Chapter 15 South and Southeast Asia before 1200

South and Southeast Asia before 1200
Chapter 15 focuses on the art and architecture of various cultures in South and Southeast Asia, beginning with the Indus Civilization (ca. 2600-1500 BCE), one of the world’s earliest. Though little Indus art has survived, it does show stylistic similarities with Mesopotamian art, the result of trade between cities of both cultures. Art of the Maurya Dynasty (323-185 BCE) reflects the prevalence of Buddhism, a religion established in the 6^th century BCE, and during this period the Maurya ruler Ashoka built the original Great Stupa at Sanchi. During the Shunga, Andhra, and Kushan Dynasties (ca. 185 BCE-320 CE), Buddhist iconography is further established, and the first representation of the Buddha in human form is produced. Buddhist and Hindu art and architecture characterize the Gupta and Post-Gupta Periods of ca. 320-647. In the Medieval Period (7^th to 12^th centuries), regional styles of Hindu religious architecture develop in South Asia, while in Southeast Asia, distinctive monuments such as the temples at Angkor in Cambodia are constructed.