Subject Code & Name: BS25201 – Design Appreciation through History – II
Regulation: R-2025
Semester: II (Second Semester)
Branch: B. Des. (BDes)
Credits / L-T-P: 3 Credits | L-T-P: 3-0-0
Course Objectives
- To explore the key symbols and motifs in Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, and Islamic art and design, and their cultural significance across regions.
- To investigate the relationship between religious beliefs and architectural styles in historical and contemporary contexts.
- To evaluate the effects of colonialism on Indian art, design, and vernacular traditions, highlighting resistance and adaptation.
- To identify the characteristics and cultural influences of vernacular architecture in India and their relevance in modern design.
- To assess the emergence of modernism in design, its principles, and its interaction with traditional practices across various cultures.
Full Unit-wise Syllabus
Unit I – Design and Symbolism – Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Culture
Hindu Art and Symbolism – Overview of paintings like Madhubani, Warli, sculptures, and textiles. Key Symbols – Analysis of symbols such as the Om, lotus, and trident. Understanding the visual representation of gods and goddesses. Buddhist Art and Symbolism – Thangka paintings, sculptures, and mandalas. The significance of the lotus, wheel, and bodhi tree. Various mudras and their meanings. Cross-Cultural Analysis: Similarities and differences in symbols across the three traditions. Exploration of recurring designs and their interpretations.
Unit II – Design and Symbolism – Buddhist and Islam in Southeast and Far East Regions
Buddhist Arts and Symbolism in Southeast Asia – Focus on Thailand, Indonesia, and Cambodia. Overview of sculptures, paintings, and textiles. The lotus, dharma wheel, and Bodhisattvas. Buddhist Arts and Symbolism in Far East Asia – Focus on China, Korea and Japan Thangka paintings, Zen ink wash, and sculptures. Exploration of the Buddha’s iconography and mudras.
Islamic Art and Symbolism in Southeast Asia – Influence of local traditions on Islamic artistic expressions in countries like Indonesia and Malaysia – Calligraphy, textiles, and ceramics. Geometric patterns, arabesques, and floral designs. Far East Asia – Miniature paintings and textiles. Understanding the significance of patterns and colour use. Influence of Persian and Central Asian styles in Chinese Islamic art. Traditional methods, such as silk painting and natural pigments. Carving and modelling methods in both traditions. Textile Arts: Exploration of weaving, dyeing, and embroidery techniques.
Unit III – Colonialism in India
Pre-Colonial Art Forms – Overview of major Indian art forms before colonialism like Mughal, Rajput, and Pahari. Characteristics of traditional Indian painting, sculpture, and crafts. Early Colonial Influences – Arrival of European artists and the introduction of Western styles and impact of the British East India Company on local art practices – Case studies of early colonial art – company paintings. The British Raj and Artistic Transformation – Introduction of New Mediums – Photography, Printmaking. The establishment of art schools and their influence on Indian artists – The Bengal School – Influence of the British aesthetic on Indian textiles and decorative arts. Progressive Artists’ Group – Formation and Goals – Prominent artists like F.N. Souza, M.F. Husain, and S.H. Raza – Themes and Techniques – focus on themes of nationalism, identity, and human experience, reflecting the complexities of post-colonial society.
Unit IV – Vernacular Traditions in India
Cultural and context of Vernacular traditions in India – Building and materiality of Art & Crafts in vernacular architecture like Rajasthan Havelis – Bhunga Houses – Bohra Housing – Chettinad Houses – Nalukettu Houses & Mansions in Bengal.
Unit V – Modernism in Design
Introduction to Modernism – Key characteristics and history. Key Movements in Modern Art. Fauvism, Cubism, and Expressionism – Works of Artists: Matisse, Picasso, Kandinsky. The Bauhaus Movement – Origins and Principles. Key figures: Gropius, Moholy-Nagy. Graphic Design in Modernism – Evolution of typography and layout. Key designers – El Lissitzky, Paul Rand. Modern Art Movements – Surrealism and Dadaism – Key artists Dalí, Duchamp – Critique of Modernism – Introduction to Postmodernism. Discussion on Modernism’s legacy.
Course Outcomes (COs)
- CO1: Basic understanding of religious symbols and the ability to recognise their cultural meanings.
- CO2: Knowledge of Indian art, colonial impact, and modern design movements.
- CO3: Awareness of vernacular traditions and the ability to consider their relevance in design.
- CO4: Understand the relationship between religion, culture, and architectural styles in different historical periods.
- CO5: Recognize the principles of modernism and their influence on contemporary design practices.
Assessment Pattern (Quick Note)
- Weightage: Continuous Internal Assessment 40% | End Semester Examinations 60%
- Internal methodology: Two Assessments with equal weightage – Internal written Test/Examination (50%), Assignment (50%) of any mode such as study, seminar, and or a combination of modes, etc.
Source: Official Anna University – B. Des. R-2025 Syllabus
Last Updated: September 2026
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