Fusion of east and west

Impact of colonisation on
Indian art , architecture and
design.

Tanushika Singh
B.DES 1 Semester
Impact of colonisation on Indian
art , architecture and design.
The colonial artistic landscape of India showcases a
stunning fusion of Eastern and Western elements,
intertwining in both substance and style. A significant
impact of colonialism on India's cultural tapestry was the
founding of art institutions in Calcutta, Madras, and
Bombay, aimed at ‘uplifting’ the esteem of Indian art by
imparting Western principles and refined aesthetics. This
paper delves into the motivations that led to the creation
of these art schools and how company paintings,
portraits, and depictions of idyllic scenes became
quintessential representations of the synthesis of Eastern
and Western influences on canvas. Additionally, the
paper investigates how this cultural interchange sparked
a transformation in modern Indian art throughout this
evolution.

Art A Silent Narrator

Artwork narrates countless tales, and while they remain
suspended in a moment, they serve as visual chronicles
of ideals, ambitions, and cultures from bygone eras. They
embody the evolving tastes and sensibilities of
individuals, communities, and nations, thereby forging a
web of connections among art, literature, science, and
philosophy of any particular time. India, a tapestry
woven from invasions and diverse cultures, showcases
its colonial art as a testament to the exchange between
the East and the West. The British presence in India from
1757 to 1947 was marked by a longer tenure and deeper
influence than any other European nation. Partha Mitter
posits that the British arrived with a sense of “moral
duty” that carried the belief in “shaping native taste”
(1994: 29). Following the Great Exhibition of 1851,
Britain’s admiration for Indian art blossomed, leading
them to feel capable of mentoring local artists in
innovative design techniques. This initiative was fueled
by the intention to safeguard and enhance traditional art
practices in the colony through the establishment of
formal art education (Guha-Thakurta, 1992).
Pre colonisation Indian art
work was more religion
centric.

Post Colonial Indian Art

showing more realism.

The above painting by

Johan Zoffany (1733-
1810) depicts interactions
between the British and
the Indians at the height
of the Raj (reign) in
British India.
Introduction of picturesque artsyle
The picturesque art movement prioritized stylized landscapes
over realistic portrayals, influenced by Western ideals until the
early 19th century. Indian artists, now working under new
patrons, embraced Western techniques, infusing their
traditional styles with elements of realism and perspective.
The European presence diminished local artistic traditions, as
Indian art patrons lost power to the East India Company. This
fusion birthed the Indo-Saracenic Revival, an architectural
movement that showcased grandeur in public buildings.
Additionally, the introduction of oil painting and life-size
portraits transformed Indian art, leading to a celebration of
royal opulence and historical narratives during the colonial
era.
 Interiors of laxmi vilas palace

. While the medieval Indian paintings were miniature in size and style; European
portraits were big in comparison. The rich and the powerful in India began to be
painted in life size big canvases. History painting also evolved during the colonial
era. The tradition sought to dramatize and recreate various episodes of British
imperial history and thus celebrated their power, victories and supremacy.
Besides the technical advancements, new studios were set up by Indian artists
that helped them training new methods of life study, oil painting and print
making.
Development of Woodcut Artistry
Calcutta emerged as a pivotal hub for cultural advancement during the 19th and
20th centuries. The swift process of urbanization catalyzed the growth of a
market economy, while neo-aristocrats established power dynamics reflective of
the evolving socio-economic and cultural paradigms. Woodcut artistry
represented one such medium that provided a novel articulation of Bengal's
commercial art. In 1878, a group of art scholars from a Calcutta institution
initiated their own lithographic press, focusing explicitly on projects that
illustrated Hindu mythological narratives. These artistic creations played a crucial
role in challenging and redefining the stylistic benchmarks within the bazaar art
scene. Furthermore, they illustrated the manner in which Western artistic
training and standards were assimilated at various levels to align with local
preferences. The technique of producing prints from wooden blocks was
introduced from Europe in the 17th century. This craft was reinterpreted with a
distinct style and conceptual framework, termed ‘Battala printing,’ named after
the area where these prints were predominantly produced. The elaborate
craftsmanship of woodcut prints, encompassing diverse forms such as book
illustrations and advertisements, signified an evolution of a cultural landscape
that represented a synthesis of Western and Eastern artistic traditions.
 Indian version of woodcut artistery called
‘Battala Printing’

