James Forbes (artist) facts for kids
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James Forbes (1749–1819) was a talented British artist and writer. He is best known for his amazing drawings and detailed notes about India, where he lived for many years. His work helps us understand what India was like a long time ago.
Contents
An Artist's Adventure in India
Born in London, James Forbes traveled to India in 1765. He worked for the British East India Company as a writer. He stayed in India for 19 years, until 1784. During this time, he became a very busy artist and writer. He filled 52,000 pages with notes and sketches! These notes covered everything he saw. This included Indian life, its amazing wildlife, beautiful plants, and grand buildings.
Drawing the Taj Mahal
In 1781, James Forbes visited the famous Taj Mahal. He was one of the first Europeans to draw this incredible building. His drawings give us a glimpse of how it looked centuries ago.
Sharing His Discoveries
After returning to England, James Forbes got married. He then traveled a lot around Europe. He went on a big trip in 1796 and 1797. This trip included Germany, Switzerland, and Italy.
Writing Oriental Memoirs
Eventually, he came back to England to write his most famous book. It was called Oriental Memoirs. This huge book was based on all the notes and sketches he made in India. It was published in parts, starting in 1813. The book is still important today. It gives us a valuable look at the culture, plants, and fauna of India from that time.
His Lasting Legacy
A city in India is named after James Forbes. This city is called Forbesganj. It is located in the Araria District in the state of Bihar. James Forbes used to live near a pond there called Sultan pokhar. The house where he lived is still standing today. The area around his house was known as the "Residential area." Over time, people shortened this to "R-Area." This name slowly changed into "Araria," which is now the name of the district.
Gallery
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Common Striped Squirrel on a Tamarind tree
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The Sacred Hindoo Grove near Chandod on the Banks of the Nerbudda
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Shah Baug, a Summer Palace Built by the Emperor Shah Jehan on the
Banks of the Sabermatty. -
Hunting of Blackbuck with Cheetah
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An Indian Hackaree Drawn by
Guzerat Oxen -
Spear-man in the Service of the Ragobah
