This lecture-only course will present a broad historical analysis of the relationship between art and authority in South Asia. We will explore the uses of art and culture in two separate but interconnected imperial states in India, viz. the early modern Mughal empire (1526-1757) and its successor the modern British empire (1757-1947). In general, we will take an expansive view of art and culture in the public arena(s), enquiring into the many related areas where the arts and imperial policy interacted to express political legitimacy and define authority as well as to challenge it. At the same time we will examine the various religious influences on Indian art during this period including Hinduism, Islam, Hindu devotional and Muslim Sufi traditions. We will also turn our attention to the impact on art of secular and secularising influences ushered in during the colonial and nationalist eras. Other important themes we will explore concern those of the social content of art and the concepts of audience and patronage in art.

Lecturer

Professor Mridu Rai

How to apply

You may register and pay by credit/laser card online at http://www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/extramural after 6 August 2013 or you can download an application form and send it with a cheque/draft/postal money order made payable to Trinity College no. 1 account to: Patricia Stapleton, Extramural Administrator, School of Histories and Humanities, room 3141, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2.

Applications may be made in person after Tuesday, 6 August 2013, in room 3141, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2 between 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. or by appointment (phone 01 896 8589).

Fee

€75 for the course. A concession rate of €45 is available to second and third level students and people whose primary source of income is social welfare, health board or a government-sponsored employment scheme.

Time and place

Wednesdays, 6 p.m.-7 p.m., in the Emmet Theatre, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2. Please note times are subject to change, check our website: http://www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/extramural after 6 August 2013 for update or text ‘INFO’ to 087 2572015.

Duration

The course comprises of one lecture per week over one twelve-week term commencing Wednesday, 15 January 2014. There is a one week break (24-28 February 2014) when no lecture will take place.