Question

Imagine you are a reader of the Illustrated London News in England. How will you react to the images depicted in the following figures? What image of the Santhals would these pictures create in your mind?

Answer 1

1. The pictures would make me think that the Santhals were brave and determined people who were ready to fight against British forces.
2. They show the Santhals taking part in a serious and violent rebellion against colonial rule.
3. The pictures of fighting and burning villages would create an image of conflict, destruction and disorder.
4. As a reader in England, I might see the Santhals as rebels who were challenging British authority.
5. At the same time, the burning of their villages would also make me realise that the Santhals faced harsh action from the British forces.
6. The pictures could therefore create two different impressions: the Santhals could appear violent and dangerous from the British point of view, but they could also appear courageous and determined to resist injustice.
7. Overall, these illustrations would create an image of the Santhals as a strong and rebellious community that fought against British rule.