For years, we've been privy to reports of how the British left their mark on India and its culture. Now, a travelling exhibition presents the other view — cultural impact of Indians on Britain. Beyond the Frame: India in Britain, 1858-1950 , currently on view in Hyderabad at the British Library, till February 24, is the result of a larger Open University project.
The exhibition traces how the migration of people, exchange of goods and ideas resulted in memorable encounters on British soil both during the days of British Raj and early years of Indian Independence. The exhibition presents snapshots of the ties between the two nations in terms of personalities, trade, media, art and culture.
Through a photograph by A.F. Kersting, of the Conway Library, The Courtauld Institute of Art, London, we are told of the time when Maharaja Duleep Singh bought the Elveden Estate, Norfolk, in 1863 and had it redesigned into a maharaja's palace by architect John Norton. Another year, another historical moment: In 1887, which marked Queen Victoria's Golden Jubilee year, many Indian servants arrived at the Balmoral Castle. Among them was 24-year-old Abdul Karim, who later became her Indian Secretary. We learn how his rise and position caused controversy in British political circles through an excerpt from Mirror of British Merchandise in 1894.
Mirror of British Merchandise and Hindustani Pictorial News was an Urdu trade magazine that also featured news articles highlighting Indian connections in Britain. Britain and India, which was published in London in 1920, was forced to close down after 12 months owing to lack of funds. The prominence of Indian curries in Britain can be traced back to the life and times of eminent author Mulk Raj Anand. His cookbook, Curries , popularised curry recipes for the British housewife. In the 1940s, broadcaster Venu Chitale conducted Indian cookery classes on BBC Radio to diversify war diet.
The exhibition also mirrors the impact of India on Britain in fine arts and sports. A drawing by Jacob Epstein dated 1910-11 illustrates the impact of Indian on art in London. Sculptors Jacob Epstein and Eric Gill sought to imitate buildings at Gwalior, Konark and Khajuraho, after seeing photographs shown to them by artists and critics Ananda Coomaraswamy and William Rothenstein.
Above all, the two nations found themselves linked by cricket, which the British popularised in India. Through photographs and anecdotes drawn from Mirror of British Merchandise (1896), the exhibition attempts to capture the glory of K.S. Ranjitsinhji, who played for Sussex and studied at the Trinity College, Cambridge. He was heralded a legend in Britain and his image appeared on cigarette cards and songs were composed in his honour.
The exhibition can also be viewed online at http://www.bl.uk/ asiansinbritain.
