Exam 3 - Hindu Art in India: Key Terms

Question 1

What is the siginificance of a Hindu Temple?

Answer 1

Symbolizes Mount Meru, the center of the universe and the home of the gods

Question 2

Shikara

Answer 2

A temple tower

Question 3

Jiva

Answer 3

The “soul” or life of a temple

Question 4

Garbhagriha

Answer 4

Sanctuary or sacred cell of the temple

Question 5

Mandapa

Answer 5

Pillared assembly hall or porch

Question 6

Jagamohan

Answer 6

Pyramidal assembly hall preceding the shikhara in Northern temples

Question 7

Vimana

Answer 7

Pyramidal tower of Southern temples

Question 8

Rekha

Answer 8

Conical tower of Northern temples

Question 9

What is a Lingam (or Linga)?

Where is a Lingam usually housed?

Answer 9

1. A Lingam (or Linga) is a Sacred Phallus and an a_niconic symbol_ of Shiva.
2. Lingam are usually housed in the sanctuary of temples dedicated to Shiva

Question 10

What is Darshan?

Where does Darshan usually take place or happen?

Answer 10

The devotee’s experience of encountering the sacred image or symbol of the deity in the Garbhagriha. The experience of union with god; the worshipper “sees” god and vice versa.

Question 11

What is a Puja?

Answer 11

Puja is ritual worship in a temple or shrine based on offerings presented to the god, also known as Bhakti

Question 12

What is Bhakti?

Answer 12

Bhakti is personal devotion and love that is offered to a god

Question 13

What is Avatara?

Answer 13

Avatara is the incarnation or descent of a god to earth as a salvational act

Question 14

Who/What is Brahman?

Answer 14

Brahman is the supreme being and force of the universe known as the “world soul”

Question 15

What is Moksha?

How is Moksha achieved?

Answer 15

1. Moksha is spiritual liberation from Samsara, the cycle of death and rebirth
2. Moksha is achieved through good moral behavior and Bhakti (love and devotion to god)

Question 16

What is Multiplicity?

How is Multiplicity expressed in Hindu art?

Answer 16

1. Multiplicity is the ability of gods to have many cosmic powers and manifestations; multiple aspects of the same deity.
2. Multiplicity is expressed in art through multi-headed, multi-armed, hybrid figural images

Question 17

Major Themes and Characteristics of Hindu Art (6)

Answer 17

1. Attempt to recreate the cosmos on a small scale
2. Stories that relate to creating and preserving the universe
3. Identification of gods using multiple features: cosmic attributes held in their hands, animal vehicles (Vahanas), colors, adornments, mudras
4. Sensuality co-exists with the spiritual and is an expression of the spiritual, expressed in both subjects and styles of Hindu art
5. Appreciation for nature; sensitive depiction of plant and animal life as reflective of the benevolent, generative powers of nature
6. Emphasis on masterful, imaginative narration in art, especially in epic tales and legends of the gods

Question 18

Typical Features of the Hindu figural style

Answer 18

1. Use of mudras (symbolic gestures)
2. Multiple arms which hold attributes of the god (multiplicity)
3. Multiple heads which portray different manifestations of the god’s being (multiplicity)
4. Emphasis on undulating movement, plasticity, expansiveness, and fulness of form that reflects prana (vital breath)

Question 19

What is a Yakshi?

Answer 19

Female nature/earth spirits associated with fertility

Question 20

What is a Mithuna?

Answer 20

An amorous couple, reflects dynamic harmony between male and female principles of the cosmos. Often found on temple murals

Question 21

What is a Shakti?

Answer 21

The female force or principle which energizes the male principle; a manifestation of the Great Goddess Devi. Often personified as the wife/consort of a male god such as Shiva and Parvati or Vishnu and Lakshimi