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BACHELOR-OF-VISUAL-ARTS in History Of Arts at Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts
Mysuru, Karnataka
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About the Specialization
What is History of Arts at Chamarajendra Academy of Visual Arts Mysuru?
This History of Arts program at Chamarajendra Government College of Visual Arts focuses on a comprehensive study of global art history, with a strong emphasis on Indian art, aesthetics, and cultural heritage. It delves into visual arts from ancient civilizations to contemporary movements, equipping students with critical analytical skills. This program is highly relevant in India''''s growing cultural and heritage tourism sector, as well as the expanding art market.
Who Should Apply?
This program is ideal for creative and intellectually curious individuals with a passion for history, culture, and visual arts. It attracts fresh graduates seeking entry into art academia, museum professions, or cultural management. It also suits working professionals in related fields looking to deepen their expertise, and aspiring art critics or researchers. A strong interest in humanities and analytical reading is a prerequisite.
Why Choose This Course?
Graduates of this program can expect diverse career paths in India such as museum curators, art historians, conservators, archivists, exhibition managers, art critics, and cultural heritage specialists. Entry-level salaries typically range from INR 3-5 LPA, growing significantly with experience. Opportunities exist in government institutions, private galleries, auction houses, and academic research, aligning with growing demand for expertise in India''''s rich artistic traditions.
Student Success Practices
Foundation Stage
Master Art History Fundamentals- (Semester 1-2)
Consistently attend lectures on Indian and Western art history, take detailed notes, and actively participate in discussions. Create visual timelines and flashcards for key periods, artists, and art forms to build a strong foundational knowledge.
Tools & Resources
University library art history section, Khan Academy for art history overviews, Google Arts & Culture, Local museums (e.g., Jaganmohan Palace Art Gallery, Mysuru)
Career Connection
A strong base is crucial for all future specializations and demonstrates academic rigor to potential employers in research or curatorial roles.
Develop Observational and Documentation Skills- (Semester 1-2)
Practice sketching and detailed textual descriptions of artworks and architectural elements during practical classes and independent visits to historical sites or local temples. Focus on capturing stylistic nuances and material properties.
Tools & Resources
Sketchbooks, Digital camera, Field notebooks, Guides on architectural drawing and art description
Career Connection
Essential for roles in conservation, museum documentation, and archaeological fieldwork, enhancing practical application of theoretical knowledge.
Engage with Art Appreciation- (Semester 1-2)
Actively engage with art appreciation concepts by visiting local art exhibitions, galleries, and even student showcases. Write short critical responses or journal entries reflecting on the elements of art, principles of design, and your personal interpretation.
Tools & Resources
Local art galleries, College art exhibitions, Online art critique blogs, Peer discussion groups
Career Connection
Sharpens analytical thinking and communication skills, vital for aspiring art critics, educators, and public relations roles in the art world.
Intermediate Stage
Deep Dive into Specialization Topics- (Semester 3-5)
Beyond class material, read advanced texts and scholarly articles on specific periods of Indian and Western art history, Indian aesthetics, and sculpture/painting. Join college history clubs or reading groups focused on art historical discourse.
Tools & Resources
JSTOR, Artstor, University e-resources, Specialized art history journals, Departmental seminars
Career Connection
Develops expertise for academic research, specialized curatorial positions, and positions requiring in-depth knowledge of specific art periods.
Participate in Field Studies and Internships- (Semester 3-5)
Actively seek opportunities for the practical field studies mentioned in the syllabus. Look for short-term internships at local museums, galleries, or cultural heritage organizations during breaks. This provides hands-on experience in documentation, conservation, or exhibition setup.
Tools & Resources
Departmental notices, Career services, Personal networking, Online internship platforms like Internshala, Applications to institutions like ASI or state archaeological departments
Career Connection
Direct industry exposure builds a professional network and practical skills, making you job-ready for roles like museum assistant, archivist, or site manager.
Cultivate Research and Writing Skills- (Semester 3-5)
Focus on developing strong academic writing skills through essay assignments and internal projects. Practice constructing arguments, citing sources correctly, and synthesizing complex historical information clearly. Attend workshops on research methodology if available.
Tools & Resources
Academic writing guides, Zotero/Mendeley for citation management, Peer review sessions, Faculty mentorship
Career Connection
Essential for pursuing higher education (MA/PhD), roles in publishing, academic research, and report writing for cultural organizations.
