"British Raj Soldier - Governor's Body Guard Madras 1912" by Santosh K Sharma presents a dignified portrait of an elite Indian soldier in the ceremonial uniform of one of the British Raj's most prestigious units. The figure stands at attention within an elegant gold-bordered frame, his striking brick-red tunic adorned with elaborate gold braiding and aiguillettes creating a powerful contrast against the black riding boots. The distinctive blue and gold striped turban crowns the composition, while the ceremonial sword and white gloves complete this visual embodiment of imperial military prestige.

About British Raj Soldier - Governor's Body Guard Madras 1912 by Santosh K Sharma

This 2015 watercolor on paper by Indian National Award winner Santosh K Sharma draws inspiration from the historic ambiance of Delhi's Imperial Hotel Polo Lounge. The artist employs precise watercolor technique to meticulously render each detail of the uniform that once distinguished the governor's elite guards. Through this careful documentation of military regalia, Sharma illuminates how the British East India Company utilized extravagant uniforms as calculated symbols of imperial authority and prestige. The composition's elegant simplicity—positioning the solitary figure against a cream background within formal borders—enhances the subject's ceremonial significance while demonstrating Sharma's masterful control of his medium. This work stands as both an artistic achievement and a thoughtful historical record of colonial military aesthetics at the zenith of British imperial power in India.