Indian History at V&A Museum – Maharaja Show
Talks, Seminars and Symposiums Examine Royal Courts of India
Nov 8, 2009
The V&A’s exhibition Maharaja – the Splendour of the Royal Courts of India is proving to be extremely popular. To accompany the show the V&A is hosting a wide range of public events including lunchtime talks, seminars, short courses and symposiums.
Seminars and Talks at the V&A
Indian Miniature Painting – Materials and Techniques
This seminar, lead by V&A conservators, will examine in detail the art of Indian miniatures from the collections of the V&A. A number of questions will be addressed, such as:
- What materials were they made from?
- How were they painted?
- How do conservators glean information from the miniatures?
A selection of miniatures, which are being prepared for future exhibitions, will be on view in the V&A’s Paper Conservation Department.
This event is intended for the general public, artists, students and enthusiasts of Indian art and culture.
- Wednesday 11th November 2009, Seminar Room 2, Sackler Centre, 14.00-16.30. Pre-booking essential. Price: £25, concessions £20.
Mahmood Jamal Talks About Maharanis & Matriarchs
Mahmood Jamal is a poet and author from Lucknow. Jamal will outline the lives of three generations of Indian princesses. The poet will show how these privileged maharanis influenced the Indian Empire, and paved the way for modern Indian women and the freedoms they enjoy today.
- Sunday 15th November 2009, Hochhauser Auditorium, Sackler Centre, 14.00-15.00. Free drop-in event – pre-booking is not required.
Maharaja Representation and Reality
A one-day symposium will explore different aspects of Indian culture, art and architecture, textiles and dress. Speakers will include leading experts such as Barbara Ramusack, Rosemary Crill, Susan Stronge. Also speaking will be Karni Singh Jasol with HH Maharaj Kumar Lakshyaraj Singh Mewar and HH Rajkumari Padmaja Kumari Mewar.
Discussions will cover the role of India’s kings, their impact on Indian history, their role as patrons on both a local and global level and their place in present-day India.
- Saturday 21st November 2009, Hochhauser Auditorium, 10.30-17.30. Pre-booking essential. Price: £45, concessions £36, students £5.
The Nihang Singhs of Punjab – A King in Every Saddle
Photographer Nick Fleming will lead a lunchtime talk using his own photographs. He will examine life in 18th-century Punjab as a Nihang Singh, a nomadic Sikh warrior. The Nihangs were a prestigious Sikh order, much respected by Sikhs because of their important role in Sikh history.
- Wednesday 2nd December 2009, Hochhauser Auditorium, Sackler Centre, 13.15-14.00. Free drop-in event – pre-booking is not required.
Udaipur Palaces and Temples
This seminar will explore Udaipur in India, one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Often called the “Venice of the East” the city is famous for its wonderful 17th- and 18th-century waterfront temples and palaces, many of which served as the homes of Indian royal families. Udaipur also has a fascinating old town located in the Aravalli Mountains.
- Saturday 5th December 2009. Seminar Room 1, Sackler Centre, 14.00-17.30. Pre-booking essential. Price: £25, concessions £20.
The show Maharaja – the Splendour of India’s Royal Courts – will be on view until 17th January 2010. Further details of all events can be obtained from the V&A Museum.
The exhibition catalogue Maharaja – the Splendour of India's Royal Courts is a good read and provides a detailed background to life in the Royal Courts of India.
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