Topics (choose one):

? Aniconism

Choose either the stupa of Bharhut or Sañci and analyze the stupa in terms of its meaning, plan and sculptural decoration, focusing on the aniconic representation of the Buddha.

? Gandharan Sculpture

Choose a Buddhist sculpture of the Ku?ana Period from the School of Gandhara, such as a Buddha or a bodhisattva, and analyze it in terms of style and iconography. How does the Gandharan sculpture relate to Buddhism of that period?

? HinduRock-cut Temple

Choose a Hindu rock-cut temple, either Elephanta or Ellora, and analyze its plan, meaning and sculptural decoration.

? Cola Bronze Sculptures

Choose a bronze sculpture of the Cola period, such as Siva, the Lord of Dance, or Parvati, consort of Siva, called Uma in the south of India, and analyze it in terms of iconography and style. How does the sculpture reflect the art of the period?

? Jain Art

Describe the art of Jainism focusing on the Vimala Temple on Mount Abu of the Solanki period in terms of its plan, meaning and sculptural decoration. For your analysis you may use other Jain sculptures in addition to those of the Vimala Temple. In what way does the art of Jainism distinguish itself from the art of other faiths in India, such as Hinduism and Buddhism?