Archive · 23 Jul 2026
Colonial Painters Framed Calcutta Through the ‘White Town’
In the 18th century, Kolkata was divided into the 'White Town' for Europeans and the 'Black Town' for Indians.
Colonial painters like Tilly Kettle and William Hodges came to Kolkata and painted the city, focusing on the 'White Town' and British life.
Their paintings showed Kolkata as exotic and developing under British rule.
They often included native figures but as mere backdrops.
Most painters were supported by British governors and painted to favor the British Empire.
Balthazar Solvyns was an exception, as he painted native figures with more detail and agency.
These paintings helped shape Western stereotypes of India.
Kolkata was divided into 'White Town' for Europeans and 'Black Town' for Indians in the 18th century.
Colonial painters like Tilly Kettle and William Hodges depicted Kolkata as exotic and developing under British rule.
Their paintings focused on the 'White Town' and British life, often including native figures as backdrops.
Most painters were under the patronage of British governors and painted to favor the British Empire.
Balthazar Solvyns was an exception, painting native figures with more detail and agency.
- Who
- Colonial painters like Tilly Kettle, William Hodges, Thomas and William Daniell, and Balthazar Solvyns
- What
- Depictions of Kolkata through paintings focusing on the 'White Town' and British life
- When
- 18th century
- Where
- Kolkata, India
- Why
- To document and promote the British Empire's presence and influence in India
Colonial Perspective
Indian Perspective
Representation of Kolkata
Colonial Perspective
Colonial painters depicted Kolkata as exotic and emerging under imperial order, focusing on the 'White Town' and British life.
Indian Perspective
Indian historians argue that these depictions were influenced by a colonial mindset and did not accurately represent the entire city.
Inclusion of Native Figures
Colonial Perspective
Native figures were included in the paintings but often as mere backdrops without agency.
Indian Perspective
Indian perspectives highlight the absence of native figures with agency and the segregation of the 'Black Town' from the 'White Town'.
- Period
- 18th century
- Key Painters
- Tilly Kettle, William Hodges, Thomas and William Daniell, Balthazar Solvyns
- Key Locations
- Fort William, Maidan, Esplanade, Hooghly River
- Patronage
- Warren Hastings
- Notable Artworks
- Les Hindoûs by Balthazar Solvyns