An instance of the
effect Coomaraswamy's writing on Indian art had on the West is to be found in the world
famous Encyclopaedia Britannica. This contains information on everything. Any one seeking
information has only to turn to the Encyclopaedia, that is the commonly held belief. But
up to the 13th edition of the Encyclopaedia Britannica, there is no mention of Indian art.
After Coomaraswamy had published several books on Indian art, the compilers of the
Encyclopaedia opened their eyes. He was invited to contribute articles. The 14th edition
contains eight articles by Ananda Coomaraswamy.
He was deeply grieved that Indians did not know their own heritage. He used to say
-that the educational system implanted by the British in Indian bred a younger generation
of Indians who were neither Eastern nor Western.
While addressing a group of young men who had gone 'Lo study in America he said,
"You must never forget- your background of Indian culture, tradition and personality.
You must act as ambassadors and wherever you are you must remain Indians."
He was himself the ambassador Indian culture to the world.