241-yr-old Asiatic Society unveils list of 78 oil paintings since 15th century
2
Kolkata: Marking a milestone in its nearly two-and-a-half-century-long legacy, the Asiatic Society on Tuesday unveiled its first-ever illustrated catalogue of oil paintings from its collection.
The catalogue, compiled by Isha Mahammad and Somnath Mukherjee, was released by Bengal's governor CV Ananda Bose at Raj Bhawan's throne room.
"This is the first attempt to publish a comprehensive catalogue of paintings. We cannot always exhibit them, but this publication offers the public a glimpse into their splendour. It also serves as a tribute to former Society president and noted painter Isha Mahammad," said Lt Colonel Anant Sinha, administrator of the Asiatic Society.
The catalogue features 78 oil paintings that chronicle the evolution of Indian art from the colonial period onwards. With the decline of indigenous artistic traditions in the early 19th century, many Indian artists began adopting Western techniques under British patronage — especially through commissions by the East India Company. These early hybrid efforts laid the foundation for a new artistic idiom, evident in the collection's varied styles.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
3 & 4 BHKs near ITPL from ₹2.7 Cr*
Sumadhura Group
Learn More
Undo
You Can Also Check:
Kolkata AQI
|
Weather in Kolkata
|
Bank Holidays in Kolkata
|
Public Holidays in Kolkata
The Society's archives also include at least 50 paintings by Abanindranath Tagore, Suhashini Devi, Ramkinkar Baij, Nandalal Bose, and Jamini Roy. The collection is further enriched by European works, including those by artists like William Hodges, Thomas and William Daniell, John Zoffany, and Tilly Kettle, who worked in Calcutta during the late 18th century. Robert Home, who once headed the Asiatic Library, also contributed to the visual documentation of the period.
According to art historians, this catalogue also offers a lens into broader cultural exchanges between the East and the West.
Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with
Doctor's Day 2025
,
messages
and quotes!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
&w=3840&q=100)
Business Standard
14 minutes ago
- Business Standard
Earthquake of magnitude 3.9 strikes Afghanistan; third since June 28
According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 15 km, making it susceptible to aftershocks ANI Asia An earthquake of magnitude 3.9 struck Afghanistan on Wednesday, a statement by the National Center for Seismology (NCS) said. According to the NCS, the earthquake occurred at a shallow depth of 15 km, making it susceptible to aftershocks. In a post on X, the NCS stated, "EQ of M: 3.9, On: 02/07/2025 00:44:52 IST, Lat: 36.63 N, Long: 71.38 E, Depth: 15 Km, Location: Afghanistan." Earlier on June 30, another earthquake of magnitude 4.9 jolted Afghanistan. In a post on X, NCS wrote, "EQ of M: 4.9, On: 30/06/2025 08:02:35 IST, Lat: 36.77 N, Long: 71.13 E, Depth: 10 Km, Location: Afghanistan." Earlier, on June 28, another earthquake of magnitude 4.3 struck the region at a depth of 120 km. In a post on X, the NCS said, "EQ of M: 4.3, On: 28/06/2025 20:01:13 IST, Lat: 36.37 N, Long: 71.06 E, Depth: 120 Km, Location: Afghanistan." Shallow earthquakes like this one are more dangerous than deeper ones due to their greater energy release closer to the Earth's surface. This causes stronger ground shaking and increased damage to structures and casualties, compared to deeper earthquakes, which lose energy as they travel to the surface. Afghanistan has a history of powerful earthquakes, and the Hindu Kush Mountain range is a geologically active area where quakes occur every year, according to the Red Cross. Afghanistan sits on numerous fault lines between the Indian and the Eurasian tectonic plates, with a fault line also running directly through Herat. Its location on several active fault lines along the collision zone between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates makes it a seismically active region. These plates meet and collide, causing frequent seismic activity. As per the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA), Afghanistan remains highly vulnerable to natural disasters, including seasonal flooding, landslides and earthquakes. These frequent earthquakes in Afghanistan cause damage to vulnerable communities, which are already grappling with decades of conflict and underdevelopment and have left them with little resilience to cope with multiple simultaneous shocks, UNOCHA noted.
