Diverse Voices
The Indian Army at Hampton Court Palace: Exploring a Hidden History and Centring the South Asian Voice
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Jatinder Kailey, Rav Singh, Zakira Begum
In 2021 Historic Royal Palaces (HRP) uncovered new stories about Indian Army encampments at Hampton Court Palace. HRP approached a Little History of the Sikhs to advise on silhouettes of Indian soldiers and a graphic panel to accompany a remembrance installation. The installation inspired international media coverage and interest from visitors who were both fascinated and moved by the display, many of whom knew little about the Indian Army and nothing about its links with the palace. This forgotten history is now part of a brand new, radical community-led exhibition. The exhibition centres the South Asian voice, exhibition text was co-written by the HRP team and community curators. Community object lenders wrote labels, and five descendants of Indian soldiers were interviewed for a nine-minute exhibition film and portrait photographs. Soldiers’ letters were recorded and read aloud by participants in their original languages. The Indian Army at the Palace stands out for the remarkable journey it represents. It's a testament to the power of nurturing relationships and embracing new possibilities. This exhibition was never in HRP’s forward plans. Instead, it has evolved organically through years of fostering community collaboration, and the combined HRP/community team realising there was so much more to be done with the story. What was meant to be a 1-room, 6-month exhibition turned into a 2-room, year-long exhibition with blog posts, 2 podcast episodes, social media films, a new permanent panel in the gardens and hosting Project Dastaan’s Child of Empire virtual reality experience.
Featured Liberation War Museum: A Paradigm of Inclusivity and Community Engagement
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Sofia Nazneen
The Liberation War Museum (LWM) in Dhaka, Bangladesh, stands as a beacon of social inclusiveness and community engagement. Established in 1996, it is nationally and internationally recognized as the premier institution on the history of Bangladesh’s independence. The museum, through its displays and diverse programs, links the history of the Liberation War with contemporary problems. LWM's multifaceted approach includes physical and virtual outreach programs, festivals, memorial sites, and collaborations with communities nationwide. The museum's bilingual, fully accessible thematic galleries vividly narrate Bangladesh's history and the 1971 struggle for independence. For Dhaka students of all ages, LWM has special activities. For students in 64 districts of Bangladesh, two mobile museums bring programs and mini displays to educational institutions nationwide, who may not be able to visit the physical museum, establishing a connection with people in remote areas. As one example of these activities, students are encouraged to gather eyewitness accounts of the war; to date, over 56,000 interviews have been collected. LWM's aggressive transition to virtual platforms during the COVID-19 pandemic underscores its adaptability and outreach to diverse audiences. With an unwavering commitment to research, documentation, education, and community engagement, LWM exemplifies an inclusive museum. It serves as a custodian of memory, actively contributing to global discussions on genocide, justice, and sustainable development. As it strides confidently into the future, LWM will continue to bridge historical narratives with current issues, fostering a society of peace, harmony, and global understanding.
