In less than two centuries, the British presence in India transformed from a small company of merchants into a vast, extractive empire ruled by the Crown. This course will critically examine visual culture relating to British colonialism in India from the mid-eighteenth century to Independence. We will consider the role of art in British diplomacy with rival kingdoms and independent territories, photography’s use in colonial surveillance, the impact of industrialization on Indian crafts, colonial patronage and institutions of art education, and architecture and monuments designed to naturalize British presence on the subcontinent. We will equally consider South Asian perspectives such as the role of photography and reproductive prints in the rise of nationalism, the swadeshi movement, and Indian artists’ engagement with or rejection of modernism.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: At least one 200-level Art History course or permission of the instructor recommended.

Instructor: Oliver

Distribution Requirements: ARS - Visual Arts, Music, Theater, Film and Video

Typical Periods Offered: Spring

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Not Offered

Notes: