Curator's Note

Our exhibition takes you to the days of British colonial rule in Calcutta when significant advancements were made in print culture and art education. The introduction of printing technology, particularly in Bengali, transformed communication and the publication of written works. The Government School of Art in Calcutta, founded in 1854, became a pivotal institution for art education, fostering a unique blend of European and indigenous artistic traditions. The 19th century witnessed the rise of illustrated books and prose, supported by skilled engravers and artists. The translation and publication of Indian epics, such as the Ramayana and Mahabharata, played a crucial role in making these texts widely accessible, often featuring exquisite engravings.

- Jyotirmoy Bhattacharya