Exhibition to showcase preserved photographs of 1857 revolt

Exhibition “First spark of independence war : 1857” will be held under joint aegis of Directorate of Archaeology, Archives and Museums, Madhya Pradesh and Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata at State Museum from April 16 to 21. At the exhibition, photographs of freedom movement preserved at Victoria Memorial Hall will be displayed. The exhibition will be inaugurated by Culture Minister laxmikant Sharma on April 16 at 5 pm.

The exhibition will provide glimpses of the first independence war waged in 1857 by Indian sepoys against mighty British Government in support of farmers, craftspersons and feudal lords in year 1857. Their march from Bengal to Delhi via Bihar, Kanpur, Jhansi, lucknow, Gwalior and Meerut is documented. Painters and officers of the British army had compiled records of entire event through drawings, water colours and paintings especially, Robert Havell Jr., James Fraser, T.J. Barker, G.F. Atkinson, lt. C.H, MacHam and D.S. Green.

Remarkable pictures to be shown at the exhibition include sepoys waging war, infamous Enfield Rife, leader of revolt (Rani laxmi Bai, Nana Saheb), last Avadh ruler Wajid Ali Shah, scenes of various places from Bengal to Delhi, siege of lucknow painted by lt. C.H, MacHam, retired sepoys having participated in war entering Durbar and Rani laxmi Bai commanding her troops in battle against the British forces. letters from Tatya Tope, Babu Kunwar Singh and Brig. General Wilson to Hudson will also be seen. Several currency notes issued by Bank of Bengal in 1857 will also be displayed The exhibition at State Museum will remain open to general public from 12 noon to 7 pm except Monday and public holidays.

As part of international exhibition exchange programme of the Union Government, Victoria Memorial Hall, Kolkata is holding pictorial exhibition for first time at State Museum, Shyamla Hills, Bhopal.