H 245 x W 174 mm
166 pages
22 figures, 8 tables, 4 maps (colour throughout)
Published Jul 2024
ISBN
Paperback: 9781803277615
Digital: 9781803277622
Keywords
Art; Architecture; Culture; Indus Civilisations; Aegean Civilisations; Indo-Greek Kingdoms; Gandhara
Related titles
By A.S. Bhalla
Paperback
£32.00
Includes PDF
PDF eBook
(personal use)
£16.00
PDF eBook
(institutional use)
£32.00
This book examines similarities and differences between art in ancient Indian (Indus) civilizations and that of the Aegean civilizations. The comparison raises questions about possible cross-cultural influences, which became more significant following Alexander’s invasion and the subsequent adaptation of Indian art under the Indo-Greek kingdoms.
Foreword – Dr Dimitrios Th. Vassiliadis
Preface
Introduction
Issues relating to Chronology
Definition. Scope and Coverage of Art
Structure of the Book
1. A Brief Introduction to Ancient Societies
Indus (India)
Minoan (Crete)
Mycenaean (Greek Mainland)
Cycladic
2. Egalitarianism, Elitism and Prestige Goods
Towards a Framework of Analysis
How Unequal or Elitist were Ancient Societies?
3. The Art of the Indus Valley and the Aegean
Pottery
Sculpture
Male Busts and Stone Figures
Frescoes and Paintings
Seals and Signet Rings
Jewellery
Architecture
Concluding Remarks
4. The Indus Valley and Minoan Crete:Fortuitous Parallels or Cultural/Historical Contacts?
Parallels between the Indus Valley and Minoan Crete
Indirect Contacts
Direct Contacts
Cross-Cultural Influences in Ancient Art
Functionality of Ancient Art
Concluding Remarks
5. Direct Greek Influences on Indian Gandhara Art
Pottery
Sculpture
Painting
Seals and Signet Rings
Jewellery
Coins
Architecture
Concluding Remarks
6. Conclusion: Patronage, Pomp and Power
Royal and Elite Patronage
The Social Context
Peace and Stability
Parallels between the Indus and the Aegean: Coincidence or Contacts?
Concluding Remarks
References
Index
Dr A.S. Bhalla is a former Fellow of Sidney Sussex College, Cambridge, UK, and former Special Adviser to the President of the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), Ottawa, Canada. He has held academic positions at the Universities of Cambridge, Manchester, Oxford and Yale. His previous publications on the history of art include Royal Tombs of India, Buddhist Art in Asia, Monuments, Power and Poverty in India: From Ashoka to the Raj, Glimpses of Medieval Switzerland, and Imperial India: A Pictorial History.
'The author has touched upon a very interesting yet difficult topic. A must-read for anyone interested in understanding the cultural influences of the Greeks on Indian art and culture. He provides excellent, thought-provoking views with comprehensive information and debate about the subject. I recommend this book because there is no other book in the market that captures this segment of history in such detail. It challenges many traditional views on the subject.' – Dr Asma Ibrahim, Founding Director, Museum Archives and Art Gallery Department, State Bank of Pakistan
'This book provides a general comparative study of the ancient Indian and Greek civilizations. It expresses some original views and insightful possible explanations of the similarities and differences between them. It examines their art in a social context. In this sense, it expands this work in a research area not frequently pursued.' – Dr Georgia Flouda, Head of Department of Prehistoric and Minoan Antiquities, Heraklion Archaeological Museum, Crete