Published on 12 Oct 2025
Modern school of painting developed in the late 19th and early 20th century which deviated from the hitherto popular miniature paintings. This new style of painting reflected the politics of the period, with the Company paintings showing more Western influence while the Bengal school went for reviving the Indian way of drawing.
Impact of British colonial rule on Indian painting
Colonial rule in India had a significant impact on Indian painting, leading to changes in artistic styles, themes, and patronage. Some notable changes brought under the influence of company rule were
Shift in Patronage: With the decline of the royal courts as major patrons of art, colonial rule shifted the patronage to British officials and European art institutions. This change influenced the subject matter and artistic choices of Indian painters.
Example: Raja Ravi Varma received patronage from British officials and aristocrats.
Western techniques: Western academic realism and techniques like perspective and shading started to be incorporated into Indian paintings
Example: A Groom with Horse and Carriage painting exemplifies the shading technique.
Documentation of Indian Culture: Colonial rulers took an interest in documenting Indian art and culture. This led to the preservation of ancient Indian art forms, including mural paintings, miniature paintings, and sculptures.
Example: James Fergusson, a British art historian, documented and studied Indian rock-cut cave paintings, such as those found in the Ajanta and Ellora caves.
Art Education and Institutions: The establishment of art schools by the British administration introduced Western art education in India which provided training in Western techniques.
Example: The Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy School of Art in Mumbai.
Influence on theme: Western influences shifted the subject matter of Indian painting. Artists began exploring themes such as social issues, cultural encounters, and nationalist sentiments, reflecting the changing socio-political landscape.
Example: Bride's Toilet painting depicts a young woman in traditional attire, symbolizing the changing role of women in Indian society during the colonial era.
Company school of painting
The Company School of Painting, also known as the Company Style, refers to a genre of Indian painting that emerged during the British East India Company's rule in India. They created paintings that depicted Indian subjects in a European way
European Aesthetic Influence: The Company School incorporated European artistic techniques, particularly those of British watercolour painting.
Example: The European Lady painting showcases the use of watercolours and fine detailing using European techniques.
Themes: Themes that reflected Indian society and way of living were explored as this aided in creating a better understanding and documentation of the local Indian setting.
Example: The Ghazipur Bazaar scene painting.
Naturalistic Depiction: Artists of the Company School aimed for a realistic representation of the subjects, paying attention to details of clothing, facial features, and background settings.
Example: The Indian Soldiers painting depicts Indian soldiers dressed in their traditional attire with detailed rendering of facial features, uniforms, and weaponry.
Limited colour palette: The Company School mostly employed a subdued colour palette, often using shades of brown, grey, and sepia.
Example: Ladies on a Terrace painting indicates the use of limited colours
Bengal school of painting
The Bengal School of Painting emerged in the late 19th and early 20th centuries in Bengal, India. Led by artists like Abanindranath Tagore and Nandalal Bose, the Bengal School aimed to revive traditional Indian art forms and promote a nationalistic and spiritual artistic movement.
Nationalistic and Indigenous Themes: Paintings revolved around Indian epics, historic events, rural life etc. which aimed at creating a nationalistic pride.
Example: The Bharat Mata painting which embodies the spirit of freedom struggle.
Use of traditional Indian techniques: The Bengal school sought to bring back the techniques of ancient and medieval times like the tempera technique.
Example: The Buddha and Sujata painting by Abanindranath Tagore uses tempera technique.
Simplicity: The Bengal School favoured a restrained and introspective approach, often employing subtle colour palettes, delicate brushwork, and minimalist compositions.
Example: Krishna and Radha in the Grove of Bengal school. This painting uses muted colours, graceful lines, and minimal background details
Integration of art and literature: The Bengal School sought to integrate art and literature, often incorporating poetic verses or calligraphy within the paintings which aided in conveying deeper meaning.
Example: The Coronation Durbar of Bengal school produces a synergy of visual art and literary expression.
History & Culture
Modern School of Painting
Raja Ravi Varma
Western techniques
A Groom with Horse
Carriage painting
shading technique
James Fergusson
Ajanta and Ellora cave
Sir Jamsetjee Jeejeebhoy School
Bride's Toilet painting
Company school of painting
Company Style
British East India Company
European Aesthetic Influence
British watercolour painting
European Lady painting
Ghazipur Bazaar
Ladies on a Terrace painting
Bengal school of painting
Abanindranath Tagore
Nandalal Bose
traditional Indian art
Bharat Mata painting
traditional Indian techniques
The Buddha and Sujata painting
Krishna and Radha in the Grove
The Coronation Durbar
General Studies Paper 1
Indian Heritage and Culture
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