify medium, form, context and what the work can—and cannot—tell us about its society.
Continue through Buddhist, Jain and Hindu art from the Mauryan, Shunga, Kushana and Gupta periods; compare sculpture and cave art such as Ajanta through material, technique, iconography and style.
Artwork practice: Describe a work using observation before interpretation. Name its material, visual features and historical context; avoid unsupported claims about its maker or meaning.
Apply and revise
Connect the key term to the unit context. Explain the relationship between the concept and an example, and use evidence or a stated condition in your answer.
Check your understanding: Define the central idea, explain it using a relevant example, and identify one limitation or condition that changes its application.
Practice
- Summarise the main concept in your own words.
- Apply it to a short real-life or classroom example and justify your reasoning.
- Write one question that would help you check the accuracy of your explanation.