British Raj Series by M.F Husain

M F Husain painted the British Raj series in thelate 1980s. The series was inspired by his own experiences growing up in a colonial India and his deep interest in the complex history of British colonialism in the country. The series includes paintings of British officials, soldiers, and civilians, as well as scenes of everyday life in India during this period.

Husain was deeply influenced by the political and cultural changes taking place in India during this time, including the rise of the Indian independence movement and the growing sense of national identity and pride. Husain spent his early years in the princely states of India and was a spectator to a lot of these incidents unfolding.

The significance of this series lies in its portrayal of the complex and often fraught relationship between the British colonizers and the Indian colonized. Husain's paintings highlight the power dynamics at play during the British Raj, with British officials often depicted as towering over their Indian counterparts, and Indian subjects often shown in subservient or oppressed positions.

However, Husain also brings a nuanced and critical perspective to his paintings, often highlighting the ways in which Indian resistance and resilience persisted in the face of colonial domination. He also questioned the servitude and attitudes of Indian rulers to the British. Through his paintings, Husain sought to question the prevailing assumptions about colonialism and its impact on Indian society, and to shed light on the often-overlooked perspectives and experiences of the colonized.

Overall, the British Raj series is a significant contribution to the dialogue around the legacy of British colonialism in India, and an important reminder of the ongoing struggle for decolonization and self-determination.