Writing the History of the Raj

poster marquis wellesley and his suite at the nabob of oudes breakfast table viewing an elephant fight 410152

The second of our collaborative displays showcasing objects form the Bodleian Library's collections opens on 25th March 2017.

Curated by Kieran Hazzard (King’s College London), Writing the History of the Raj centres on James Mill’s History of British India. Published at the moment Britain was set to conquer the last major Hindu power, it had a profound influence and went on to be taught to all who were sent to govern colonial India during the Raj. On the 200th anniversary of its publication, we explore the story behind Mill’s work, the reactions of its readers, and its role in the empire-building of the East India Company.

Bodleian-TORCH Temporary Display collaboration is designed to create more opportunities for researchers to engage with Bodleian collections and develop ideas for temporary displays in the new Weston Library’s Blackwell Hall and the Proscholium, in the Old Bodleian Library.

The display is open until 14th May, in the Old Bodleian Library.