The book examines the aesthetic interactions between Britain and India during the Raj in relation to issues of empire and considers the visual culture of urban elites and princely states alongside popular arts. It explores the impact of the Anglo-Indian colonial encounter on the arts and aesthetic traditions of both countries. It presents a unique overview that ranges from painting, print-making and photography to architecture, exhibitions and Indian crafts.

The book highlights the key role of art in forging British colonial ideology and is structured around visual examples. It offers accessible discussions of issues such as Orientalism and (post)colonialism, and presents current approaches to questions of British art and empire.