The Diaspora

Over the centuries, two main branches of Buddhism emerged: a transmission that traveled to Southeast Asia, and a transmission that evolved in East Asia. A further offshoot of the northern transmission also developed. All three branches began in India, and developed further as they moved across Asia.

Students will: 1.) examine the Hindu tradition of threshold art; 2.) discuss how Indian values are expressed in the ephemeral art of threshold painting; 3.) draw traditional connect-the-dots threshold art designs; 4.) make colored rice flour and create an auspicious floor painting

By constructing a graph that visually reflects a time span, students will gain a basic understanding of BCE and CE and specifically when key events happened in Afghanistan.

European art and culture had a significant impact in Japan, both before and during the period of self-imposed isolation.

Jatayus, the heroic king of the vultures, attempts to prevent Ravana from abducting Sita, from the Ramayana (Story of Rama), approx. 400–500. India; probably Uttar Pradesh state. Terra-cotta. Gift of the Connoisseurs’ Council, 1988.40.

Students compare and contrast the different ways in which people commemorate the passing of a year by interviewing their families, creating a tablescape, and sharing their traditions with their classmates.

Amandeep Jawa discusses the “Indian-ness” in his life.

Nalini Ghuman, Associate Professor at Mills College, discusses India in the English Musical Imagination.

Asian Art Museum Art Speak interns have a conversation with artist and animator Sanjay Patel.