If you haven't as yet been fortunate enough to have encountered the absolute brilliance of the Indian artists of the so-called 'Company School', well, what a treat we have in store for you! You may have been drawn here by that remarkable image of a bat, but as you explore their world, and discover their works, rest assured that you are going to be delighted by your decision to engage with Unexplored India.

Cultural synthesis

So, to explain: the term ‘Company School’ refers to the artistic movement that flourished in India between roughly 1770 and 1857, during the waning years of one Empire - the Mughal Empire - and the expanding dominion of another - boo, hiss, The British Empire! The latter in the insidious form of the now nororious British East India Company!

Basically (I know, I also hate that word!)...but basically...Indian artists, schooled in traditional miniature painting, modified their styles to cater to wealthy British patrons who wanted to document and commemorate the 'rich and diverse cultural landscape' of the subcontinent. And of course, to have a visual record of their own time there to show off to friends when they got back to Civilisation/Blighty!

These ‘Company Painters’, cynics among you might say opportunistically, blended the intricate detailing of Mughal and Rajput painting with European techniques of trompe l'oeil, perspective, and naturalism to create the desired effects. Fortunately for us, the resulting works provide us with a breathtaking visual record of India’s people, architecture, and flora and fauna, created with immense precision and incredible artistic sensitivity. For me, Vishnupersaud and Bhawani Das stand as titans of this genre, their works exemplifying the technical mastery and aesthetic grace that define Company painting.

A Fusion of Traditions

So the emergence of Company painting was a direct consequence of British officers, administrators and scholars wanting to take home a record of India’s visual and cultural splendor. These people, albeit possessing untrained eyes, recognised that unlike the stiff formality of European academic painting, the Indian paintings had a lyricism and delicacy (even incorporating Western elements) which was beguiling.

This fusion was extremely fortuitous: many of the artists who were previously employed in the ateliers of Mughal courts were accustomed to painting finely detailed miniatures. But as patronage from Indian courts waned, they sought new employment under British officials, botanists, and antiquarians, who commissioned works illustrating everything from architectural marvels to rare botanical specimens and portraits of Indian society in all of its dazzling diversity.

Precision and Detail

Vishnupersaud has become one of my favourite painters. Renowned for his ability to render his subjects with unparalleled detail and finesse, his works demonstrate an almost photographic accuracy, capturing the textures of fabrics, the gleam of jewelry, and the subtle expressions of his subjects. To be fair, he is now known for his architectural and topographical studies, many of which were commissioned by Brits keen on documenting India’s amazing historical sites. But while his depictions of temples, palaces, and street scenes may provide an invaluable historical record, for me it's the flora and fauna that really does it. 

Discover Cobra Lily in our Trailblazers section

The Supreme Naturalist...

...and my absolute fave! Bhawani Das is celebrated for his extraordinary botanical and zoological illustrations. He worked extensively for the Company’s officials and naturalists, producing meticulously detailed studies of Indian birds, plants, and animals. His work, often executed in watercolors on paper, is remarkable for its scientific accuracy and artistic grace. I mean, those bats, wow (see below). 

Bhawani's Das's beautiful Bat

One of his most notable contributions was his involvement in the creation of a group of ‘Natural History Drawings’. His paintings of birds, such as the resplendent Indian roller or the majestic peacock, exhibit a masterful grasp of texture, movement, and proportion. These illustrations were not merely decorative; they were invaluable to European naturalists attempting to classify and understand India’s rich biodiversity.

An Enduring Influence

The Company School includes other remarkable painters such as Sita Ram, Ghulam Ali Khan, best known for his architectural renderings and portraits, particularly those depicting the last vestiges of Mughal grandeur, and a personal favourite of mine, the awesome Sheikh Zain al-Din. Each of these artists brought their own stylistic innovations to the new genre while maintaining its characteristic refined elegance. See below for evidence of that statement.

Sheikh Zain al-Din's 'Indian Roller on Sandalwood Branch'

While working for Sir Elijah Impey, Sheikh Zain al-Din (see above) created some of the most exquisite naturalistic studies of birds and animals ever seen. They are marked by a sense of liveliness and personality rare in scientific illustration. 

And a Lasting Legacy

Although Company painting declined with the advent of photography and the dissolution of British patronage after 1857's bloody Mutiny, its influence has endured. Today, these works are treasured by collectors and historians, and they occupy a vital place in major institutions such as the Victoria and Albert Museum, the British Museum, and the Indian Museum in Kolkata. They continue to serve as a testament to the adaptability and ingenuity of Indian artists who skillfully navigated the changing tides of patronage and artistic exchange.

The band of brothers known collectively as Company Painters created a unique and enduring artistic legacy. Their works are characterized by a deep reverence for the natural and cultural world, and thus remain among the most exquisite visual records of India’s past. The brilliance of these artists continues to shine, illuminating the rich confluence of cultures that defined Colonial India. These artists may vary in style but what they have in common is a sustained level of brilliance that is awe-inspiring. In my humble opinion, their masterpieces deserve to be remembered as among the most remarkable of all time.