Motifs and Sculptures in Colonial India :

In the realm of colonial-era Indian artistry, motifs
frequently showcased a harmonious blend of indigenous
symbols and European artistic influences. Prominent
themes featured religious and mythological narratives,
carefully tailored to please British patrons. For instance,
Indian artisans portrayed Hindu deities utilizing Western
methods of shading and perspective, resulting in a
captivating stylistic amalgamation. Renowned sculptors
of this era emerged from both the colonizers and the
colonized. British sculptors, while working in India, often
produced pieces that echoed their own cultural
backgrounds, whereas Indian sculptors skillfully
integrated these influences into their age-old artistic
traditions.
One prominent example is the work of John Lockwood
Kipling, a British sculptor and teacher who played a
significant role in promoting Indian craftsmanship and
incorporating Indian motifs into his work.Indian sculptors,
such as .P. Roy Chowdhury, also made significant
contributions during this period. Chowdhury's work
reflected a blend of traditional Indian themes with
Western techniques, showcasing the dynamic exchange
of artistic ideas during the colonial era. His sculptures
often depicted Indian subjects using realistic, European-
inspired styles, highlighting the hybrid nature of colonial
Indian art.
Impact On Textile Design
1. British Fascination with Indian Textiles:
o The British were captivated by the beauty and
quality of Indian textiles. They introduced
mechanized looms and new textiles
like muslin and chintz, which became popular
in Europe.
o Indian cotton, lightweight and vibrant, found its
place in the European cloth market, inspiring
colorful dresses and garments.
2. Decline of Traditional Techniques:
o However, this period of growth also led to the
decline of many traditional techniques and
crafts. Mechanization replaced handcrafted
methods, affecting local artisans.
o Kashmiri shawls, once renowned, were
replaced by French-made shawls, showcasing
the impact of changing tastes and production
methods.
o Chutz is a woodblock printed, painted, stained or glazed
calico textile that originated in Golconda (present day
Hyderabad, India) in the 16th century.[2][3] The cloth is
printed with designs featuring flowers and other patterns in
different colours, typically on a light, plain background.
o
Dressing the Indian woman through
history
Every nation boasts its own tantalizingly sensitive spots.
What many contemporary Indians perceive as indigenous
concepts of propriety and restraint are, in reality,
legacies handed down to us from the British - a gift from
the era of the Raj.The most ancient depictions of women
reveal them adorned in little more than a whisper of
fabric.In the artistic expressions from the Mauryan and
Sunga eras (around 300 BC) - both men and women
donned rectangular swathes of cloth, draping them
around their lower bodies and a single piece above.
Nothing more.

In the 15th Century, we observe Muslim and Hindu

women donning a variety of vibrant ensembles, with the
Mughal empire's impact being pivotal - they reigned over
the majority of India and Pakistan during the 16th and
17th Centuries. While I haven't encountered any
documented guidelines regarding attire, it was
customary for Muslim women to envelop themselves and
sport bifurcated clothing. These unique outfits paved the
way for creations like the salwar kameez - now widely
embraced as a symbol of national attire in India.

In Bengal, during the enchanting Victorian era, certain

women chose to forgo blouses beneath their saris -
embracing the freedom of bare-breasted elegance. This
audacious choice clashed with the rigid standards of
Victorian society, which upheld its own stringent notions
of decorum, leading to the rise of blouses as a common
expectation.
Fashion in India experienced a remarkable
transformation following colonization, especially during
and in the aftermath of British dominion. Here are some
pivotal points:

Introduction of Western Elements: The era of British

colonialism ushered in a wave of Western fashion
influences into the realm of Indian attire. Trousers,
jackets, and shirts found their way into everyday wear,
predominantly in urban settings. This sparked a
delightful fusion of aesthetics, intertwining traditional
Indian garments with Western flair.