Advanced Stage
Undertake a Comprehensive Dissertation/Project- (Semester 7-8)
Select a compelling research topic, work closely with a faculty mentor, and dedicate significant time to your dissertation/project. This is your chance to contribute original research to the field of Art History, showcasing your analytical and scholarly abilities.
Tools & Resources
University research grants, Dedicated faculty mentorship, Advanced library resources, Specialized software for data analysis (if applicable)
Career Connection
A strong dissertation is a key credential for academic careers, PhD applications, and showcases your expertise for specialized research roles.
Network and Attend Industry Events- (Semester 6-8)
Actively participate in art historical conferences, workshops, and seminars held across India. Network with established art historians, curators, and museum professionals. Attend exhibition openings and build connections within the Indian art community.
Tools & Resources
Social media (LinkedIn), Professional associations (e.g., Indian Art History Congress), University alumni network, Cultural event listings
Career Connection
Crucial for job placements, mentorship opportunities, and staying updated on industry trends and job openings in India''''s competitive art sector.
Prepare for Career Launch- (Semester 8)
Tailor your resume/CV and portfolio to highlight your art history specialization, research projects, and practical experiences. Practice interview skills, focusing on articulating your knowledge and passion for art. Explore specific job roles like art curator, archivist, or cultural consultant.
Tools & Resources
College placement cell, Career counseling services, Online job portals (Naukri.com, LinkedIn), Mock interviews, Professional portfolio development
Career Connection
Ensures a smooth transition from academics to a professional career, maximizing chances for securing desirable positions in museums, galleries, or heritage bodies in India.
Program Structure and Curriculum
Eligibility:
- PUC / 10 + 2 (any stream) or equivalent (Source: cgcvamysuru.org)
Duration: 4 years (8 semesters)
Credits: 162 Credits
Assessment: Internal: 30%, External: 70%
Semester-wise Curriculum Table
Semester 1
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA CCT 1.1 | History of Indian Art – I (Pre-Historic to Indus Valley) | Core | 4 | Introduction to Indian Art History, Pre-Historic Rock Art, Indus Valley Civilization Art, Mohenjo-Daro and Harappa Art, Sculpture and Terracottas of Indus Valley, Indus Seals and Pottery |
| BVA CCT 1.2 | Art Appreciation – I | Core | 4 | Definition and Importance of Art, Elements of Visual Arts, Principles of Design, Indian Aesthetics (Sadanga), Methods of Art Criticism, Art Forms and Genres |
| BVA CCP 1.3 | Material and Methods – I (2D) | Core Practical | 4 | Drawing Techniques, Line and Form, Composition Principles, Color Theory Basics, Water Colors and Dry Media, Collage and Mixed Media |
| SEC 1.4 | English | Skill Enhancement | 4 | Basic Grammar and Vocabulary, Reading Comprehension, Paragraph and Essay Writing, Letter Writing, Public Speaking Fundamentals |
| SEC 1.5 | Information Technology | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Computer Hardware and Software, Operating Systems, Microsoft Office Suite, Internet and Email, Cyber Security Basics |
Semester 2
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA CCT 2.1 | History of Indian Art – II (Maurya, Sunga, Satavahana, Kushana) | Core | 4 | Mauryan Period Art (Pillars, Sculptures), Sunga Period (Bharhut, Sanchi), Satavahana Art (Karle, Ajanta), Kushana Period (Mathura School), Gandhara School of Art, Early Buddhist Art |
| BVA CCT 2.2 | Art Appreciation – II | Core | 4 | Folk and Tribal Art, Contemporary Indian Art, Art and Society, Art as Communication, Symbolism in Art, Personal Interpretation of Art |
| BVA CCP 2.3 | Material and Methods – II (3D) | Core Practical | 4 | Clay Modeling Techniques, Plaster of Paris Casting, Paper Mache Art, Basic Relief Sculpture, Introduction to Stone Carving, Wire and Metal Craft |
| SEC 2.4 | Environment Studies | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Natural Resources and Ecosystems, Biodiversity and Conservation, Environmental Pollution, Waste Management, Climate Change, Sustainable Development |
| SEC 2.5 | Indian Constitution | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Constitutional History of India, Fundamental Rights and Duties, Directive Principles of State Policy, Union and State Governments, Judiciary System, Electoral Process |
Semester 3
