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Indian Art and Architecture — Syllabus

CBSE · Class 11 · Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India

What Indian Art and Architecture covers in CBSE Class 11 Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India: 4 topics, for the 2026-27 session.

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 11 Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India · 2026-27

Topics in Indian Art and Architecture

1

Textual Sources and Early Ideas of Art

  • Early literary works such as the epics, Kalidasa's Abhijnanashakuntalam, Dashakumaracaritam, and Vatsyayana's Kamasutra refer to art galleries in palaces.
  • Shilpashastra texts discuss painting on different surfaces and media.
  • Vishnudharmottara Purana is the most comprehensive text on painting and is one of the eighteen Upa-puranas.
2

Rock Paintings and Cave Art

  • Rock paintings in the Indian subcontinent have been found in caves in Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Uttarakhand, and Bihar.
  • The richest paintings are almost 10,000 years old and come from the Vindhya ranges of Madhya Pradesh and their Kaimurean extensions into Uttar Pradesh.
  • Subjects include human and animal figures, geometric patterns, daily life, hunting, dancing, music, horse and elephant riders, animal fighting, honey collection, and body decoration.
3

Indus Valley Art, Town Planning, and Craft

  • The Indus Valley Civilisation existed during the second half of the third millennium B.C.E.
  • Important Indian sites include Lothal, Dholavira, Rakhigarhi, Ropar, Kalibangan, and Balathal.
  • Indus Valley cities had streets generally oriented along cardinal directions and standardised bricks.
4

Mauryan Art and Early Buddhist Sculpture

  • The Mauryas established power by the third century B.C.E.
  • Ashoka used stone extensively for sculptures and monuments, whereas earlier tradition used wood and clay.
  • Ashoka erected many monolithic sandstone pillars 30 to 40 feet high, crowned by animal figures such as bull, lion, and elephant.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Development of Indian art and architecture through painting, sculpture, bronze work, rock-cut caves, and temple traditions

Textual sourcesPainting traditionsRock shelter paintingsMural painting traditionSculpture traditionsIndus Valley artMauryan artPost-Mauryan art

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Indian Art and Architecture for CBSE Class 11 Knowledge Traditions and Practices of India?
Key topics in Indian Art and Architecture include Textual Sources and Early Ideas of Art, Rock Paintings and Cave Art, Indus Valley Art, Town Planning, and Craft, Mauryan Art and Early Buddhist Sculpture. Study these first, then practise questions on each for Class 11 exams.
How should I revise Indian Art and Architecture for Class 11 exams?
Learn the core ideas first, then work through the 68 practice questions on Indian Art and Architecture. Revise definitions regularly and use flashcards for quick recall before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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