Evolution of Women’s Attire: Prior to British impact,

Indian women typically adorned themselves in sarees
sans blouses. However, the Victorian ethos of modesty
ushered in the adoption of blouses and petticoats
beneath sarees. This transformation was championed by
trailblazers like Jnanadanandini Debi, who seamlessly
blended Western styles into the fabric of Indian fashion.
Suniti Devi, Maharani of Cooch Behar in 1902

Men’s Fashion: For men, the achkan and bandgala coat

emerged as the epitome of formal wear, typically paired
with trousers. These styles bore the hallmark of British
formal fashion and remain fixtures in contemporary
formal occasions..
Sculptures
Sculpture during the colonial era in India was
characterized by a blend of traditional and European
techniques and materials. Indian sculptors began to use
materials such as bronze and marble, which were
introduced by the British, alongside traditional materials
like wood and stone. This led to the creation of new
forms and styles that combined elements from both
cultures.Prominent works from this period often carried
deep symbolic meanings, reflecting the complex social
and political dynamics of the time. For example, many
sculptures depicted scenes from Indian mythology and
history, while also incorporating European techniques of
realism and proportion. This blend of influences created
a unique visual language that conveyed the experiences
and aspirations of the colonized populations.European
sculptural styles, such as neoclassicism and realism, had
a significant impact on local practices. Indian sculptors
began to adopt these styles, adapting them to fit their
own cultural contexts. This led to the development of
hybrid forms of sculpture that reflected the diverse
influences of the colonial period
 Impact on
Architecture
Colonialism has profoundly shaped societies globally.
The British and French colonial enterprises have
disseminated their influence across various regions,
establishing themselves as significant global entities.
Furthermore, these colonial powers have markedly
impacted numerous nations with respect to cultural
practices, educational systems, artistic expression,
architectural styles, and urban development. .

Portuguese Influence in Goa

The Portuguese colonial presence in Goa resulted in a

distinctive architectural heritage characterized by the
fusion of local and European styles. Churches in Old Goa
exemplify this amalgamation, showcasing indigenous
knowledge alongside Portuguese design principles, which
have shaped the region's cultural identity over
centuries[1].

Old Goa features churches influenced by European

Renaissance, Baroque, and Rococo styles, using local
materials like stone and timber. The Basilica of Bom
Jesus showcases these styles with its unique masonry
and impressive facade.
 - The Basilica's interior
includes important
elements like the altar
and chapels, with a
design that reflects
Baroque features and
Italian Renaissance
influences, including a
marble tomb crafted
by skilled artisans.

St. Thomas cathedral

- St. Francis Assissi
Church displays a mix
of architectural styles, including Flemish vaults and
Bijapur influences, representing a blend of European and
local designs that contribute to the Goan Catholic
identity.

Dravidian Temple Renovations

In colonial Madras, the revival of Dravidian temple

architecture was marked by substantial renovations
driven by local merchant communities. This period saw a
resurgence of Tamil cultural nationalism, with architects
and craftsmen from the Chettinadu region playing pivotal
roles in preserving and evolving traditional temple
designs[2].
Indo-Saracenic Architecture

The British colonial era introduced the Indo-Saracenic

style, a blend of Gothic and Indian architectural
elements, as seen in iconic structures like the Gateway
of India. This style reflects the colonial architects'
attempts to adapt Western designs to Indian contexts,
influencing urban landscapes significantly [3].

Laxmi Niwas Palace

 Gateway of India

Victoria Memorial in West

Bengal
Traditional Techniques and Modern Adaptations

Researches highlight the evolution of traditional Indian

architectural techniques during the colonial period,
emphasizing the need to integrate these methods into
contemporary designs for sustainability. This approach
aims to retain cultural heritage while addressing modern
needs].

While colonial influences have enriched Indian

architecture, some argue that this has led to the
overshadowing of indigenous styles, raising concerns
about the loss of traditional techniques and cultural
identity in the face of modernization].