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA CCT 3.1 | History of Indian Art – III (Gupta, Post-Gupta, Chalukya, Pallava) | Core | 4 | Gupta Art and Architecture, Post-Gupta Developments (Elephanta), Early Western Chalukya Art (Badami, Aihole), Pallava Art and Architecture (Mahabalipuram), Rashtrakuta Art (Ellora), Early Cave Temples |
| BVA DSC AH 3.2 | History of Western Art – I (Pre-Historic to Gothic) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Paleolithic and Neolithic Art, Egyptian Art, Mesopotamian and Persian Art, Greek Art (Classical, Hellenistic), Roman Art and Architecture, Early Christian and Byzantine Art, Romanesque and Gothic Periods |
| BVA DSC AH 3.3 | History of Indian Sculpture (From Early Times to 13th C. AD) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Terracotta Sculptures, Mauryan and Sunga Sculptures, Kushana and Gupta Period Sculpture, Early Medieval Sculpture, Regional Styles of Sculpture, Iconography of Indian Deities |
| BVA DSC AH 3.4 | Practical – Art History Field Study | Art History Core Practical | 4 | Site Visit Planning, Documentation Techniques, Photography and Sketching for Art History, Data Collection, Report Writing, Presentation of Findings |
| SEC 3.5 | Soft Skills | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Communication and Interpersonal Skills, Presentation Techniques, Time Management, Stress Management, Conflict Resolution, Professional Ethics |
| OE 3.6 | Open Elective – I | Open Elective | 4 | Interdisciplinary Learning, Critical Thinking, Current Affairs, Research Skills, General Awareness, Contemporary Issues |
Semester 4
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA CCT 4.1 | History of Indian Art – IV (Later Chalukya, Chola, Hoysala, Vijayanagara) | Core | 4 | Later Western Chalukya and Eastern Chalukya Art, Chola Art and Architecture, Hoysala Art (Belur, Halebid), Vijayanagara Art and Architecture, Kakatiya and Ganga Dynasties, Temple Architecture of South India |
| BVA DSC AH 4.2 | History of Western Art – II (Renaissance to Baroque) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Early and High Renaissance Art (Italy), Northern Renaissance Art, Mannerism, Baroque Art (Italy, France, Flanders, Spain), Rococo Art, Neoclassicism |
| BVA DSC AH 4.3 | History of Indian Painting (From Early Times to 13th C. AD) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Prehistoric Rock Paintings, Ajanta and Ellora Murals, Bagh and Badami Paintings, Palm-leaf Manuscripts, Early Medieval Miniatures, Buddhist and Jain Painting Traditions |
| BVA DSC AH 4.4 | Practical – Art History Documentation | Art History Core Practical | 4 | Cataloging Artworks, Museum Inventory Management, Archival Research, Digital Documentation, Image Processing for Art History, Bibliography and Referencing |
| SEC 4.5 | Research Methodology | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Introduction to Research, Research Design, Data Collection Methods, Qualitative and Quantitative Research, Report Writing, Ethics in Research |
| OE 4.6 | Open Elective – II | Open Elective | 4 | Contemporary Issues, Interdisciplinary Studies, Analytical Skills, Problem-Solving, General Knowledge, Public Policy |
Semester 5
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA CCT 5.1 | History of Indian Art – V (Sultanate and Mughal Art) | Core | 4 | Delhi Sultanate Architecture, Mughal Architecture (Akbar, Jahangir, Shah Jahan), Mughal Painting Schools, Deccan Sultanate Art, Rajput Miniatures, Provincial Mughal Styles |
| BVA DSC AH 5.2 | History of Western Art – III (18th and 19th Century) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Romanticism, Realism, Impressionism, Post-Impressionism, Symbolism, Art Nouveau, Photography as Art, Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood |
| BVA DSC AH 5.3 | Indian Aesthetics – I | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Concepts of Rasa and Dhvani, Natyashastra, Sadanga of Indian Painting, Alankara and Vakrokti, Aesthetic Experience in Indian Philosophy, Theories of Beauty |
| BVA DSC AH 5.4 | Practical – Epigraphy and Numismatics | Art History Core Practical | 4 | Introduction to Epigraphy, Ancient Indian Scripts, Deciphering Inscriptions, Numismatics (Coins as Historical Sources), Iconography on Coins, Dating and Authentication |
| SEC 5.5 | Entrepreneurship Skill | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Entrepreneurial Mindset, Business Plan Development, Marketing Strategies, Financial Management, Legal Aspects of Business, Innovation and Creativity |
