Empire and Art: British India

The book examines the aesthetic interactions between Britain and India during the Raj in relation to issues of empire and considers the visual culture of urban elites and princely states alongside popular arts. It explores the impact of the Anglo-Indian colonial encounter on the arts and aesthetic traditions of both countries.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 200 pages
Publication date: 05 January 2018
Publisher: Manchester University Press

The book delves into the intricate relationship between British art and British India, examining the profound aesthetic exchanges that emerged during the Anglo-Indian colonial encounter. Spanning various artistic disciplines such as painting, print-making, design, photography, and architecture, it explores the captivating interactions that shaped the visual landscape of both nations. Additionally, it sheds light on the display of Indian artifacts at exhibitions in Britain and India, highlighting the ways in which these objects were showcased and interpreted. Furthermore, the book presents a comprehensive examination of the art of urban elites, juxtaposed with popular arts and artifacts, providing a rich tapestry of artistic expressions and cultural heritage. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book offers a deep understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between British art and British India, shedding light on the enduring impact of colonialism on artistic traditions and the evolving nature of cultural exchange.

The book explores the rich tapestry of British art in the context of British India, delving into the intricate relationship between the two nations. It examines the profound aesthetic exchanges that emerged during the Anglo-Indian colonial encounter, spanning various artistic disciplines such as painting, print-making, design, photography, and architecture. Through its comprehensive analysis, the book offers a deep understanding of the complex and multifaceted relationship between British art and British India, shedding light on the enduring impact of colonialism on artistic traditions and the evolving nature of cultural exchange.

Within the pages of this book, the reader embarks on a captivating journey through the world of British art, tracing its intricate connections with British India. It examines the aesthetic interactions initiated by the Anglo-Indian colonial encounter across the disciplines of painting, print-making, design, photography, and architecture. The book delves into the display of Indian artifacts at exhibitions in Britain and in India, highlighting the ways in which these objects were showcased and interpreted. Furthermore, it presents a comprehensive examination of the art of urban elites, juxtaposed with popular arts and artifacts, providing a rich tapestry of artistic expressions and cultural heritage.

The book explores the profound impact of the Anglo-Indian colonial encounter on British art, shedding light on the ways in which artistic traditions were shaped, influenced, and transformed. It examines the ways in which British artists responded to the cultural richness and diversity of India, incorporating elements of Indian art and architecture into their work. The book also explores the role of British colonialism in shaping the visual landscape of British India, highlighting the ways in which colonial policies and practices influenced the development of art and architecture in the region.

Through its rich and detailed analysis, the book offers a valuable insight into the complex and multifaceted relationship between British art and British India, providing a deeper understanding of the cultural heritage and artistic traditions that have shaped these two nations. It serves as a testament to the power of art to transcend boundaries and bridge cultural divides, fostering a greater appreciation for the diverse and rich tapestry of artistic expressions that exist across the world.

Weight: 712g
Dimension: 264 x 210 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526122940