·
6 to 8 hours
HD·F4·01 Advanced

Indian Aesthetics

Indian aesthetics treats beauty as an experience to be shared.

This course introduces Indian aesthetic thought, including rasa theory, classical performance and visual traditions, and living craft cultures. It helps designers read and draw on these ideas with understanding rather than decoration.

Last updated

In Development

This course's full module content is being written. The outline below is final, subscribe for updates when it publishes.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  1. 01 Explain rasa and its role in Indian aesthetics
  2. 02 Describe key classical and folk visual traditions
  3. 03 Relate aesthetic theory to contemporary design
  4. 04 Analyse a design through an Indian aesthetic lens
  5. 05 Reference sources responsibly and with attribution
01

Foundations of Indian Aesthetic Thought

Indian aesthetics grew from texts on drama, music and sculpture. They treat aesthetic experience as central to human life.
01 ▶ present
02

Rasa and Bhava

Rasa describes the emotional flavour a work evokes in the audience. Bhava describes the states that produce it.
02 ▶ present
03

Classical and Folk Visual Traditions

Temple sculpture, miniature painting and folk art each have their own conventions. Studying them shows how meaning is built into form.
03 ▶ present
04

Craft, Material and Making

Regional crafts embed technique and symbolism in material. Understanding the maker's knowledge deepens appreciation and avoids imitation.
04 ▶ present
05

Aesthetics in Contemporary Design

Contemporary designers reinterpret tradition in many ways. Good work engages the source rather than copying surface motifs.
05 ▶ present
06

Using Sources Responsibly

Cultural references should be researched, credited and understood. Collaboration with practitioners improves accuracy and fairness.
06 ▶ present