Architecture in Dharwar and Mysore 1860s

This photograph depicts an ancient temple in India, captured by Thomas Biggs sometime in the 19th century. It serves as a visual document reflecting the colonial gaze of the British Empire on the Indian subcontinent. During this era, photography played a crucial role in shaping Western perceptions of colonized lands and their people. Biggs' photograph is not just a neutral record of a physical structure, but a cultural artifact deeply embedded within the dynamics of imperial power. The image creates meaning by documenting what the British would have considered the exotic architecture of India for audiences back home. To truly understand this photograph, we delve into the social and institutional context of 19th-century British India, examining the ways in which art was mobilized to reinforce colonial ideologies. By consulting historical archives, travelogues, and official records, we can uncover the complex interplay between art, power, and representation in the age of empire.