ABSTRACT
This chapter is from a volume of the Journal of Indian Art, which was dedicated to discussing the Festival of Empire and Imperial Exhibition held at the Crystal Palace, London in 1911. The Indian section not only displayed artefacts that demonstrated the 'skill, dexterity and good taste' of Indian craftsmen but also issued a warning that these qualities were on the downward slope as improved communications and commercial opportunities were developed, they tended to dilute skilled native crafts. Birdwood wanted to leave things alone for the craftsmen, advocating the continuation of Indian arts and crafts in local traditions. Kipling blamed mechanization and the march of civilization for the decline of Indian art. The address cases at the Indian Court were unusually free from the defects which are so frequently seen in such objects. Most people are anxious to have something which will be useful as well as ornamental.
