Abstract

The objective of this study is to investigate the historical role of Dunhuang murals as a tool for political and social control. By conducting a thorough analysis of the themes, elements, and textual content of the murals, the study findings revealed how these artworks reflected the political ideologies, social norms, and moral values prevalent during their creation. This article aims to clarify this perspective from a multidisciplinary standpoint, drawing upon insights from art history, political science, and sociology to provide fresh interpretations grounded in both theoretical frameworks and empirical evidence. The research underscores that art serves as a reflection of political will, engages in a dynamic interplay with social control, and serves as an innovative platform for political propaganda, thereby demonstrating a profound interconnection and intricate relationship between art, power dynamics, and societal structures.

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