Sikh Art & Iconography

"Sikh Art & Iconography"—designed to explore the visual culture of Sikhism through its historical, aesthetic, and spiritual dimensions:


📘 Course Title: Sikh Art & Iconography

Level: Undergraduate / Introductory

Duration: 10 Weeks

Delivery: 100% Online

Format: Lectures, visual analysis, readings, assignments, and project-based learning

Target Audience: Students of religious studies, art history, South Asian studies, and general learners interested in Sikhism and its visual culture


🎯 Course Objectives

By the end of this course, students will:

  • Understand the historical development of Sikh art and iconography
  • Identify key elements of Sikh visual culture (paintings, architecture, symbols, manuscripts)
  • Analyze how Sikh beliefs are reflected in its art forms
  • Evaluate the cultural and political role of visual representation in Sikh history
  • Explore contemporary expressions of Sikh identity in art


🗂️ Weekly Breakdown

Week 1: Introduction to Sikhism and Visual Culture

  • Overview of Sikh philosophy
  • Role of art and aesthetics in Sikh tradition
  • Key themes: Ik Onkar, seva, equality

Week 2: Sikh Symbols and Sacred Geometry

  • Ik Onkar, Khanda, Ek Onkar, Nishan Sahib
  • Symbolic meanings and usage in manuscripts and temples

Week 3: Guru Period Manuscript Illumination

  • Pothis and early Sikh calligraphy (Gurmukhi script)
  • Illustrated Janamsakhis and their narratives

Week 4: Portraiture of Sikh Gurus

  • Evolution of Guru depictions over time
  • Influence of Mughal, Pahari, and British art styles

Week 5: Sikh Architecture

  • Harmandir Sahib (Golden Temple) and other historic gurdwaras
  • Distinctive features of Sikh architectural design
  • Symbolism in spatial layout and decoration

Week 6: Martial and Political Imagery

  • Nihang tradition and warrior aesthetics
  • Depictions of Sikh battles and resistance (e.g., Anglo-Sikh wars)

Week 7: Art under the Sikh Empire (Maharaja Ranjit Singh)

  • Patronage of painting and sculpture
  • Hybrid artistic styles (Persian, European, Indian)

Week 8: Contemporary Sikh Art and Diaspora Identity

  • Modern and diaspora artists (e.g., Arpana Caur, Singh Twins)
  • Representation of Sikhs in global media

Week 9: Sikh Iconography in Popular Culture and Protest Art

  • Visuals in Sikh political movements (1984 and beyond)
  • Social media and Sikh identity

Week 10: Final Projects & Reflections

  • Student presentations
  • Group discussions on evolving Sikh aesthetics


📚 Suggested Readings

  • Sikh Art and Literature, edited by Kerry Brown
  • The Golden Temple: History, Art and Architecture by Madanjit Kaur
  • The Granth of Guru Gobind Singh: Essays, Lectures, and Translations (selected chapters)


📌 Assessment

  • Visual Analysis Essay (20%)
  • Iconographic Case Study (20%)
  • Group Presentation (20%)
  • Final Creative/Research Project (40%)