Question

Before you read further, have a good look at the painting on the first page of this chapter. It was specially ordered for the London headquarters of the East India Company and is over three metres long. Observe every aspect of it the people in it, the objects, the symbols and the attitudes. Form groups of four or five students and let each group present its conclusions as regards the messages the painting conveys.

(You will find our answers a few pages down when we return to the painting, but avoid looking at them right now!)

Answer 1

1. Britain as Powerful and Supreme: At the top of the painting, Britannia, shown as a goddess-like woman, represents Britain. Her calm and confident appearance suggests Britain’s strength and authority.
2. India as a Source of Wealth: India is portrayed as a rich land. Indian figures are shown bowing and presenting pearls, jewels, cotton, and other valuable goods to the British, showing India as a supplier of wealth.
3. China’s Contribution: A Chinese figure is shown offering a valuable jar, suggesting that China also provided goods and wealth through trade.
4. Animals and Trade: The painting includes exotic animals from India. A man wearing a winged helmet, a symbol of trade and travel, represents Britain’s growing commercial power around the world.
5. Naval Strength of the East India Company: A strong figure holding a trident represents the sea and naval power. This shows the importance of British control over the seas and major trade routes.
6. ‘Old Father Thames’: The figure at the bottom left represents the River Thames and London. It suggests that the wealth and goods coming from India and China ultimately reached Britain.