CBSE Class 8 Answered

There was a lot of symbolism in the paintings of the period of British rule. The colonial masters often sought to glorify their rule through the paintings which they commissioned. Especially in paintings which featured both Indian and British subjects, the former were often shown as inferior and subservient, whereas the latter were shown as superior and regal looking. Through the paintings, the British also sought to create an image of invincibility. They commissioned many paintings in which they depicted their military victories against Indian rulers. In some paintings, the Indian princes are actually shown as bowing before the British officials. This was a part of the propaganda drive initiated by the British to show the Indians in a poor light.