Time of India
43 minutes ago
- Time of India
Meet Zeus: The blind owl with the universe in his eyes
Owls are often called the epitome of wisdom in the animal kingdom, they are mysterious and majestic birds that have excellent night vision, sharp talons, and eerie, echoing calls. Most of these birds are solitary, shy hunters, gliding silently through forests or deserts after dark in search of prey. With their forward-facing eyes and rotating heads, owls have long been symbols of perfection and the wild unknown. But not all owls fit the mold of this classic nighttime predator. While most are elusive and wary of human contact, some rare individuals show us a softer, more personal side. One such extraordinary owl is Zeus, a blind Western screech owl who, instead of soaring through the night sky, now lives a calm and peaceful life beside a desk in Southern California. The owl with the universe in his eyes Zeus was discovered one morning on a front porch in Central California, injured and unable to fly. He had crashed into a house wall, and it quickly became clear something was wrong. According to Paul Hahn, founder of the Wildlife Learning Center in Sylmar, California, 'He was found emaciated and blind in front of someone's house in Central California'. After being brought to the Center, Zeus was examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist who diagnosed him with capsular cataracts, a condition that leaves his eyes flecked with white and shimmering patterns that look like stars. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trading CFD dengan Teknologi dan Kecepatan Lebih Baik IC Markets Mendaftar Undo 'The white flecks that glisten in his eyes are caused by unique fibrin/blood pigment clots,' Hahn explained. 'These pigments cause a unique starry-eyed look, for which he is well known, hence the name Zeus', as per reports by the Bored Panda. He now lives in a protected centre Though he only has about 10% of his vision left and cannot survive in the wild, Zeus found a forever home at the Wildlife Learning Center. He now lives in a comfortable spot inside the center, perched in a hollowed trunk on top of Hahn's filing cabinet. 'Zeus exudes a very peaceful presence and is very calm. He has a very big personality and exhibits a bit of a curious nature,' Hahn said. Visitors are surprised when they see Zeus. 'Many other people see him but believe he is a stuffed animal because he is so calm and peaceful. When he wakes and opens his eyes, people gasp. We have had people almost in tears when he reveals his peepers,' said Hahn said to the Bored Panda. While he can no longer hunt like his wild cousins, Zeus plays another important role. 'It is really special that Zeus' disability is causing so many people to be aware and care for screech owls and our environment everywhere. He truly is an ambassador to his species,' Hahn shared. Zeus may not fly under the stars anymore, but with eyes like his, he carries the night sky with him.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
Cancer Daily Health Horoscope Today, July 02, 2025: Recommit to your vision
Today, the universe is asking you to come back to your original dream. Maybe you've felt distracted or discouraged recently. But your vision still lives inside you, waiting for your full heart again. Recommit to what you once believed in. Small steps in the right direction will bring powerful results. Don't give up now. You planted this dream for a reason – it's time to care for it again. Cancer Health Horoscope Today Your health feels better when you're aligned with your inner purpose. You may be emotionally tired more than physically. Rest your heart by doing something meaningful today – not just chores. Light exercise and emotional peace will help your body feel stronger. Choose natural food and enough water. Your body wants to move with purpose, not pressure. Healing returns with intention. Cancer Wellness Horoscope Today Your wellness depends on reconnecting with your deeper self. Do something that reminds you of who you truly are – music, prayer, or even childhood memories. You don't need to chase happiness today – you need to return to it. Journaling or soft reflection will help bring back your emotional balance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo You feel best when you're close to your soul's purpose. Cancer Love Horoscope Today In love, it's time to be clear about what kind of connection you really want. If in a relationship, speak about your shared goals. Let your love support your dreams. If single, ask yourself what kind of love supports your vision, not distracts from it. The right person will honour your purpose. Let love grow through alignment, not just attraction. Cancer Career Horoscope Today In career, don't lose sight of the bigger picture. You may feel stuck in daily tasks, but your dream is still alive. Reconnect with your long-term goal and adjust your path gently. You have the talent and patience – just keep your eye on the original reason you started. Others will follow your focused energy. Stay steady. Cancer Money Horoscope Today Money-wise, today brings a chance to recommit to a plan. Maybe something you paused earlier is ready to begin again. Don't fear small restarts – they often bring better results. Look at your budget or plans with fresh eyes. Spend on what brings long-term value, not short-term relief. Financial energy today supports purpose-led choices. Cancer Affirmation Today: I return to my dream with full heart and strength. Discover everything about astrology at the Times of India , including daily horoscopes for Aries , Taurus , Gemini , Cancer , Leo , Virgo , Libra , Scorpio , Sagittarius , Capricorn , Aquarius , and Pisces .
