Bharat Bhiksha

Calcutta Art Studio

Bharat Bhiksha

size

13.7 x 10.2 in. / 34.8 x 25.9 cm.

medium

Lithograph on paper

A highly controversial lithograph, Bharat Bhiksha (India begging) represented the British notion of their civilising race’s beneficence to a subservient nation like India. The image brings together three figures, symbolically standing in for three generations, positioned according to age. The old lady hands over the responsibility for the child to a youthful, resplendently attired woman. Politically, the old woman, as well as the child, represent India and the youthful woman is Britain, her youth signalling how British patronage over an ancient, exhausted country would provide for a bountiful future.

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Art Artist Names Single	Calcutta Art Studio

Bharat Bhiksha

Bharat Bhiksha

Bharat Bhiksha

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