Indian art and aesthetics represent a rich and complex tradition that spans thousands of years and reflects the diverse cultural, religious, and philosophical landscapes of the subcontinent. Rooted in both material craftsmanship and spiritual expression, Indian art has evolved over time, influencing and being influenced by various dynasties, religious movements, and social changes. Indian aesthetics, guided by ancient philosophical systems like the Nāṭya Śāstra and Sāṃkhya philosophy, has offered profound insights into the relationship between beauty, form, and the transcendental. This field encompasses a wide range of artistic forms, including visual arts, architecture, sculpture, dance, music, literature, and performance. The following research topics provide an in-depth exploration of Indian art and aesthetics:

 

Rasa Tattva

a. Bharata’s Nāṭyaśāstra

b. Rasa and Bhāvas

c. Dramaturgy, Dramatics & Theatrics

Alaṃkāra School

a. Arthālaṃkāra and Śabdālaṃkāra
b. Daṇḍi’s Kāvyādarśa
c. Bhāmaha’s Kāvyālaṃkāra
d. Udbhaṭa’s Kāvyālaṃkārasaṃgraha
e. Rudraṭa’s Kāvyālaṃkārasūtra

Rīti School

a. Vāmana’s Kāvyālaṃkārasūtra
b. Other Pertinent Theorists & Categories

Dhvani School

a. Ānandavardhana’s Dhvanyāloka
b. Levels of Meaning: Abhidhā, Lakṣaṇā, Vyāñjana
c. Types and Kinds of Dhvani
d. Integration of Rasa, Alaṃkāra, Rīti, and Guṇa/Doṣa

Vakrokti School

a. Kuntaka’s Vakroktijīvita
b. Six Heads of Vakrokti
c. Six Qualities of Vakrokti

Aucitya School

a. Kṣemendra’s Aucityavicāracarcā
b. 27 Components of Poetic Composition
c. Signifier/Signified

Guṇa/Doṣa School

a. Qualities and Defects
b. Daṇḍi, Bhāmaha, Udbhaṭa, and Vāmana

Kāvya: Qualities, Forms, Divisions

a. Qualities and Types of Kāvya
b. Characteristics of Mahākāvya
c. Other Genres

Discourses, Analyses, and Interpretations

a. Rājaśekhara’s Kāvyāmimāṃsā
b. Bhoja’s Sarasvatīkaṇṭhabharaṇa & Śṛṅgāraprakāśa
c. Mammaṭa’s Kāvyāprakāśa
d. Viśvananātha’s Sāhityadarpaṇa
e. Jagannātha’s Rasagaṅgādhara
f. RūpaGosvāmī’s Bhaktirasāmṛtasindhu & UjjvalaNīlamaṇī