Ep 5. Knowing the Country: British Orientalism

In season 1 episode 5 of A History of British India, titled "Knowing the Country: British Orientalism," viewers are taken on a journey exploring the British fascination with India and how this affected the ways in which the country was perceived, understood and governed.

British Orientalism refers to the way in which India was romanticized and exoticized by the British, often to justify their colonization and imperialism. The episode delves into the works of artists, writers and scholars who played a significant role in shaping this image of India. It also sheds light on the impact this perception had on the relations between the British and the Indian population.

The episode starts by introducing the concept of Orientalism and how it was used to represent India in British art and literature. It explores the ways in which the people and landscapes of India were romanticized. This image was created and promoted by artists such as Thomas Daniell and his nephew William Daniell, who gained fame for their paintings depicting Indian landscapes. One of the most notable was the "Oriental Scenery," a collection of engravings that captured the beauty and exoticism of India.

The episode further analyzes the work of William Jones, an English philologist who played a significant role in the emergence of Indology. Jones was known for his scholarship on Indian languages and literature, and his work helped to uncover the rich cultural heritage of India. Despite his genuine interest in Indian culture, Jones' works also revealed the inherent assumptions and prejudices that were deeply ingrained in British Orientalism.

The episode also explores the lives of people who were directly impacted by British Orientalism, such as Rani Lakshmibai, the queen of Jhansi who played a key role in the Indian Rebellion of 1857. Lakshmibai is remembered as a symbol of resistance against the British, but also as an embodiment of the "exotic" and "fascinating" images of India that permeated British society.

Finally, the episode ends by examining the impact of British Orientalism on India's colonization. It explores how the romanticized image of India was used to justify British control over the country and how this perception affected the relationships between the British colonizers and the Indian population.

In conclusion, "Knowing the Country: British Orientalism" is a comprehensive exploration of the ways in which India was represented and perceived by the British during the colonial era. By examining the works of artists, scholars and writers, the episode reveals the deep-rooted prejudices and assumptions that pervaded British Orientalism and the impact this had on the relations between the British and Indian population.