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What are some of the ways in which we can re-examine received history? Among different options, one worth exploring is that of making historiography more 'visible'. A first step would be to render the centuries-old stones of historical buildings less inaccessible by transforming them into 3D models that can be digitally handled by users. In making 'visible' a monumental building like Government House (GH) Calcutta, the official residence of the highest representative of the East India Co., and later of the British monarch, we need to take a further, transculturally informed step. Certain objects, like the 'throne' captured from a major enemy of the East India Co., has, besides its intriguing appearance, a whole story to tell about the various uses it was put to. The grand stairs of the building, to name another case, was reserved for the ceremonial use of the Governor General or Viceroy alone – until Viceroy Curzon's wife decided, nearly a century later, to finally break this rule.
In either supporting or challenging the tale of British supremacy over the Indian sub-continent, these kinds of artefacts carry a wealth of information about the 'invention of tradition' that accompanied colonial rule. We will be seeking out archival information concerning the most important artefacts in order to draw attention to the contribution they, as petit narratives, have made so that the grand narrative of Britain's hegemonic rule could be told.
TEXTS:
Letters and other autobiographical material (out of copyright) referring to life in Government House will be made available. |