| OE 5.6 | Open Elective – III | Open Elective | 4 | Global Cultures, Economic Trends, Environmental Challenges, Social Issues, Philosophical Inquiry, Creative Thinking |
Semester 6
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA CCT 6.1 | History of Indian Art – VI (Deccan and Nayaka Art) | Core | 4 | Deccan Painting and Architecture (Bidar, Bijapur), Nayaka Dynasty Art (Madurai, Thanjavur), Maratha Art, Sikh Art, Pahari Miniatures, Folk Art Revival |
| BVA DSC AH 6.2 | History of Western Art – IV (20th Century) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Fauvism, Cubism, Expressionism, Surrealism, Abstract Art, Pop Art, Minimalism, Contemporary Art Movements, Performance Art |
| BVA DSC AH 6.3 | Indian Aesthetics – II | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Buddhist Aesthetics, Jain Aesthetics, Vaishnava and Shaiva Aesthetics, Sufi Aesthetics, Folk Aesthetics, Contemporary Indian Art Theory |
| BVA DSC AH 6.4 | Practical – Conservation and Preservation | Art History Core Practical | 4 | Principles of Art Conservation, Material Science in Art, Restoration Techniques, Environmental Control in Museums, Documentation for Conservation, Preventive Conservation |
| SEC 6.5 | Human Rights & Gender Studies | Skill Enhancement | 2 | Concept of Human Rights, Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Women''''s Rights, Gender Equality, Social Justice, Contemporary Issues |
| OE 6.6 | Open Elective – IV | Open Elective | 4 | History of Science, Psychology, Sociology, Political Science, Literature, Foreign Languages |
Semester 7
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA DSC AH 7.1 | History of Modern Indian Art – I | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Company School, Bengal School, Santiniketan Artists, Progressive Artists'''' Group, Early Modernists, Impact of Western Art on Indian Art |
| BVA DSC AH 7.2 | History of World Architecture – I (Ancient and Medieval) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Egyptian and Mesopotamian Architecture, Greek and Roman Architecture, Early Christian and Byzantine Architecture, Islamic Architecture, Romanesque and Gothic Architecture |
| BVA DSC AH 7.3 | Art & Culture of South East Asia | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Art of Cambodia (Angkor Wat), Indonesia (Borobudur), Thailand, Vietnam, Laos, Burmese Art, Buddhist and Hindu Influences in Southeast Asian Art |
| BVA DSC AH 7.4 | Practical – Museum Studies and Archival Management | Art History Core Practical | 4 | Museum History and Types, Collection Management, Exhibition Design, Museum Education, Archival Principles, Digital Archiving |
| BVA DSC AH 7.5 | Project/Dissertation Part-I | Art History Core Specialization | 2 | Research Proposal Development, Literature Review, Methodology Planning, Data Collection, Initial Drafting, Supervisor Interaction |
| BVA DSC AH 7.6 | Internship / Field Study | Art History Core Specialization | 2 | Practical Exposure to Art Institutions, Hands-on Experience, Industry Standards, Networking, Report Submission, Professional Etiquette |
Semester 8
| Subject Code | Subject Name | Subject Type | Credits | Key Topics |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BVA DSC AH 8.1 | History of Modern Indian Art – II | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Post-Independence Indian Art, Contemporary Trends, Globalisation and Indian Art, Performance Art, Installation Art, Photography and Video Art in India |
| BVA DSC AH 8.2 | History of World Architecture – II (Modern and Contemporary) | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Industrial Revolution Architecture, Art Nouveau and Art Deco, Modernism (Bauhaus, Le Corbusier), Post-Modernism, Deconstructivism, Sustainable Architecture |
| BVA DSC AH 8.3 | Critical Theories in Art | Art History Core Specialization | 4 | Formalism, Structuralism, Post-Structuralism, Psychoanalytic Art Theory, Feminist Art Criticism, Postcolonial Art Theory, Hermeneutics |
| BVA DSC AH 8.4 | Practical – Art Curation and Exhibition Management | Art History Core Practical | 4 | Curatorial Concepts, Exhibition Planning, Budgeting and Logistics, Art Handling and Display, Marketing and Promotion, Gallery Management |
| BVA DSC AH 8.5 | Project/Dissertation Part-II | Art History Core Specialization | 2 | Data Analysis, Final Drafting, Editing and Proofreading, Thesis Submission, Presentation, Viva Voce Preparation |
| BVA DSC AH 8.6 | Viva Voce | Art History Core Specialization | 2 | Oral Examination, Defense of Dissertation, Comprehensive Knowledge Assessment, Presentation Skills, Articulation of Research, Critical Response |
