Introduction
South Asia is home to numerous religions, cultures, and languages. It also has a deep history as a global crossroads for trade, travel, and knowledge. In this region, pluralistic histories of coexistence and cultural adoptions were shaped both by the global movement of objects and ideas from the first millennia onwards and the longue durée history of syncretic practices in the region. These histories are visible in the art and architecture of South Asia.
Visual analysis is an engaging and interactive way for students to learn about these histories. This interdisciplinary process melds historical and art historical thinking skills with visual arts concepts.
Resources
This lesson is based around a methodical visual analysis exercise in which students annotate images of artworks in response to a series of question prompts. The lesson also includes short independent research and an assessment.
Teacher Guide: Art and Composite Culture in South Asian History (PDF)
Image Annotation & Analysis (PDF)*
Image Annotation & Analysis (.docx)*
Elements of Art and Principles of Design (PDF available on J. Paul Getty website)**
Composite Culture Assessment (PDF)
Composite Culture Assessment (.docx)
*The questions in this document are drawn from two sources: (1) Twenty Questions to Ask an Object from the Material Cultures Caucus at the American Historical Association and (2) The Student Art Guide. We combined/added/removed/modified questions in the creation of this document.
**See the printable handouts for students: Elements of Art and Principles of Design
This image was annotated by teacher participants in the 2022 NEH Summer Institute, Art and Composite Culture in South Asian History.
These resources emerged out of a 2022 summer institute made possible by funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities. Read the program page for Art and Composite Culture in South Asian History to learn more about the summer institute and the project team.
Art and Composite Culture in South Asian History has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Democracy demands wisdom.
Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this program and webpage, do not necessarily represent those of the National Endowment for the Humanities.