SUMMARY
Introduction of picturesque artsyle

 The picturesque art movement shifted Indian

artistic focus towards stylized landscapes,
integrating Western techniques and ideals into
traditional practices.

 This transformation included the adoption of oil

painting and life-size portraits, which celebrated
royal opulence and historical narratives during the
colonial period.

Interiors of Laxmi Vilas Palace

  The interiors of Laxmi Vilas Palace dramatized
British imperial history, showcasing their power
and victories through art.

 New studios established by Indian artists facilitated

the training in modern techniques, while Indian
cotton gained popularity in Europe, influencing
fashion.

Decline of Traditional Techniques

 Traditional Kashmiri shawls faced decline as

French-made alternatives became more
fashionable, highlighting the shift in consumer
preferences.

 This change reflects broader impacts of colonialism

on local craftsmanship and production methods.

Sculptures

 The colonial period saw the emergence of hybrid

sculptures that merged Indian mythology with
European realism, creating a unique visual
language.

 Influences from European styles like neoclassicism

led Indian sculptors to adapt these techniques,
 resulting in new forms that reflected the socio-
political dynamics of the time.

Impact on Architecture

 Colonial architecture in Old Goa incorporated

European styles such as Renaissance and Baroque,
utilizing local materials to create significant
structures like the Basilica of Bom Jesus.

 These architectural adaptations illustrate the

blending of cultural influences and the
transformation of urban landscapes during the
colonial era.

Indo-Saracenic Architecture

 The Indo-Saracenic style emerged during British

rule, combining Gothic and Indian elements,
exemplified by structures like the Gateway of India.

 This architectural approach reflects colonial

architects' efforts to merge Western designs with
Indian contexts, significantly shaping the
architectural landscape.

BIBLIOGRAPHY
BOOKS:
* *Archer, John. *The Art of India: A Survey of Indian
Painting, Sculpture, and Architecture. New York: Harper
& Row, 1973.**

* *Brown, Percy. *Indian Architecture. Bombay:

Taraporevala, 1968.**

* *Dalal, Roshen. *India: A History. New York: Penguin

Books, 2014.**

* *Gombrich, Ernst H. *The Story of Art. London: Phaidon

Press, 2006.**

* *Hardiman, David. *The Coming of Colonialism: The

Impact of the British on India. Oxford: Oxford University
Press, 2003.**

* *Kapil, Rajeev. *The Colonial Construction of Indian Art:

A Critical Analysis. New Delhi: Oxford University Press,
2006.**

ARTICLES :

* *Bhattacharya, Partha. "Colonialism and the Shaping of

Indian Art." *Journal of Asian Studies 59, no. 4 (2000):
851-878.**

* *Chatterjee, Partha. "Colonialism and the Indian

Intelligentsia: The Case of the Bengal Renaissance."
*Subaltern Studies 1 (1982): 187-225.**

* *Dressing the Indian woman through history. (2014).

https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30330693
The Evolution of Indian Fashion: From Traditional to
Modern. (2024).
https://www.hatkay.com/blogs/hatkay/the-evolution-of-
indian-fashion-from-traditional-to-modern

ONLINE RESOURCES :

* **The British Library:

[https://www.bl.uk/](https://www.bl.uk/)**

* **The Victoria and Albert Museum:

[https://www.vam.ac.uk/](https://www.vam.ac.uk/)**

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Branfoot, C. (2022). Architectural knowledge and the ‘Dravidian’

temple in colonial Madras Presidency. 26(1).
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Rycroft, D. J., & Gray, R. R. R. (2015). World Art and the Legacies of
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Priyanka, P. (2022). Portraits, Politics and the Picturesque in the Art of

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https://blog.daisie.com/indian-textile-design-exploring-history-
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Dressing the Indian woman through history. (2014).
https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-30330693

The Evolution of Indian Fashion: From Traditional to Modern. (2024).

https://www.hatkay.com/blogs/hatkay/the-evolution-of-indian-
fashion-from-traditional-to-modern