This chapter critically analyzes the concept of ‘art history’ within the subcontinent, emphasizing how the colonial legacy has reinforced a division between ‘art’ and ‘craft’. The introduction of Western frameworks and ideas has transformed creative expressions, positioning ‘art’ as a marker of modernity and progress. The ‘civilizing’ mission of European colonizers has resulted in a shared power dynamic, where ‘art’ serves as both a source of empowerment and a mechanism of subjugation. By examining the prevailing narratives and epistemologies, this chapter aims to debunk the myth of intertextuality and reveal the marginalized voices of local knowledge systems, especially in the varied landscape of the Global South. Through a nuanced exploration of the intersections between colonialism, power, and creative expression, it aims to rethink the very notion of ‘art history’ and its implications for our understanding of cultural and artistic legacy and identity.