History of Art in Pakistan
摘要
Rock art in Pakistan has an ancient history, beginning with cave art located primarily in the hills of Baluchistan, the Upper Indus Valley, and Gandhāra. It consists of engraved or painted images, mostly of human and animal figures. Despite reflecting the region's ancient culture, this art has not received the attention it deserves, and the studies that have been conducted so far are often superficial. A notable exception is the rock art of the Upper Indus Valley, which has received more scholarly attention; its study has contributed significantly to the history of the region. However, new evidence continues to emerge, particularly paintings from Baluchistan, Sindh, and ancient Gandhāra. This chapter provides a succinct overview of discoveries made in Pakistan, establishing the necessary background for the thematic discussions that follow. Those chapters focus on the rock art, frescoes, and painted ritual and household objects found in the region.