Bombay

Bombay (now Mumbai), as a major cultural and economic hub in India, played a pivotal role in shaping the decorative arts and objects during the 20th century. This influence can be understood through several key aspects:

1. **Cultural Melting Pot**: Bombay, being a cosmopolitan city, acted as a melting pot of various cultures and traditions. This amalgamation of influences from different parts of India and the world led to a unique and eclectic style in decorative arts. The city’s position as a colonial hub during the British Raj further added to this blend, as Western designs merged with traditional Indian motifs and techniques.

2. **Artisanal Heritage and Craftsmanship**: Bombay has a rich heritage of craftsmanship, with skilled artisans excelling in a range of materials and techniques. Textile arts, metalwork, woodwork, and jewelry making are some examples where Bombay’s artisans have traditionally excelled. The 20th century saw these artisans adapting their skills to meet the changing tastes and demands, thereby keeping traditional crafts alive while also innovating.

3. **Modernist Influences**: The 20th century, particularly post-independence, saw a surge in modernist influences in Indian art and design. Bombay, as a city at the forefront of India’s modernization, embraced these changes. Architects and designers in Bombay began incorporating modernist principles into their work, which reflected in the decorative arts as well, leading to a fusion of traditional Indian aesthetics with modern designs.

4. **Economic Growth and Urbanization**: The rapid economic growth and urbanization of Bombay throughout the 20th century created a demand for new forms of decorative arts and objects. This demand was not just limited to the domestic market but also catered to international tastes, as Bombay became an important center for the export of decorative objects.

5. **Bollywood Influence**: The rise of Bollywood, India’s Hindi film industry based in Bombay, also had a significant impact on decorative arts. The lavish sets and stylish aesthetics of Bollywood films influenced interior design and decorative trends, both within India and among the Indian diaspora.

6. **International Expositions and Trade**: Throughout the 20th century, Bombay participated in various international expositions and trade fairs, showcasing Indian decorative arts to a global audience. These events helped in popularizing Indian designs and crafts worldwide and established Bombay as a key center for the trade of decorative arts.

7. **Craft Revival Movements**: The 20th century also witnessed various craft revival movements in India, many of which were centered in or had strong connections to Bombay. These movements aimed at preserving traditional crafts while also making them relevant for contemporary markets, thereby significantly contributing to the survival and evolution of decorative arts in India.

In conclusion, Bombay’s role in the development and dissemination of decorative arts and objects during the 20th century was multifaceted and influential. The city’s unique blend of cultural influences, traditional craftsmanship, modernist trends, economic growth, and global connections made it a vital center for the creation and trade of decorative arts, impacting both Indian and international design landscapes.