A weeklong exhibition titled ‘Fear and Vengeance in 1857’ revived the memories of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, a major uprising in India between 1857–58 against the rule of the British East India Company, which functioned as a sovereign power on behalf of the British Crown.
The exhibition that concluded on Saturday at the historic Anarkali’s Tomb in the Punjab Secretariat attracted a good number of students, researchers, dignitaries and people from different walks of life.
The exhibition was organised by the Punjab Archives Digitisation Project of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB), Archives and Libraries Department together with the Information Technology University (ITU).
The exhibition showcased selections from the Mutiny Records housed at the Punjab Archives.
The exhibition also highlighted the use of the telegraph, first introduced in the Punjab just months before the summer events of 1857.
‘We chose the note on press censorship precisely because it highlighted the continuing theme of press control today,” said Abraham Murad during the curatorial walkthrough. The telegrams further show British planning and coordinated military attacks, which finally overwhelmed the rebellion, and brought about its end.
The exhibition–the first of a three-part show–highlighted the human element during the events of 1857.
While explaining the selections, curator Sadaf Chugtai said, “We know about the battles, who won and who lost. But what about the people, their feelings of fears, concern and ultimately revenge?” The exhibition revolved around eight steel engravings, which have been enhanced in size and hung around the tomb.
Speaking on the occasion, PITB Chairman Dr Umar Saif said that the exhibition had benefited archive lovers, historians, academia and students. It had revived the pages of history, which would remain preserved for centuries to come through their digitalization.
The exhibition was opened by Punjab Additional Chief Secretary Omer Rasool and Archives Secretary Tahir Yousaf.
Several dignitaries including Professor Salima Hashmi, Professor Naazish Ataullah, FC College Rector Dr James Tebbe, Prof Sajjad Kausar, Farida Shaheed, Qudsia Rahim, Tahir Jahangir, Professor Iram Zia Raja, Dr Shabnam Khan and others visited the exhibition.
Published in Daily Times, June 11th 2018.